Photography by Jean-Philippe Delberghe (@jipy32) from Unsplash
Acne may be a word we've all been too familiar with, especially when it comes to skincare. For some women, acne has been part of their journey in the earliest stages. Some, on the other hand, may just be experiencing acne now.
No matter how early or recent our journey with acne is, it could foster a complicated relationship with our skin. Some days, we're okay dealing with a breakout, but there are times when we start to wonder why the skin gods can't seem to give our skin a break. With all the ups and downs our journey with acne may be, it's maybe a challenge to understand how exactly we should approach it.
In true Woman in Progress®️ fashion, however, we have to get down to the specifics and see how we can approach it from there. Here's our acne-prone skin breakdown following three core points to make it easier. Step into your skin and find out:
Why do we get acne?
Photography by Julia Cheperis (@inception) from Unsplash
One of the ideal wonders of our skin is how it has just enough processes to keep our skin healthy. It produces sebum or natural oils that keep skin hydrated and protected, ideally giving us that glowy, lit-from-within look.
While we have the production of natural oils in place to keep our skin healthy, an excess of it, along with other causes, can very well form build-up in our skin and break us out. These causes could look like dead skin cells, sneaky dirt from leftover makeup, pollution or dust, and even bacteria. Aside from that, the natural process of producing sebum could be affected by genetics, stress, lack of sleep, and diet could make it produce more— or less— shaking what should otherwise be a balanced scale.
The round-up: Acne forms when a mix of excess sebum, which may be triggered by changes in the environment, genetics, or lifestyle, mixes with dead skin cells, dirt, or bacteria. This causes a build-up within the skin, causing bumps or, with bacteria, inflammation, which we may identify as acne.
Are all acne the same? What type of skincare should I get?
Photography by Xie Yujie Nick (@xieyujie) from Unsplash
When we think of acne, the picture of the red, inflamed bumps on our skin would instantly come to mind. While true, acne comes in different forms. From the painful nodules or red bumps that seem ingrained deep in our skin, pus-filled cysts to whiteheads and blackheads (yes, they're categorized as acne, too!)
With that and how acne could be triggered by so many factors, each skin story might require different approaches.
Someone with oily skin dealing with cystic acne can subscribe to the basic skincare routine of cleansers, and moisturizers, with added actives (AHAs, BHAs, retinoids, and the likes.) But someone with drier skin, who categorically has acne, might require a toned-down version of it or could do without some ingredients in the regimen to avoid aggravating their current skin situation.
The round-up: Although we picture acne as the red, inflamed bumps on our skin, it comes in different types. Although acne-prone skin can have a similar set of must-haves for their skincare routine, your skin and acne type may require specific care that could best help you achieve your skin goals.
What's the best way to treat acne?
Photography by Peter Kalonji (@peter_kp007) from Unsplash
There's no one way to treat acne. Although it can follow similar patterns, each skin story deserves a little tweaking to make sure the care they receive is specific to what their skin needs and goals are.
Because the causes of acne can be multi-factorial and how different types of skin and acne have to be taken into deep consideration, one can easily get lost in the glittering promises of overnight treat-all products and treatments. It's no surprise, too. We often avoid acne because it's painful and sometimes can affect how we feel. Aside from that, acne usually leaves us with marks and scars that are often more tedious and difficult to get rid of. There are times when we hear that it's the after-effect of acne that we resent most, as it usually appears as dark pigments, raised bumps, or pits in our skin. They're often hard to get rid of and could last months, years, even.
If you decide you want to take on the effects of acne and lessen the occurrence of breakouts, you might want to try out laser treatments made intentionally, specifically for your skin.
The Simply Skin Experience— Intentional laser treatments for acne-prone skin
We know exactly how hard it is to address acne and find the right mix of products and treatments. Our approach? A way you could enjoy simple, easy, effective skin treatments that take care of your skin from start to finish. That way, we take the guesswork out of skincare for you and make sure you're on track with your skin goals and needs.
Together with our skin-loving experts, each Simply Skin session for acne-prone skin is made for your skin and acne type. Our golden rule is to never force anything that we know your skin won't take— whether that be through treatments or the products we recommend to you for Aftercare in every session.
Laser treatments for acne-prone skin
Clearlift Laser Treatment — Best for working on remnants of your recent breakout and brightening dull skin tone
Pixel Laser Resurfacing — Best for working on rough skin texture, stubborn acne marks & scars and lessening the appearance of pores
Ultimate Clear Power Duo — Best for rougher, more pitted skin texture, more stubborn acne marks & scars and larger, more visible pores
Here's what a Simply Skin session will look like for acne-prone skin
Step 1 - Expert Cleanse
How it works for acne-prone skin: We learned from the causes of acne that a build-up of dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria can cause breakouts. In this step, we make sure that your face is not only prepped for your laser treatment but is also deeply cleansed, hydrated, and nourished. With regular cleansing that goes with your right laser treatment match, we help in avoiding the possibility of acne.
Step 2 - Your Treatment of Choice — Laser Treatments: Clearlift, Pixel or Ultimate Clear Power Duo
How it works for acne-prone skin: Our intentional laser treatments for acne— from either Clearlift, Pixel, or Ultimate Clear Power Duo— are done to make sure you see & feel progress. Each of these laser treatments effectively targets specific effects of acne to make sure you never stray from your skin goals.
Worry not, our skin-loving experts will properly assess (or confirm) whether the treatment you're looking at is right for you!
Step 3 - Your Aftercare at Home
How it works for acne-prone skin: We know how difficult it is to find the right concoction of skincare products for acne-prone skin. This is why we make sure that every session at Simply Skin ends with a recommendation of skin products that suits your skin type and goals. Each progressive product has been carefully handpicked to make sure you feel and see progress, not only at Our Spaces but even when you step out of it. Enough for us to note how far you've come until your next session with us where you may get a different set of progressive skincare products depending on where you're at with your skin by then.
Although acne-prone skin can be quite the journey for even the skincare-invested, it's great to understand where the limits of trial-and-error could get us and embrace how it may be a journey that needs a little more help. Our Spaces are welcome to help you find the right fit for your skin. Whenever you feel ready, of course!
Thumbnail by Jean-Philippe Delberghe (@jipy32) and Julia Cheperis (@inception) from Unsplash