5 min read
So, you've been diligent with your skincare routine. You've been eating well and getting enough sleep. You've done everything right. But you still find yourself breaking out. We know how frustrating this is. We know what it's like to be looking for anything that can get rid of these pesky spots quickly: spot busters, masks, overnight lotions, toothpaste (yes, this happens) or worse still, picking each blemish.
Next time you find yourself in this spot, promise us you'll pause and take a moment before you reach for the nearest solution.
To target breakouts effectively, you've got to know which type you are facing. From there, you'll be able to find the best way to deal with your specific condition. Otherwise, you could worsen your skin, leaving it reddened, angry and scarred.
We made a little guide to help you through this!
Types of blemishes
Blackheads
These bumps appear mostly on the oilier parts of the skin and are caused by the clogging of sebum (oil), dead skin cells and bacteria in the pores. They appear to be black because the sebum is oxidised when left exposed to the environment.
Ingredient Solutions:
- Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil soluble and can penetrate the hard oxidised layer of sebum and help shed the trapped dead skin cells. This ingredient is found in our Complexion Clarifying Accelerator (CCA). It helps to remove the build-up of dead skin cells, even tone, texture, and reduce shine. As our product contains AHAs and BHAs, it is important to wear sunscreen while using this product and limit sun exposure and for week after beginning to use it.
- Benzoyl Peroxide helps to address bacteria trapped in the pores and release the clogged sebum.
- Niacinamide helps balance skin sebum.
- Purifying botanicals like ayurvedic neem, thyme, and black cumin help rebalance.
In-clinic Solutions
- Look into facial salon appointments and extractions for safe, gentle removal.
Whiteheads
Like blackheads, these are also clogged pores but they are closed off from the environment, making them look white as the sebum retains its original whitish colour.
Ingredient Solutions:
- Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like Glycolic, Lactic or Mandelic Acid can be used to unclog whiteheads.
- The 12.5% Enzyme Acid blend in the Complexion Clarifying Accelerator contains both AHAs and BHA to help clear pores and smoothen uneven skin texture while keeping it healthy and hydrated.
- Purifying botanicals like neem, thyme and black cumin that help rebalance the skin.
- Choose light moisturisers or oil free hydrators, prevent overloading your skin with too many lipid (butter or oil) formulations and streamline your routine.
In-clinic Solutions:
- Consider facial extractions for safe, gentle removal.
Papules
Papules are another version of blackheads and whiteheads but they are inflamed, meaning they have a reddish hue to them and are painful to touch.
Ingredient Solutions:
- Retinoids, in general, work well for blemishes by normalising cell turnover rate. Our Ursolic Acid & Retinal Overnight Reform targets and prevents papule breakouts with gentle delivery of active ingredients.
- Choose light moisturisers or oil free hydrators, prevent overloading your skin with too many lipid (butter or oil) formulations and streamline your routine.
- Pimple patches can also be a good option to help reduce bumps, pain, and redness especially for inflamed acne and help bring the bump to a head. The most common active ingredients of these patches are salicylic acid which we discussed above, an ingredient that can be used in patches, cleansers and leave on treatments.
In-clinic Solutions
- Alternatively, you can seek medical or professional help in case you are in need of antibiotics like Clindamycin, Tetracycline, and Erythromycin to help reduce overall inflammation.
Pustules
Pustules are bigger lesions of inflammation than papules and usually have a whitehead in the middle. Similarly, they are very painful and any touching will only make it worse! These are the kind of blemishes that some get due to hormonal changes during their menstrual cycles.
Ingredient Solutions:
- Use AHAs to support skin clarity unclog pores and regulate cell turnover.
- Choose light moisturisers or oil free hydrators, prevent overloading your skin with too many lipid (butter or oil) formulations and streamline your routine.
- Pimple patches can also be a good option to help reduce bumps, pain, and redness especially for inflamed acne and help bring the bump to a head. The most common active ingredients of these patches are salicylic acid which we discussed above, an ingredient that can be used in patches, cleansers and leave on treatments.
- If you feel that the pustules are spreading or forming clusters, seek medical or professional advice.
In-clinic Solutions
- Alternatively, you can seek medical and professional help in case you are in need of antibiotics like Clindamycin, Tetracycline, and Erythromycin to help reduce overall inflammation.
Nodules and cysts
These are severe blemishes and usually occur when multiple pustules aggregate at one point on the face. They can take on different shapes due to the aggregation of multiple lesions. Reaching deep into the skin, they resemble angry boils and are very painful.
In-clinic Solutions
- If your skin is not responding well to your skincare routine after several months, it is safest to seek medical advice as attempting at-home treatment can run the risk of scarring.
Please note: How blemishes appear on the skin are usually not as simple and different types of blemishes can occur at once. When treatment methods fail or cause further aggravation, it is best to stop treatment.
Feeling at ease with blemishes
Breakouts are unpredictable but natural; they can be caused by a host of factors including fluctuations in your mental/emotional states, hormonal changes, the environment or lifestyle. Above all please remember there are usually no instant fixes so try to trust the process, be consistent with your skincare regimen, keep your hands off the face and be kind to yourself and your skin as you progress in your skin journey.
Wishing you all happy healthy skin!
Disclaimer: The information provided (written and visual) is only for information purposes and it is not intended to be a medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173/
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/ss/slideshow-acne-dictionary
