The Acne Cycle

Acne starts when keratinized skin cells within hair follicles clump together and form a plug at the follicle's opening where sebum from the sebaceous glands travels to the surface of the skin. The mixture of "stuck' cells and increased sebum feed the bacteria known as C.Acnes in the plugged follicles, causing inflammation - translation: swelling, redness and pain in the form of a pimple.

Keratinocytes adhere to follicle wall and sebum production increases > Bacteria and sebum build up under the plug = Inflammatory response

Oily skin types are more prone to acne because of increased sebum production and a slower skin cell-shedding process; however, drier skin types are not immune to the condition, and it can strike at different points in life and be triggered by anything from new medication to air pollution.

The FIVE STEPS to Controlling Acne

1. Gently exfoliate and increase cell turnover Ingredients that act as keratolytics, such as salicylic acid, sulfur and benzoyl peroxide, are excellent acne fighters because of their ability to dissolve the follicular buildup that causes breakouts. Low-level retinoids, the family of vitamin a derivatives, help increase cellular turnover, bring healthy cells to the surface more quickly and improve skin function.

2. Control sebum production It's all about balance. When trying to control sebum, it's imperative to understand that over-drying skin, even if it's oily, will trigger more sebum production. Natural astringents like ginger root, licorice root and cucumber extract purify the skin without stripping it. Natural oils like borage seed, grape seed and wheat germ also help balance oily skin and acne.

3. Decrease P.acne proliferation Killing bacteria means destroying acne at its root, making antibacterial and antimicrobial topical agents a key tool in clearing skin. Even more beneficial? In-clinic treatments that increase skin circulation and air flow (such as oxygen treatments) to ensure the bacteria will not be trapped in a de-oxygenated environment.

4. Protect from UV rays and other inflammatory stimulants Inflammation is both a cause and a result of acne. Anti-inflammatory topical ingredients like aloe vera, bisabolol and panthenol, are all effective in calming skin. In addition, sunscreen is imperative when acne treatment is underway, not only because UV rays cause greater inflammation, but because anti-acne ingredients make the skin more sun-sensitive.

5. Acne and nutrient rich diet Certain foods raise your blood sugar more quickly than others causing the body to release a peptide anabolic hormone called insulin. Having excess insulin in your blood can cause your oil glands to produce more oil, increasing your risks of acne. Several studies suggest that following a healthy nutrient rich diet can help prevent and treat acne. Specifically, foods rich in the following nutrients are linked to lower levels of acne: complex carbohydrates, zinc, vitamins A and E, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants.

If you need help with your acne, you can book a Virtual Acne Consultation with me or sign up for my MBK Acne Detective Clear Skin Program. 

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"Information courtesy of www.mebykatie.com, Katie Marshall is a certified Medical Esthetics Practitioner, Acne Specialist, Holistic and Functional Nutrition Counselor. Specializing in both skin health, gut health, hormone health and the whole body. The basic premise is that functional nutrition gets to the root of the problem and resolves the actual problem. This is different from conventional medicine which is about prescribing multiple meds to deal with symptoms, with little regard to resolving the root cause of the symptoms. Functional nutrition is more personalized, customized, and holistic. My job is to work in tandem with your medical team and be an advocate for you if necessary."

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