Most of us have experienced embarrassing acne at one point or another. While it is often more common during puberty, people of all ages can have flare ups. But do you know exactly what acne is and what causes it? You may be surprised to find out some of the details. And what about that expensive acne treatment your dermatologist claimed would work? There are a number of reasons why particular acne treatments don’t work for certain people. Let’s take a look at the answers to some of these questions by starting at the beginning.

What Causes Acne? 

Most people are under the false impression that acne is caused by dirty skin; in fact, it is actually the result of overactive oil glands in the skin. This excessive production of oil results in an accumulation of oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells, which can lead to inflammation of the pores. Because oil glands become more active during puberty, teenagers often face increased vulnerability to acne. Those with a family history of acne are also more likely to have an outbreak during puberty or later in life. 

While acne is not a serious health threat, it is undesirable nonetheless. People suffering from serious cases of acne can experience significant emotional distress and permanent scarring. While rarer, some cases of acne are linked to certain drugs, including androgens and lithium. Greasy cosmetics are also a leading cause of acne, as they can alter cell composition, causing them to stick together. Some factors that can create an acne flare up include: 

·         A change in the hormone levels of young girls and adult women a few days before the start of a menstrual period

·         Environmental irritants, like pollution and humidity

·         Excessive squeezing and picking of blemishes and pimples

·         Stress and anxiety

·         Oil from skin products or grease

·         Direct contact with sporting equipment, uniforms, tight collars, or backpacks 

Why Are Some Treatments Ineffective? 

For those suffering from acne, there is frustration over the lack of effective treatment options available. There are a number of reasons why a treatment option may not work for you, and you will need to find out which of these factors is applicable. 

·         Antibiotic Resistance. It’s possible that your acne treatment doesn’t work because you have developed antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance means your body has adjusted to medication over time and no longer reacts to its bacteria-killing capabilities. If this is the case, you need to find new medication, or additional medication to supplement your current treatment.

·         Skin Type. Did you know everyone has a different skin type? Because of these differences, we each have unique reactions to medication. What works for one person may not work for you, and vice versa. The best acne treatment is often a trial and error system.

·         Wrong Form. Most people are aware of the various acne creams and cleaners on the market, but did you know there are also oral medication treatments? Many people who don’t respond to topical treatments will find they need oral medication. 

Tips for Prevention 

While there is no one-size-fits-all way to prevent acne, there are a number of helpful tips and tricks to reduce the number and severity of acne breakouts: 

·         Washing your skin is the number one way to prevent acne. Because acne is the result of clogged pores, you must remove excess oil and dead skin cells to prevent additional pimples. Be careful not to wash too much, though. Too much washing can dry out your skin and irritate existing acne.

·         If you live an active lifestyle or work around grease and oil, you need to wash your skin throughout the day. This includes athletes who sweat a lot and people who work around greasy food and engine fluids.

·         One simple way to reduce the likelihood of acne is to do away with greasy hair sprays, gels, and cosmetics. Many of these products are oil-based and can make your acne worse.

·         A fourth tip is to avoid messing with existing acne. While you may feel the urge to pick at it, this only makes things worse. Additionally, if you have acne on your shoulders, chest, or back, avoid wearing tight clothing, as this may irritate your skin. 

Acne Treatment Products 

At Flawless Beauty & Skin, we carry a number of soaps, cleansers, creams, toners, peels, and kits for acne treatment. We understand that acne is often a painful and depressing experience and want to help you combat its negative side effects. With a proper understanding of how acne starts and its various treatment options, we stock products for every type of skin. Here are a few of our best-selling products: 

·        Authentic Relumins Glycolic Max Soap AHA-Mild Peel w/ Aloe - Professional Spa Formula. With ingredients naturally derived from fruit acid in sugar cane, this soap encourages gentle peeling of the skin’s surface layer. The result is a new, smooth layer of refreshed skin cells. Continued use can help prevent comedonal acne and reduce future acne pimples. Some of the ingredients include virgin coconut oil, olive oil, aloe, and glycolic acid.

·       Authentic Relumins Medicated Professional Acne Clear Set with Acne Fighting Botanicals. In addition to individual products, we also offer a number of complete acne treatment sets. This set includes a soap, foaming wash, solution/toner, and clear serum. Each product compliments the others and works to fight acne where it starts. Made with salicylic acid, these products exfoliate the skin, reduce sebum and clogged pores, and soothe irritated skin. 

If you are interested in purchasing an acne treatment product, please visit our website and take a look around. If you have previously tried one of our products and found it to be effective, we would love to hear about it! Submit some before and after pictures so we can share your success story with our customers.