Q&A Acne: your questions answered!
Acne is one of those conditions that most of us experience, so it’s no wonder why it’s one of the most Googled beauty concern. Yet, no one really wants to talk about. It can be embarrassing, and uncomfortable, and make you feel like there isn't anything you can do or nothing that works. But don’t worry – we are here to answer your most pressing acne-related questions and help you choose the best over-the-counter treatments, natural remedies, or at-home beauty tools.
What is Acne?
Acne is a skin condition that can cause blemishes such as pustules, nodules, papules and cysts. These blemishes are often accompanied by oily skin and blackheads. Acne can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on the severity of your breakouts.
What Causes Acne?
Acne is caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, hormones, stress and poor lifestyle habits such as smoking or an unhealthy diet.
Can Acne be genetic?
Genetics play a huge role in acne development – if your parents had it, you’re more likely to get it too. However, hormonal changes during puberty can also cause breakouts.
Can Acne be caused by stress?
Stress doesn’t directly cause acne, but it can indirectly trigger it: stress triggers the increased production of the hormone cortisol, which can lead to breakouts. First and foremost, it’s important to understand what causes breakouts in the first place. Acne is caused by a combination of factors including hormones, genetics, stress, poor diet and lifestyle habits. Knowing what triggers your breakouts can help you target the root of the problem and create a plan to address it.
How can I Prevent Acne?
Here are a few tips to help you prevent and reduce breakouts:
• Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser: Cleansing your skin helps to remove dirt, oil and makeup that can clog pores and cause breakouts. Use a gentle cleanser specifically designed for acne-prone skin
• Exfoliate regularly: Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. If you have active acne breakouts, look for a salicylic acid exfoliator rather than a scrub to avoid spreading bacteria and causing inflammation
• Avoid touching your face: Touching your face can spread bacteria, which can cause breakouts
• Moisturise: Moisturising helps to keep the skin hydrated and prevent clogged pores. Choose an oil-free moisturiser specifically designed for acne-prone skin
• Avoid picking at your skin: Picking can irritate the skin, cause inflammation and lead to scarring
• Eat a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps to keep your skin healthy. Avoid processed foods, sugar and dairy as much as possible
• Keep stress levels under control: Try to manage your stress levels as much as you can. Try yoga, meditation, breathing or other relaxation techniques to help keep your stress levels in check
• Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can lead to increased cortisol production, which can trigger acne breakouts. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
• Use the right products: Using products specifically designed for acne-prone skin can help to prevent breakouts. Look for products that contain ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
How Does the Environment Effect Breakouts and Acne?
The environment can have a huge impact on acne. Sunlight, pollution and even the weather can all cause breakouts or make existing ones worse.
Sunlight: The sun can be both helpful and harmful for acne – too much exposure can make existing breakouts worse, but some sunlight can help to reduce inflammation and speed up healing. It’s best to limit your time in the sun, especially during peak hours (10am-4pm). Wear a non-comedogenic sunscreen when outdoors to help protect your skin.
Pollution: Pollutants in the air such as car exhaust, cigarette smoke and other airborne particles can clog pores and make breakouts worse. Washing your face twice daily and using a cleanser designed for acne-prone skin can help to remove pollutants from the skin.
Weather: Extreme temperatures, humidity and wind can all cause breakouts. Try to keep your skin covered when outdoors in cold temperatures or windy conditions. For hot, humid days, use an oil-free moisturizer designed for acne-prone skin to help keep your skin hydrated while avoiding clogged pores.
How can Beauty Tools help With Acne Treatment?
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in acne treatment. Beauty tools such as LED lights, sonic vibrations and microdermabrasion are now available for at-home use. These tools help to reduce inflammation, clear clogged pores and treat existing breakouts.
LED Light Therapy: LED light therapy is a type of acne treatment that uses different wavelengths of light to reduce bacteria on the skin, as well as inflammation and redness associated with breakouts. At-home LED light treatments come in the form of masks and devices that can be used as part of your regular skincare routine.
Sonic Vibrations: Sonic vibrations are becoming increasingly popular for at-home acne treatment. These devices use gentle sonic vibrations to help unclog pores, reduce inflammation and treat existing breakouts.
Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a type of deep exfoliation that can help to reduce breakouts and improve the overall appearance of the skin. At-home microdermabrasion devices use tiny crystals to gently remove dead skin cells, unclog pores and even out skin tone.
Need help with acne or breakouts? Here are a few of our skincare experts' highly recommended products for getting acne under control and keeping it that way!
The PMD Clean Pro Silver Facial Cleansing Device
This is an incredible tool for reducing breakouts and improving the overall appearance of the skin. It features silver ion technology which helps to reduce bacteria, dirt and oil on the skin, as well as reduce inflammation and redness associated with acne. The PMD Clean Pro also features a gentle sonic vibration to help clear pores and gently buff away dead skin cells.
In addition to helping improve acne, this cleansing device can also help reduce signs of ageing by promoting cellular turnover, which helps to reveal brighter, healthier skin. If you’re looking for an easy and effective way to tackle your acne, the PMD Clean Pro is a great choice!
PMD Personal Microderm
The PMD Personal Microdererm device is another great tool for tackling acne. This device works by exfoliating the skin and removing dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause breakouts. It also helps to reduce pore size, improve uneven texture, reduce discolouration and even out skin tone. The PMD Personal Microderm is easy to use and produces fantastic results! If you're suffering from acne scars from previous breakouts, microdermabrasion is the perfect solution for fading these scars.
MZ Skin LED 2.0 Lightmax Supercharged LED Mask
Finally, the MZ Skin LED 2.0 Lightmax Supercharged LED Mask is a revolutionary new device that can help to reduce acne and improve overall skin health. This mask uses LED light technology to target blemishes and breakouts, helping to reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne. The light also helps to stimulate collagen production for smoother, firmer skin. The mask also has a supercharged setting which helps to speed up the healing process and reduce breakouts even more quickly. If you’re looking for an effective way to reduce acne in the comfort of your own home, this is a great choice!
In Conclusion
In conclusion, managing and treating acne requires a comprehensive approach that includes maintaining a consistent skincare routine, identifying triggers, seeking professional advice when necessary, practicing good lifestyle habits, and being patient and consistent. While there is no universal solution for acne, understanding these key factors can help you effectively manage the condition and improve the health and appearance of your skin. Remember to consult with a dermatologist for personalized recommendations and to find a treatment plan that works best for you. With the right knowledge and commitment, you can regain control over your skin and achieve a clearer, healthier complexion.
