So what sort of Acne do I have?

5 Signs you are suffering from Acne

To fight Acne is to know. This skincare issue isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation, there are various types of Acne. From Papules toPustules, Cysts to blackheads getting to know the type of Acne you have is all half the battle.

 

Papules

Suffering from small, raised bumps on the skin? These little red bumps are known as Papules and are often grouped together to form a rash similar in appearance to eczema, dermatitis, and allergic reactions. This type of Acne is caused when blackheads become infected by a natural bacterial flora from our skin's surface, known as P.acnes. This infection leads to red, inflamed bumps that are more painful than whiteheads or blackheads but not as bad a cysts.

 

Blackheads

Blackheads are one of the most common forms of Acne. They are little pools jammed with a mix of sebum, skin cell buildup and bacteria that rise to the skin's surface. This buildup is open and exposed which leads to the oil becoming oxidized given it its darker colour.

 

Whiteheads

These guys are very similar to blackheads but more contained. Sounding exactly like their name suggests, Whiteheads are pockets of oil buildup that sit on top of the skin but unlike blackheads, these guys are closed and white in colour.

 

Pustules

At first, you might think that whiteheads and Pustules sound similar - but don’t get it twisted! Pustules show up on your face as red spots and then gradually show a yellowish dot in the middle. If you were to draw a cartoon of a ‘zit’ you would most likely draw aPustule. They guys are inflamed with a pus-filled centre - you get the gist?

 

Cystic Pimple

There’s no hiding from these guys. You don’t even need to look in the mirror to know there is one lurking - you feel a cystic pimple developing. These bad boys are often hormonal and the infection runs deep within the skin. They occur when the pores become blocked which leads to infection and results in a painful, large bump on the skin that is slow to heal. Sad but true.

 

What is causing my Acne?

 

5 things that could be causing your Acne?

Is exercising causing me to breakout? Should I cut back on my dairy intake? Is my skin stressed because I am?  To have Acne, is to have many questions. But one most important one. What is causing your Acne? From lifestyle choices to hormonal changes here are a few things to consider.

 

Hormones

Perhaps one of the most frustrating causes of acne is hormonal changes. This cause is commonly associated with teenagers when our hormones fluctuate, however, this form of acne can affect adults of any age. It is however most common in women due to menstruation and menopause. During these hormonal shifts our skin becomes oiler and as a result, more clogged leading to breakouts.

 

Diet

As the saying goes ‘you are what you eat’ and the idea that what we are putting into our bodies can have an impact on the outside too. Dairy in particular has been linked to acne flare-ups. Dairy consumption has been said to increase levels of the hormones insulin which stimulates sebum production leading to unwanted breakouts. Alcohol and caffeine can also contribute to breakouts as they dehydrate our body leading to severely dry skin and excessive oiliness. Try eliminating your intake of dairy, alcohol, and caffeine (one at a time) from your diet for four weeks to see if they could be triggering your acne breakouts.

 

Stress - Self Isolation (Covid-19)

 In today’s current climate it is no exaggeration to say we can live in a time of unprecedented stress levels.  Changing at an unpredictable pace. Stress can manifest itself in many ways and Acne is one of them. Our body reacts to stress by elevating certain hormones sending our body into fight or flight mode. The oil glands in our skin act as receptors to this meaning increased stress means increased oil production. Which leads to acne. Not to mention stressful situations resulting in us neglecting our skincare routine and more frequently touching and picking at our skin.

 

Exercise

Regular exercise has many benefits for our overall health. From mental wellbeing and increased blood flow, a good workout of course has a place in any wellness routine. But it can sometimes come at the price of post-workout breakouts. Working up a sweat can provide the perfect environment on the skin for acne inducing yeast and bacteria to thrive.

 

 

 

 

The importance of Acne serum 

Acne serum's rich ingredient list has been divided into three treatment delivery systems for optimum cellular skin activity. 

AHA’s, minerals, vitamins, and botanicals, designed to balance and treat acne skin or skin prone to blemishes scaring.  The beauty of Acne serum is not only balances and treats it also provides essential hydration and anti-aging ingredients to deliver a complete treatment. You don’t have to have acne to use Acne serum it’s a beautiful product that can be also be used to keep cells fresh, clean,  tighten skin, and rejuvenates.

AHA's/ cellular treatment

Salicylic Acid – Dries out excess sebum (oil), opens up the pores, exfoliates, unclogs pores, and has antibacterial properties. Works well on blackheads, whiteheads and is a good preventative ingredient on future breakouts. 

 

Lactic Acid – Anti-aging acid. Improves skin tone, pigmentation, dull uneven skin tone, and softens lines. Lactic acid exfoliates to reveal bright smoother skin. Target open pores.  It suits sensitive skin as it’s a milder acid compared to glycolic acid and suits all skin types.

 

Mandelic Acid-  A type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that’s derived from bitter almonds. Its molecule size is twice as big as glycolic acid so less irritating, takes longer to penetrate the skin, and is gentle. It supercharges skin cells and hydrates skin. Studies have shown Mandelic Acid works best when combines with Salicylic Acid and is both safe and effective for the treatment of acne.

 

The plant actives/anti-inflammatory

Granactive Acne– a botanical complex Botanical plant complex, patented anti-microbial ingredient is feed into the pores whilst the AHA’s stimulate and exfoliate. Granative acne cleans up blocked pores without aggravation.

 

Kudzu Zymbiorome Fermentum/Pea flower - Powerful antioxidant promotes collagen synthesis for improved skin tone.

Solanum Lycopersicum/Tomato) Fruit Extract:   Rich in vitamin and minerals, balances skin pH to regulate sebum production.  Contains Lycopene, a powerful anti-oxidant to help prevent collagen deterioration

Anti-aging actives

Oligopeptide10:  AKA the acne melting ingredient! A short bioactive peptide consisting of fifteen naturally occurring amino acids that provide anti-microbial activity p-acne-bacterium.  Highly synergistic with salicylic acid. Studies have demonstrated that Oligopeptide-10 has broad-spectrum activity against many types of organisms, including acne bacteria. Clinical studies have shown a significant reduction in the appearance of blemishes and red, blotchy spots after using products with Oligopeptide-10.

Ferulic Acid:  Supports the other antioxidants and boosts the effectiveness of vitamin A, C and E.  Assists in fighting free radicals, improves the quality and texture of the skin.

 

 

CLINICAL REFERENCES

DermatologySurgery, March 2016

Research Gatepublication 282774826/ 2015

MY ACNE CONTROL ROUTINE

AM/Morning routine

FACE BATH:  Apply a touch of Face Bath by massaging onto skin to start removing dirt,  build-up, and excess oil.  Remove with a face towel or wash off with water. Once your face is clean add a drop of C ANTIOXIDANT GLOW, a drop of RETEXTURING SERUM all over or spot treat acne, and then apply ACNE SERUM onto acne/breakouts.   C Antioxidant protects and hydrates while working on scarring, it's an anti-inflammatory so all skin types can use it without irritation. Retexturing serum opens up the pores and all the goodness in Acne serum penetrates into the skin cells to clean out oil and impurities.  

PM/Evening routine

Repeat your AM routine but finish with Sleeping Beauty after serums.

What clients are saying about us...

“This product has transformed my skin.  please can you add to the line.” — Amal

GQ BREAKTHROUGH BRAND OF THE YEAR 2020

2019 has been an incredible year for Skin Design London: winning ‘Breakthrough Brand of the Year’ at the GQ Grooming Awards 2020; being named “Skin Saviour" one of the most famous facialists in the world” by Vogue Italia and a successful launch of Face Bath, the brands much anticipated Clean Cleanser. Looking to 2020, Skin Design London will continue to set itself apart from the skincare crowd by redefining cosmeceutical excellence and positioning itself as a brand that not only works with your individual needs but also educates you on your skin journey at the same time.