Google “Acne blogs” and you’ll scroll for days. “Backne, Maskne” and even “Roidne” are but a couple of buzz words for the re-occurring skin condition that remains a favourite topic for articles, many of which, simply confuse.
Says Wim van Nierop of local skincare brand, Formulage, “When research reflects in the products you place in the market, a next step is simplifying acne for sufferers desperate for new direction. Let’s stop fact obfuscation and punting gimmicky products when we communicate about acne.”
Fact verses Myth:
- Myth: Eating chocolate can cause acne.
Fact: Genetics are 80% responsible. Followed by Androgens, bacteria, lifestyle factors (smoking, obesity and stress also contribute but how much Western diets do is debatable.)
- Myth: Acne is for teenagers.
Fact: 50% of female sufferers are over 20. Acne starts in the luteal menstrual cycle phase (perimenstrual acne) as androgens increase in sebaceous glands. Excess sebum and keratin in hair follicles provide a growth medium for Propionibacterium acnes.
- Myth: Oral contraception prevents acne.
Fact: No, but it helps – avoid Androgenic progestins (norgestrel and levonorgestrel) though.
- Myth: Oily skin causes acne.
Fact: Excess sebum production plays a role but it’s more about blocked hair follicles, too much keratin and dead skin cells (hyperkeratosis).
- Myth: Acne sufferers don’t need moisturiser.
Fact: Wrong, they have higher trans-epidermal water loss and lower stratum corneum hydration.
- Myth: Immunity/inflammation are not considerations in treatment.
Fact: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease. Inflammation occurs at all stages (from Defensins, Neuropeptides, Sebum components, Lipid Peroxide formation and comedogenic squalene, from peroxidation.)
- Myth: Gut health; digestion and stress-related gastro-intestinal changes are not considerations.
Fact: Acne sufferers are prone to gut flora imbalance and constipation. Gastro-intestinal changes may cause/aggravate it. Oral pro/prebiotics and topical probiotics help reduce inflammation.
- Myth: Benzoyl peroxide; topical retinoids; antibiotics and microdermabrasion are okay.
Fact: The first damages stratum corneum lipid/causes trans-epidermal water loss. The second, thins stratum corneum, increases epidermal waterloss and causes retinoid dermatitis/dryness. Antibiotics change skin flora and increase Propionibacterium acne resistance. Microdermabrasion causes trans epidermal waterloss/dehydrates stratum corneum.
Don’t use:
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Antibiotics
- Retinoids
- Hormones
Do:
- Treat subclinical inflammation.
- Restore dermal barrier.
- Restore normal flora.
- Remove excess skin.
With:
- Salicylic Acid
- Aloe & Phragmites Communis Extract
- Milk Protein
- Bulbine Gel
- Stable synthetic antioxidants
- Rosemary Extract
- Hyaluronic acid
Formulage’s Range of Acne combating products is formulated from a blend of active ingredients to help hydrate and restore the skin to its normal flora levels. Each product plays a significant part in Acne prevention and healing.
Our Acne Range consists of the following products to give clients with Acne Prone skin a complete go-to skincare range that helps with every part of the healing and restoration process.
- Acne Prevention Cleanser contains Salicylic Acid and Aloe and is 100% sulphate-free.
- Acne Prevention Day Cream SPF 30+ is formulated from carefully selected active ingredients, including Amino Acids and Vitamin B3.
- Natural Acne Prevention Night Cream with Almond oil, Hyaluronic acid, Milk Protein, and various active ingredients to help restore and replenish the skin.
- Spot Cream contains a potent blend of ingredients to eliminate acne fast and effectively.
- Micro Peel helps remove dead skin cells and promote new skin cell formation.
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