Acne at any age can be a problem

Both adults and teens are troubled by acne. Quoting GlyMed Plus, “Acne is the most common dermatological problem faced by physicians and their patients in the U.S. today. Stress, diet, puberty, sunlight, pregnancy, cosmetics, menopause – all of these and more, contribute to the many types of acne that plague most of us at some time in our lives.”

GlyMed Plus is an acne management skin care product line intended for use as part of a supervised skin care program. http://www.glymedplus.com

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the sebaceous (oil) glands, characterized by comedones (blackheads) and blemishes. A genetic disease also referred to as Acne Simplex or Acne Vulgaris. Acne is found on the face, back or chest and the skin appears greasy. It ranges from mild breakouts to disfiguring cysts and scarring. Flare ups usually begin when reaching puberty however, adult acne is quite common.

A progressive deterioration includes the following:

• Lesions: any mark or abnormality.
• Comedones: clogged pores filled with oil and dead skin cells. Blackheads are dark because they are exposed to air.
• Papules: a pimple containing no fluid.
• Pustules: an inflamed papule containing pus.
• Scarring: light-colored mark formed by tissue loss after a lesion has healed.
• Nodules: small bumps caused by scar tissue, fatty deposits, or infections.
• Cysts: nodules made up of pockets of infection.

Since acne is triggered by hormonal changes, having a good understanding of its causes is important.

Causes:

Clogged pores - dead skin cells that haven’t shed and the pores are filled with sebum (oil).

Bacteria –an overproduction of oil causes a buildup of additional cells. Inflammation occurs.

Cosmetics and product ingredients - Certain ingredients like waxes, oils, heavy emollients can trigger acne.

Hormones, stress, and foods - Stress causes hormonal fluctuations which increases sebum production. Processed and packaged foods, especially fast foods can irritate acne. Foods high in iodine such as, shellfish, seaweed, iodized salt, MSG, kelp, cheese can lead to breakouts.

The severity of acne is determine by the amount/number of lesions, comedones, papules, pustules or cysts present. Acne is classified into four grades.

Grades of Acne:

• Grade I -Minor breakouts, open comedones , a few papules and pustules.
• Grade II -Many open and closed comedones (whiteheads), and more papules and pustules
• Grade III -Skin is red and inflamed. Many papules and pustules
• Grade IV -Inflammation is present. Cysts with comedones, papules, and pustules.
  This grade is called Cystic Acne. Larger lesions have the appearance of ice pick scars; thick, deep, and narrow where the pore is stretched.

Grades III and IV can only be treated by a physician or dermatologist.

Acne can have a permanent effect on the appearance and condition of your skin. Most importantly, it can affect your self-esteem and sense of well-being throughout your life.

Grades I and II acne are treated by licensed estheticians/skin therapists with regular facial treatments and recommended home care products.