ACNE SPOTLIGHT

ACNE ESSENTIALS - THE THINGS YOU CAN DO AT HOME!

By Ultimate Skin and Body Clinic

For those that suffer from Teenage Acne or Adult Acne, it really can feel like the end of the world when you wake up with an outbreak again!

It is not uncommon for normally bubbly children and teens to become withdrawn, emotional, and lack their usual spark when they are suffering breakouts, and we all know how mean other children can be in the playground. 

Our clinic was founded originally as an acne clinic, and we have many, many years of treating acne - with and without medications too. Now, we can treat 90% of all acne - including cystic without harmful medication or peroxide based formulas. 

Acne sufferers have a much higher risk of developing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and even suicidal thoughts. Scary right? 

Studies have shown that early acne intervention is key. The longer the acne lasts, the greater the likelihood it will have an effect on mental health. 

In our opinion, having a treatment plan in place is critical to support you or your loved one through what is proven to be a very difficult time in their life. 

We offer a 60-Day fast start program to get your acne under control and have multiple modalities to treat all acne types and acne scarring too. 

DRY SKIN ACNE v OILY SKIN ACNE

Most people associate acne with oily skins but dry skins can suffer from acne too. In oily skin, it is usually an over production of sebum (oil) that blocks the pore but for dry skin sufferers the blockage is often their own dead skin cells. When pores are blcoked, the oil sitting in the pore oxidises and turns black creating a blackhead.

Whatever the cause of your acne, removing the blockage is of paramount importance as a blocked pore will become infected and the infection may spread.

ACNE SKINCARE 

As a starting point, here are some basic home care tips to manage acne. This is always a great starting point, but it is important to use the right products and follow the extra tips on avoiding cross-infection.

1. ​CLEANSE BUT DON'T STRIP!

Make sure you cleanse morning and night to remove excess oils and the build-up of dead skin cells from your skin.

For dry skin we recommend ISSADA Gentle Daily Cleanser to remove makeup and grime 

For oily skin we recommend ISSADA Salicylic Cleanser which will help to reduce oil flow and penetrate into the pores to help to clear blockages.

2. SCRUB

Use a facial scrub with both chemical and mechanical exfoliants to help clear away excess debris in the pores. Were recommend the ISSADA CLINICAL FORMULA 12% GLYCOLIC POLISHING SCRUB. This scrub combines both chemical (glycolic acid) and physical (bamboo beads) exfoliating mediums to maximise the removal of dead skin cells, oil, and dirt from congested pores to deeply cleanse and buff the skin leaving it cleaner, clearer and brighter.

Initially start with alternate day use and build up to daily. Some very oily skins may need to scrub morning and night to help reduce the reoccurring breakouts.

*** A LITTLE TIP! ***

If your skin is feeling extra congested because you haven’t been able to get in for your regular clinic treatments, try leaving the ISSADS 14% Glycolic Scrub on your skin for 5 minutes before removing it. This will allow the glycolic acid to go to work dissolving the glue-like bonds that hold all that dead skin and oil together and give you a much deeper exfoliation. Your skin will thank you for it!

3. SPOT TREAT

Apply a spot treatment (ISSADA Breakout Control Gel) directly to active spots with a cotton tip, morning and night. You will be surprised how quickly they disappear.

4.SERUMS

Don’t forget to complete your routine with your serums such as HA (Hyaluronic Acid) for hydration (yes, even oily skin needs correct hydration) and Vitamin B to help calm and soothe. Then apply your moisturiser (we recommend CALMING PROBIOTIC MOISTURISER for acne-prone skin) and SPF!

5. MOISTURISE

Hydration is critical in all skins but there is a difference between hydration and oils. Our Issada Acne-Prone moisturiser is the perfect combination containing potent actives to fight acne and plenty hydration too.

ACNE-PROOFING YOUR ENVIRONMENT 

After all this time spent on your skin you now need to make sure your environment is clean. A good first step is resisting the urge to touch your face. Our hands pick up a multitude of bacteria with everything we touch so it stands to reason that touching our face and transferring bacteria to breakouts. 

Did you know that mobile phones are known to carry 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat? 

Think about how many times you pick up your phone during the day. Do you wash or sanitise your hands every time you touch it? No… Now think about how many times you rest your head on your hands, or touch your chin, jawline or forehead as you think… probably more than you realise right?

Another essential is changing your pillowcase every third night. The first night sleep on one side, the second night turn the pillow over to sleep on the clean side then change it for a clean slip on the third night - and repeat! this will ensure a bacteria free surface to sleep on and help to avoid cross-contamination.

Remember that your skin is in contact with your pillowcase for at least 6-8 hours every night and it easily soaks up hair products, old makeup, bacteria and dead skin that can very easily be transferred back onto your nice clean face. 

Hats (especially school hats) can also be a cause of cross infection, as the inner sweat band is a breeding ground for bacteria and must be washed regularly. If possible, use an antibacterial rinse such as Dettol rinse in your sports hat wash to ensure the bacteria is killed.

Good hygiene is paramount in reducing the transmission and spread of acne causing bacteria and will work alongside your home products and in-clinic treatments to achieve your best possible results! 

NEED MORE HELP?

All of the above will help your acne and give you the best possible chance of healthy skin and being #acnefree. However, for some people in-clinic treatments are essential. This may be because they have an extra-tricky case of acne such as Cystic acne, or because they need the support of someone who understands.

TREATMENTS FOR ACNE

There are many types of acne and so unsurprisingly we have many treatment options available. Typically, combination treatments are always the most effective. We offer the following acne treatments and also a 60-day fast start program.

• LED 
• Microdermabrasion
• Medi-Aesthetic Peels
• Photo-Facial
• Homecare & support
  
  

If you or your teenager need help with acne, call 07 5509 0081 or book online for a complimentary consultation.