What is Acne?

Almost everyone in their lifetime has had issues with acne of some type. With a lot of contradicting and confusing information on this skin concern, it is no wonder some people can feel helpless, and unsure on the best way to treat it. To find out what you should be doing we need to first determine the type of acne you are experiencing. There are various forms and categorisations of acne, but how do you figure out what type you have, and what could be causing it? It is important to understand the types of acne first, so that the correct treatment plan can be recommended for you. 

Types of Acne

• Open comedones or blackheads form from a buildup of excess oil and dead skin. Unlike closed comedones, oxygen can penetrate these causing them to turn black, which is where the name ‘blackheads’ comes from. These are small black bumps that form superficially on the face and body. 

• Closed comedones or whiteheads form from a buildup of dead skin, oil and dirt that is trapped under a layer of keratin which oxygen cannot penetrate so they remain white. These are small hard bumps that form superficially on the face and body.

• Pustules form from a buildup of bacteria, excess oil and dead skin that becomes trapped in the follicle. These are small yellow/white bumps that have fluid/pus in them, they form slightly deeper in the skin and can develop on the face and body.

• Papules form from the buildup of dead skin and excess oil causing an inflamed and red lump. These don’t have fluid/puss and are normally red or purple in colour, they form slightly deeper within the skin and can develop on the face and body. They are often labelled as ‘blind pimples’.

• Cysts form from the buildup of dead skin, excess oil and bacteria. This causes a painful, inflamed, red lump to form. They will have thick fluid/puss that sits deep within the follicle which can cause scarring, these can develop on the face and body.

• Nodules form very deep within the follicle from bacteria, excess oil and dead skin. These are very painful, inflamed lumps that can cause scarring if not treated correctly. These can develop on the face and body but need to be treated by a dermatologist.

This image provides a visual representation of the 6 types.

What Causes Acne?

Below is a list of the common causes of acne:

• Hormones

• Excess sebum or unhealthy sebum production

• Bacteria which leads to infection

• Medications like androgens, corticosteroids, or lithium can make acne worse.

• Diet: dairy, sweets, rice, bread, potatoes, and pasta.

• Genes

• Stress and anxiety

• Change in hormones during puberty and pregnancy
• Poor skincare choices

 To find out which are the main contributors to your breakout, we recommend visiting the salon for a thorough Skin Consultation with one of our experienced Skin Specialists. Skin Consultations are vital to the successful treatment of your skin and allow the therapist to discuss your medical history and lifestyle influences to determine the best course of action. Your therapist will also discuss the cause in greater detail so that you can understand how your acne formulation is being influenced and what you can do to reduce it. 

Treatment Recommendations

Depending on the type of acne we will personalise a treatment plan for you and an at-home skincare plan to reduce spots and clear the skin.

LED light therapy

LED light therapy is an advanced skin treatment that will calm and reduce acne within the skin. Blue light is antiseptic which means it will reduce acne-causing bacteria and is used in conjunction with red light to accelerate wound healing and reduce any inflammation caused by acne.

Anti-Acne Professional Peel

Anti-acne peel is personalised by the type of acne you are experiencing, depending on where the acne is sitting within the skin these peels will work to remove excess oil, dead skin buildup and acne causing bacteria in combination with a calming, anti-inflammatory mask that will reduce the chances of scarring.

Acnelan

Acnelan is designed for severe cystic acne to intense breakouts. The skin is deeply cleaned, and pores cleared with a multi-factor mask. This mask contains a unique blend of active ingredients which work to remove excess oil, bacteria, gently exfoliate and reduce inflammation. 3 treatments are required to obtain optimum results.

Skin Needling

Skin needling creates small micro-channels promoting the production of collagen and elastin to assist with acne scarring and enlarged pores. This treatment is for clients who have resolved acne and want to treat scarring focus on a clear, bright complexion. 

Carbon Laser

Carbon laser is an advanced, painless, non-invasive treatment that targets blemishes, open and closed comedones in acneic skin as well as offering intense skin rejuvenation that refines pore size and gives the appearance of porcelain skin.

Product Recommendations

Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser

Corrective Cleanser & Peel

3 in 1 Fruit Peel Mask

Potent Retinol Serum

B3 Plus

Vitamin C & Hemp Seed Oil

EFA’s Complex

Rebalancing Cream

If you are struggling daily with acne, allow us to help! You don't need to live with sore, inflammed and irritated skin. Book in for a complimentary Skin Consultation where we can assess your skin and determine the best course of action to reveal a clear, fresh, rejuvenated complexion and improve your overall skin health. Find your nearest Salon location here.