Upon taking the Fresh Face Skin skin quiz, you might discover that you have acne-prone skin. But what does this mean and how will it affect your skincare routine?
You have likely tried several social media favourites, only to find that they do not provide the magical solutions they promised. The reality is that many products marketed for acne might not actually be suitable for your acne-prone skin. Acne is not a one-size-fits-all condition; it encompasses a variety of types, including hormonal acne, acne vulgaris, comedones, papules, and pustules.
Understanding the specific type of acne you have is the first step towards effective treatment.
Identifying your skin’s needs
Acne comes in various forms, such as painful red acne, breakouts, cystic acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. Identifying which type you have is crucial for finding the right treatment.
Here are some types of acne you might experience:
Acne Vulgaris
Acne vulgaris, commonly known as common acne, manifests as blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of pimples on areas such as the face, chest, shoulders, and back. Mild acne may improve with over-the-counter treatments, but more severe forms require a dermatologist’s intervention.
Comedones
A comedo is a basic acne lesion that occurs when a hair follicle becomes clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Comedones can evolve into whiteheads and blackheads. Products that clog pores are known as “comedogenic,” while those labelled “non-comedogenic” are less likely to cause acne.
Papules
Papules are inflamed comedones that appear as small red or pink bumps on the skin, often associated with hormonal acne. They can be sensitive to the touch, and squeezing them can worsen inflammation and lead to scarring. A significant number of papules may indicate moderate to severe acne.
Pustules
Pustules resemble whiteheads but are surrounded by a red ring and filled with white or yellow pus. Picking or squeezing pustules can result in scars or dark spots on the skin.
Tailoring treatments to different types of acne
Once you have identified the type of acne you are dealing with, it becomes easier to find suitable treatments.
For acne vulgaris, non-comedogenic cleansers that help unclog pores and reduce bacteria are beneficial. Fresh Face Skin’s Healer Cleanser is an excellent choice as it accelerates healing, balances excess oil without stripping the skin of natural oils, and clears surface bacteria. Using a facial massager can enhance the effectiveness of the cleanser by providing a deeper clean. This treatment and cleansing technique are also beneficial for oily-combination skin.
To address comedones, exfoliants with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are particularly effective. AHAs break down the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be easily removed. Fresh Face Skin’s AHA & Enzyme Exfoliator and Peel-In-One stimulates skin cell turnover, removes surface dead skin cells, brightens the skin tone, and clears surface congestion, promoting faster healing.
For papules, products containing niacinamide or green tea extract can reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. Fresh Face Skin’s Hydration Booster, formulated with two types of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, not only provides deep hydration, improving overall skin healing & function, but also minimises enlarged pores, brightens the skin, and softens fine lines and wrinkles.
Treating pustules requires gentle yet potent products that focus on reducing bacteria while promoting healing and reducing inflammation. Fresh Face Skin’s Healer Treatment, which combines Vitamin B5 and Glycolic Acid and barrier-strengthening oils, soothes, hydrates, and heals the skin, while its antibacterial properties enhance skin cell function, even out the skin tone, and soften the skin texture.
Acne beyond the teenage years: Understanding adult acne
Taking the skin quiz, you might be surprised to find out that you have acne-prone skin. You might wonder why you still have acne despite no longer being a teenager. While acne is commonly associated with adolescence, adults can experience it too.
During puberty, hormonal changes play a significant role in causing hormonal breakouts. Androgens, such as testosterone in boys and progesterone in girls, increase during puberty. This hormonal surge enlarges oil-producing glands, leading to increased oil production. Excess oil can clog large pores, resulting in acne.
However, acne is not just a teenage problem. Adults can also suffer from acne due to excess oil production. Genetics often play a role, if your parents had acne during adulthood, you are more likely to develop it too. While teenage acne is primarily caused by hormonal fluctuations during puberty, adult acne often occurs in women due to hormonal changes due to stress, pregnancy and menstruation. Many women see a reduction in acne outbreaks after menopause when oestrogen and progesterone levels decrease and the skins natural oils deplete. A sign your acne may be linked to internal hormones, is acne appearing around the mouth and lower face – chin, around the mouth and in the jawline.
Whether you are dealing with acne vulgaris, comedones, papules, or pustules, tailored skincare solutions can significantly improve your skin’s condition. It is essential to choose products suited to your specific type of acne and skin needs. Products formulated by Fresh Face Skin, founded by Amelia Goff, aim to restore the skins barrier while healing acne and clearing stubborn surface bacteria, giving you more control over your skin.