Acne is a genetically-inherited disease, which is the result of several factors occurring in the skin. Aside from excess oil secreted by the sebaceous glands, there is a proliferation of cells that clog the pores, trapping oil in the follicle. Bacteria inhabit the follicle and digest the oils, generating waste products which then cause the irritation to the skin. Oilier skin conditions tend to experience more acne breakouts because they provide more food for the bacteria.
Acne treatment for results:
Excellent skin care and hygiene are vitally important to remove the excess oils and bacteria that are associated with acne. Dermalogica products are non-comedogenic and completely water-soluble, making them ideal for breakout-prone skin.
Always follow a strict regimen of thorough cleansing. Start your Dermalogica Double Cleanse with Dermalogica's Precleanse, followed by Dermal Clay Cleanser. Spritz with Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner, and apply your Dermalogica prescibed oil-free moisturiser, Active Moist, Oil Control Lotion. Exfoliate twice a week, and use Daily Microfoliant every day, to help the skin rid itself of congestion-causing debris. Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel helps regulate sebum production, remove follicle-clogging debris and kill acne bacteria. For an existing breakout, Benzoyl Peroxide provides unsurpassed clearing while a calming mask reduces irritation.
Using Dermalogica MediBac clearing at home:
Lather Clearing Skin Wash in wet hands and massage over face and throat, avoiding eye area. Rinse with warm water. Apply Dermalogica Clearing Mattifier to areas prone to oiliness, such as the T-zone. Apply Dermalogica Oil Control Lotion to areas where Dermalogica Clearing Mattifier was not applied. At night after cleansing, apply Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel to areas of congestion. Spot treat breakouts during the day with Dermalogica Concealing Spot Treatment. Two to three times a week, apply Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Masque after cleansing. Use over entire face and throat or exclusively in the T-zone. Avoid eye area.
How should I change my regimen if I am taking prescription acne medication?
If, after a month of following your recommended regimen your complexion does not clear, it may be time to involve a dermatologist.
Depending on what you were prescribed, you'll have to make some adjustments to your at-home regimen, to help your skin adjust to the new medication. For example, you may opt for a more gentle cleanser, such as Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel or The Clean Bar. Users of Retin-A, Adapalene and Accutane should not use any exfoliating products, or undergo waxing on the treated areas. All users of prescription exfoliating products, as well as of antibiotics, should avoid sun exposure as much as possible, and apply a Dermalogica Solar Defense product with a minimum SPF15 daily.
Why do some people breakout in their thirties and forties?
Stress and hormonal changes are the primary cause of the re-emergence of acne well after puberty. Recent studies indicate that 40 to 50 percent of adults between the ages of 20 and 40 are diagnosed with persistent, low-grade acne. Along with several lifestyle changes, including reducing stress and improving diet, there are several products on the market designed to address these problems.
The Dermalogica mediBac clearing range effective for treating adult acne.
Most products and treatments for acne are designed for teenage skin, making them too harsh and irritating for adult acne sufferers. The aggressive acne treatments created for teenage skin (which is more resilient) can cause adverse reactions on older skin, including flaking, peeling, excessive dryness and even additional breakouts.
Even skin in its 20s and 30s can be drier and more sensitized than teenage skin, can take longer to recover and can suffer extensive hyperpigmentation from past breakouts.
The MediBac clearing system works to treat, clear and prevent adult acne while addressing the needs of adult skin. The MediBac clearing system controls acne without compromising skin’s integrity, which means skin is clearer and healthier.
What is the difference between Acne Vulgaris and “Acne” Rosacea?
Acne vulgaris a more common form of acne and is caused by clogging and inflammation of the skin's hair follicles. Rosacea, on the other hand, is not actually a form of acne at all, even though it looks that way in its early stages. Rosacea is an inherited vascular disorder in which the blood vessels of the face become swollen after repeated exposure to certain triggers such as extreme temperatures, alcohol, spicy food, etc. While it starts as a simple blushing, it advances into bumps on the face that look like an acne breakout.
Like common acne, Rosacea is treatable… but not by the same regimen! Skin prone to Rosacea must be treated gently to avoid triggering redness and inflammation, and may also require a dermatologist’s prescription for special medication to control the symptoms.
