Get Rid Of Acne  Ever noticed how a zit seems to pop up just when you need to look your best? Before that big presentation at work, or a date with that hottie you met at the coffee shop - you can almost count on one. Acne, zit, pimple - whatever you may call it we completely understand your urge to call and cancel your date and reschedule your presentation. But just so you don't have to take such drastic steps we have what it takes to deal with your pimple - no matter what stage it is at!. How Is A Pimple Formed:
 Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the sebaceous (oil-secreting) glands in the skin and along the hair shafts become clogged, inflamed and infected by bacteria. Each follicle, or pore, in your skin is connected with multi-lobed oil glands called sebaceous that produce an oily substance called sebum. At the same time, skin cells inside the follicle are shed gradually and both the dead cells and sebum are expelled onto the skin surface. However, when too much sebum is produced, it gets mixed with the dead skin cells and a plug is formed in the follicle. Blackheads and whiteheads form in the sebum-clogged pores. The accumulated sebum causes a build-up of bacteria and hence, these blackheads and whiteheads develop into swollen, tender papules (pimples) and pustules. Life Of A Pimple:
Stage 1
Whiteheads Or Blackheads: Whiteheads are small collections of pus around the follicles and the sebaceous glands. They usually appear on the skin surface as small, whitish bumps without an opening. Sometimes, a mixture of excess sebum and dead skin cells blocks the pore, only partially solidifying the sebum. The dried sebum and the shed skin cells reach the skin surface at the pore opening and are discolored on exposure to air, forming a blackhead.  The dark color of blackheads is not due to dirt but is caused by a pigment called melanin, in the shed skin cells.
Treatment: Start by controlling the oil / sebum with external treatments like Dessincrustation whereby excess oil is removed with the help of a machine, mud-based packs to absorb the oils, steaming to loosen the clogged pores, ozone treatments (high frequency) to kill the bacteria or control their spread. The whiteheads need to be opened with a sterilised needle / lancet before extraction. Once the blackheads and whiteheads are extracted, the skin is soothed with a soothing lotion and the pores closed with ice. The treatment is completed with a cooling pack. The medical treatment would entail taking supplements of Vitamin A, zinc and Vitamin C. Topical application of antibiotic creams like Clindamycin, Erythromycin, Metronidazole, Adapalene 1 %, Azelaic acid 10 per cent maybe prescribed depending on skin types and after consultation with the doctor. Stage 2:
Pustules And Nodules: When the hair follicle gets clogged and sebum keeps building up inside the follicle, bacteria form and multiply rapidly. They also produce an enzyme that breaks down sebum into a substance called 'free fatty acid'.  It is this substance that causes inflammation, redness and swelling around the pus-formed area of the skin. These inflamed and generally more serious acne lesions are called pustules (pus-filled yellowish bumps) and nodules (firm, red, painful lumps just under the skin).
Treatment: The above mentioned 'clean-up' treatment, while under antibiotic cover, is very important to prevent the acne from increasing. Consultation with a dermatologist is necessary to be able to decide on the right antibiotic and the topical application. Stage 3:
Cysts: If the inflammation is deep and severe, or if the spot is manipulated or squeezed, the pus can burst deep within the skin tissues rather than on the skin surface. There will be swelling and pain as the body's defence mechanism sends bacteria-fighting white cells to the area. This deep-rooted inflammation and infection result in cyst formation. Cystic acne is the most severe and stubborn of all types of acne, and carries the biggest threat of scarring.  The white blood cell antibodies that are meant to fight bacteria could destroy other skin organisms and cells, severely affecting the whole follicle. Sometimes, permanent scars remain on the skin after the acne has healed.
Treatment: Cystic acne is associated with a family history of severe acne infection. The treatment at the salon level will be clean-ups under medical supervision only after the active infection has been controlled with an antibiotic and / or hormonal treatment. In women, it is important to rule out any hormonal imbalance. The dermatologist / gynaecologist / endocrinologist will decide what medication to prescribe after certain blood tests. Stage 4:
Scars: The accumulation of bacteria in acne could trigger our body's defense mechanism. The white blood cell antibodies enter the clogged follicle and kill off the bacteria. However, during the process of destroying the bacteria, the antibodies may severely affect other skin organisms and cells.  This is how scars develop. Unsightly marks remain on your skin even after the acne is long gone. Where cystic acne and hormonal imbalance are concerned, deep-pitted scars (ice-pick scars) are left behind which can remain for several decades.
Treatment: Over-the-counter medications to lighten the scars include, creams containing 2 per cent hydroquinone, Kojic acid, Arbutin, Lactic acid, Azelaic acid, Vitamin C, etc. Salon treatments include four to five sittings of Microdermabrasion. Subscision or peels such as glycolic or any other peel as recommended by the dermatologist. If the scars are deep, dermabrasion or laser resurfacing can be done by a cosmetic surgeon to level out the skin. |
