Skin Problems
|
Congestion
Aka clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, comedones, open comedones, close comedones, macrocomedones, non inflammatory acne
Introduction
Having a congested skin can often be referred to clogged pores, and the cause of most acne problem. Clogged pores are clinically called comedones, or blackheads (open comedones) and whiteheads (close comedones).
Deep within each hair follicle, sebum normally flows from the sebaceous glands to reach the skin to keep skin moist and pliable. When the routes or pores being clogged or congested, sebum is trapped within the pores and form comedones or blackheads and whiteheads.
This problem may further develop to:-
|
Skin problem
|
Why
|
|
Acne
|
• Presence of bacteria P.acnes causes inflamed acne |
|
Open Pores
|
• Build up of excessive sebum and dead skin cells lead to enlarged and thicken pores |
|
Discoloration
|
• Without proper exfoliation, excessive build up of dead skin cells leads to an uneven skin tone |
| About comedones or commonly known as blackheads & whiteheads |
| 1. |
Comedones are a primary sign of acne. Preventing and removing comedones help control acne. |
| 2. |
Comedones are not the same as acne. Acne refers to a skin disease, and comedones may or may not be an indicator of an outbreak of acne. Comedones or clogged pores, can occur in people who are not suffering from acne. This distinction is important - a single blackhead does not mean that the sufferer has acne. |
| 3. |
Blackheads are named as they are as a result of the fact that they are black in color in origin. And despite the common misconception this is due to a pigment called melanin and not a result of poor hygiene. |
| 4. |
Comedones can vary in size - for instance, comedones that are larger than two or three millimeters in diameter are known as macrocomedones. |
| 5. |
A comedone begins approximately 2 – 3 weeks before it appears on the surface of the skin. |
| About sebum |
| 1. |
Comedones normally happen to oily skin type where sebaceous gland is active in producing excessive sebum. |
| 2. |
Skin needs sebum for keeping the skin and hair moisturized and protected. |
| 3. |
During adolescence sebaceous glands enlarge and produce more sebum under the influence of hormones (androgens). After the age of 20, sebum production begins to decrease. |
| 1. |
Excessive build up of dead skin cells |
| |
• |
The epidermis is made up of 10 to 30 very thin layers of continually shedding dead skin cells or keratinocytes. This layer is sloughed off or desquamated continually as new keranotinocytes take its place. |
| |
• |
The desquamation process is different for everyone, it slows down as we age. |
| |
• |
Uneven shedding causes keratinocytes to become sticky, clumping together to form a plug, or comedone. Thus trapping sebum and bacteria inside the follicle. |
| 2. |
Excessive sebum |
| |
• |
Excessive sebum production is usually caused by seborrhea; a skin condition caused by overactive sebaceous glands. |
| |
• |
Few factors that may causes excessive sebum or overactive sebaceous glands:- |
| |
|
- |
Internally factors such as hormonal changes, menstruation, allergic reactions, genetics and etc |
| |
|
- |
Unhealthy lifestyle such as too much tension or worries, obesity and etc |
| |
|
- |
Improper contraceptive medicines and antibiotics |
| |
|
- |
Environmental factors such as climate, over sun exposure and etc. |
| |
|
- |
Dehydration will trigger the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum to counteract the dryness |
| 3. |
Improper skin care routine |
| |
• |
Poor cleansing after the use of greasy or petrochemical-based skin care products |
| |
• |
Too much products or too heavy a product |
| 4. |
Insufficient sleep |
| |
• |
Contribute to hormonal imbalance and irregular production of sebum |
| |
• |
Lead to metabolic imbalance which turns the healthy acidic skin into alkaline condition, an alkaline skin is prone to skin problems |
| 5. |
Other environmental factors such as over exposure to the sun, air pollution, high humidity and etc. |
| 6. |
Squeezing at comedones or scrubbing the skin too often may result in worsen the comedones. |
Unfortunately, comedones are something most of experience thanks to the skin's constant sebum production and cell turnover. But there are a few things you can do:-
| 1. |
Proper skin care routine |
| |
• |
Choose products that are non-comedogenic and free from:- |
| |
|
- |
Lanolin: A fatty substance obtains from sheep’s wool. It has moisturizing properties, but pore clogging capabilities as well. |
| |
|
- |
Fragrance: Artificial fragrance contributes to acne infections. |
| |
|
- |
Mineral Oil: This oil has been shown to cause pore clogging and exacerbate acne |
| |
|
Steps
|
Remarks
|
| 1.Double Cleanser |
Always remember to use a makeup remover to remove all makeup
|
|
Use face wash designed for oily or combination skin, pat dry the skin gently without vigorous rubbing. Avoid over drying cleanser with SLS (sodium laurel sulfate)
|
| 2. Serum |
- Use sebum control serum to get rid of excessive sebum.
- Always look for product that is able to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, anti bacterial or anti inflammation
- Common use ingredients include resorcinol, vitamin A and its derivatives, BHA, witch hazel, potassium azelaoyl diglycinate, male fern root extract and etc.
|
| 3. Moisturizer |
Hydrate the skin well, it is best to use a gel based moisturizer rather a creamy / rich moisturizer
|
| 4. Exfoliation |
Use a grainy exfoliant or deep pore cleansing scrub masque to remove the dead skin cells
|
| 5. Sun Protection |
Choose a light weight sun protection with at least SPF 15 and PA++
|
| 6. Makeup |
Keep makeup as light as possible. Oil free foundation or makeup products will be a good option.
|
|
| 2. |
Do not squeeze the comedones which may further irritate the skin and possibly damage the skin tissue. |
| 3. |
Limit the use of bloater. Overuse of bloater giving the sebaceous glands wrong information of skin dryness and causing excessive sebum secretion. |
| 4. |
Promote a healthy lifestyle |
| |
• |
Lessen the pressure of life |
| |
• |
Regular exercise helps flush out toxins in our body. |
| |
• |
Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. |
| |
• |
Get sufficient and quality sleep for 8 hours |
Frequently Asked Questions
Blackheads and whiteheads are not curable but it can be controlled, reduced and prevented. The usage of sebum control product and regular exfoliation will help control all blackheads and whiteheads.
It is advisable to treat your acne problem first as severe acne may infect other clear area. Your blackheads and whiteheads will reduce if you start to exfoliate and control skin oiliness.
Dry skin may on the contrary stimulate the sebaceous gland to secrete sebum, the sebum secreted is “dry sebum”. The consequences of the blackheads and whiteheads for dry skin are different from oily skin.
The results you get from facial treatments depend on many factors, most importantly the severity of your problem. You may indeed find regular facials help reduce the amount of blackheads and whiteheads. Besides, the esthetician will also perform extractions to remove blackheads and whiteheads.
You can try Skin Renewal Treatment – This treatment helps in deep skin exfoliation (deep cleanse), unclogs pores, improves circulation and aid in the natural process of skin cell regeneration.
Cellnique Skin Action Sebum Gel - This superstar product visibly reduces your blackheads and whiteheads, controls your skin oiliness at the same time. You can see immediate result within few days of usage.
|
