Acne 101 – Your Essential Guide

What exactly is acne?

Acne is defined as the occurrence of inflamed or infected sebaceous glands in the skin.  Acne describes a chronic skin condition that includes several pustules, papules, black heads and white heads. There are many different types of acne that can occur that can stem from various causes.

Some of types of acne you could experience are as follows:

Papule – small, raised, solid pimple or swelling, typically inflamed but not producing pus

Nodule – a hard, painful acne lesion deep under the skin

Blackhead (open comedone) – a plug of sebum in a hair follicle, darkened by oxidation

Whitehead (closed comedone) – clogged pores under the skin’s surface, closed

Pustule – small, inflamed, pus-filled, blister-like sores (lesions) on the skin surface

Cyst – when you have a large, red, painful, fluid (pus) filled sac under the skin

You may experience multiple types of acne at one time and the cause can vary.

Why do I get acne?

There are many reasons why people get acne and in order to properly treat it it is imperative you find the root cause and treat it accordingly. 

The main factors that cause acne in the skin include:

1.Excess Oil (sebum) production.

2. Hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin cells.

3. Bacteria.

4. Inflammation.

Acne typically appears on the face, chest, upper back and shoulders because these areas have the most sebaceous (oil) glands.

Certain things can trigger acne or worsen it such as:

Hormonal Changes – For example, androgens are hormones that increase in puberty and cause sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Hormone changes caused by pregnancy, medical conditions, menstrual cycles are all key hormonal causes of acne.

Certain Medical Conditions – inflammation is one of the main medical conditions that cause acne. New research shows that skin conditions have been directly linked to disruptions in gut microbes eluding to gut health being a large factor in the health of someone’s skin

Certain Medications – such as drugs containing corticosteroids, testosterone or lithium.

Diet – some research shows consuming certain foods including carbohydrate- rich foods like bread, bagels, chips may worsen acne. Also it is important to note that certain dietary restrictions can cause acne to worsen also, this is why it is recommended to really pay attention to what you are eating that could be contributing to your acne, everyone’s bodies are different so what may not trigger for acne for one person could trigger it for another such as gluten, dairy, certain kinds of meat like pork, certain fruits etc.

Stress – excessive amounts of sudden and prolonged stress may cause changes in brain and body chemistry increasing oil production in turn, triggering acne flares

Poor Topical Skin Health – not washing your face, using products with poor ingredients, using the wrong products for your skin type.

How can I prevent or treat acne?

A great way to combat acne is to start by having a good skin care routine that is consistent and filled with nourishing ingredients for your specific concern.

The key is to use a few consistent products that work together, not a million products from multiple different brands and overwhelming your skin that is already overwhelmed with acne.

Eminence Organics carries specific lines that cater to your specific skin type such as The Acne Advanced line or The Clear Skin Probiotics line.

It’s also important to note that a common misconception in skin care is that oily skins should use products that take away oil. A lot of the time oily skins actually are over producing oil because their skin is out of balance and using oil can actually calm the skin’s oil production.

Here is an example of a skincare routine for an acneic client using Eminence Organics:

Stone Crop Cleansing Oil – Gently remove impurities and restore the look of balance with this non-greasy cleansing oil. Infused with moisturizing sunflower and jojoba oils, brightening stone crop and supercharged microgreens, this light and luxurious formula gently removes makeup and deeply cleanses to deliver dewier, softer looking skin after every use 

Stone Crop Hydrating Mist – A revitalizing and healing toner for all skin types, particularly uneven skin types. 

Clear Skin Exfoliating Peel (2x/week) – A deep-cleansing, clarifying peel solution with cotton round pads for problem skin types. Clarify and refine the complexion without irritation while reducing the appearance of problem skin. Gentle salicylic acid removes surface impurities and dirt from the skin, allowing the synergistic action of biosulphur and tomato extract to help balance sebum. Willow bark calms the look of skin while lilac and azelaic acid help to reduce the appearance of redness and inflammation. The peel reduces pore size and skin is left feeling clear, smooth and revitalized. 

Clear Skin Serum – Help heal irritation and reduce the appearance of problem skin with this concentrated serum and product enhancer infused with willow bark and tea tree oil.

Acne Advanced Hydrator – This ultra-lightweight hydrating lotion reduces the appearance of oily skin, resulting in a soft, matte finish. Powerful lotus extract diminishes shine, while time-release encapsulated salicylic acid reduces blemishes and breakouts. In addition, zinc hyaluronate and arbutin reduce the look of irritation and scarring.

Clear Skin Masque (3X/week and/or as a night treatment/spot treatment) – The clear solution to problem skin. Attain the appearance of a radiant and clear complexion thanks to cooling cucumber tones and refining yogurt, which exfoliates and eliminates the appearance of blemishes. 

Facial Recovery Oil – at night only used alone or mixed with clear skin mask for a night treatment- best for Toning and hydrating oil created with precious herbs and nourishing oils to soothe and renew sensitive and aging skin. This is a luxurious facial oil suitable for all skin types. Also amazing for residual hyperpigmentation (scarring) from acne

To purchase any of the above products visit our online store HERE

A combined approach.

The truth is acne can be a difficult condition to treat and it takes a lot of consistency, patience, and self love!!   If you have chronic acne the best approach to treatment is a holistic one.  Which means, good topical skin care, a focus on gut health, and lifestyle and includes mental health and stress reduction tools.   Luckily, Wild Flower has a plethora of resources for you – not just topical product solutions.  

If you are looking for nutritional help you can access our nutritionist Kim Ruzycki.  Kim, who used to suffer from acne, will guide you through dietary and lifestyle support to rebalance the gut and treat acne from the inside out.  If you need topical skin care coaching, like what products to use and how to use them, along with basic mindfulness practices, reach out to Alexis and book a 1:1 virtual coaching session.  

While acne can be a test in self reflection and cause a lot of frustration and anguish, we truly believe you can find a solution that is best for you, and not suffer alone!  There is a whole team of skin care professionals waiting to help you at Wild Flower Spa.