One of our 2020 goals was to have more interactive conversations with you by bringing information on specific topics and answering your questions. On Wednesday 12th February, we had our first beauty conversation on acne as a live Q & A. Dr. Ingrid Wilson from the Crewe Hair And Skin Clinic joined us and brought her expertise to the conversation. Dr. Wilson is a GP as well as a trichologist. Her great knowledge in terms of afro hair and black skin was a massive bonus during the live.
Dr. Wilson started by explaining what acne is. It is a common and non infectious skin condition that affects both men and women at some point in their life. It is caused by the excess of sebum and dead skin cells that clog hair follicles resulting to whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. It mainly affects the face but also the upper part of the chest and back.
The main causes can be genetics, pregnancy, use of comedogenic cosmetic products, medications, smoking and high testosterone levels.
Usually, acne is linked to the changes in hormone levels during puberty, but it can happen at a later stage.
Women may experience acne breakouts during then menstrual cycle. They may feel more conscious and tempted to cover it with make-up. However, if the hair follicles are blocked even more by make-up, this could get things worst.
Women may develop acne during pregnancy. It is common for acne to get a bit worse in early pregnancy and for it to improve as pregnancy progresses. This may relate to the increased levels of oestrogen present in pregnancy. A few women have severe flares of acne throughout pregnancy.
For women taking the pill, it should be noted that progesterone only contraceptive agents can exacerbate acne.
Acne treatment
Acne can be treated in many ways. You may try over over-the-counter treatments available in pharmacies or beauty store. If it doesn’t work or if your acne is severe, you may seek professional advice from your GP.
Through a first consultation and based on your type of acne (whiteheads, blackheads etc...), Dr. Wilson may recommend her 5 key steps program, using ZO Skin Health products. Their complexion clearing package for acne contains an exfoliating cleanser, facial scrub, complexion renewal pads and a sulfur masque.
The steps are the following:
- Cleanse: it is very important to start a skincare routine by washing your face You may use an exfoliating cleanser for normal to oily skin, with lukewarm water and scrub the face for 2 minutes. This should be done twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening
- Scrub: When you have an oily skin, using a scrub containing salicylic acid and tea tree is a great way to remove dead skin cells and excess oils. Use for one minute once daily, preferably in the morning, start twice weekly for 2 weeks and then daily for the first month. If your skin is moderately oily or normal, you could use the scrub after the exfoliating cleanser for one minute once daily, starting at twice a week for 2 weeks then alternate days for 2 weeks, then daily after the first month
- Oil control: applying salicylic acid on your skin is a way to balance your excess sebum. This can be done by using control renewal pads or oil control pads
- Stabilisation : for moderate to severe acne, benzoyl peroxide could be applied in the morning on a daily basis for a month.
- Sun protection: even dark skin requires sun protection and even more when you have acne. So may sure to include sunscreen in your skincare routine
What is hypergimentation?
It’s important to remind that person with dark skin may suffer from hyperpigmentation, which is skin trauma that produces more pigmentation and create a dark spot. It can be due to light, ageing, disease or injury.
Some people may engage in skin lightening to try to even out skin tone. Some of the unregulated products include Mercury, arsenic, hydroquinone and steroids. Steroids in the wrong place can cause acne.
Key points
The conversation was really interesting and informative. But the main points were:
- If you suffer from acne, please don’t be ashamed and talk to someone. It can be a friend or your GP, who can at least refer you to someone who would be able to treat your acne.
- Be patient in your acne treatment: it may be a long journey but don’t be discouraged. The results will be worth it.
- It may be very tempting but don’t squeeze your spots to avoid trauma and scarring as it will be more difficult to get rid of it
- Avoid skincare products which are too oily, any aggressive soaps or skincare practices such as excessive skin cleansers, alcohol based toners
- Be careful with some skin bleaching products containing steroid that may accentuate acne
Dr. Wilson will be holding a workshop at her clinic on 18th February between 12pm and 2pm. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.
She has also offered a 20% discount on her iRevive brightening eye treatment. You can book your appointment through Treatwell. The discount will be applied after your appointment at the clinic
Biolissime products are also an alternative if you have acne or dark spots. You can see the results on the picture below that one of our customers kindly sent us.
We hope you enjoyed the live and the information on this post.
Let us know what you think!