Acne Awareness, Who, What, Why and What Else!

June is Acne Awareness Month and let’s face it… zit happens! We have all been afflicted with a pimple or two (or what feels like a trazillion) in our lifetime. In honor of acne awareness month, let’s examine the who, what, and why of acne to better understand treatment opportunities.

Who gets acne?

Acne is a highly prevalent skin condition that afflicts people worldwide. While it is challenging to provide an exact number of individuals affected by acne around the world, it is estimated that acne affects a significant portion of the global population, particularly adolescents and young adults. Let’s examine some of the key points regarding the prevalence of acne:

1. Adolescents: Acne is most associated with puberty and adolescence. It is estimated that approximately 85% of individuals between the ages of 12 and 24 experience acne at some point during this period.
2. Adults: Acne can persist into adulthood or even develop later in life. It is estimated that around 20% of adults, particularly women, continue to experience acne or develop late-onset acne in their 20s, 30s, and beyond.
3. Global Variations: The prevalence of acne can vary across different regions and ethnic groups. It is generally more common in populations with higher sebaceous gland activity, such as those of European, African, and American Indian descent.
4. Impact on Quality of Life: Acne not only affects physical health but also has a significant impact on mental and emotional well-being. It can lead to lowered self-esteem, social withdrawal, and depression.
5. Severity: Acne can range from mild to severe, with some individuals experiencing occasional breakouts and others dealing with chronic or severe forms of acne. The prevalence of severe acne is relatively lower compared to milder forms but can still significantly affect those affected.

Given the widespread occurrence of acne and its potential impact on individuals’ lives, it is crucial to prioritize effective management, seek appropriate professional guidance, and adopt healthy skincare practices to minimize its impact and promote overall well-being.

What causes acne?

Acne is a multifactorial skin condition influenced by various factors. Here are some of the primary causes of acne:

1. Excess Sebum Production: Sebaceous glands in the skin produce an oily substance called sebum, which helps keep the skin lubricated. However, excessive production of sebum can lead to clogged pores and acne. Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, or certain medical conditions can trigger an overproduction of sebum. (ICE Balancing Lotion balances sebum production for that “just right” sebum production)
2. Clogged Hair Follicles: Hair follicles can become blocked by dead skin cells, leading to the formation of acne. When the follicles become clogged, it creates an environment where bacteria can thrive, causing inflammation and acne breakouts.
3. Bacterial Infection: The skin is home to a bacterium called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). When the hair follicles become clogged, this bacterium can multiply rapidly, leading to inflammation and the formation of acne. (Topical probiotics found throughout the ICE line and in some BIO line products address the bacteria overproduction)
4. Hormonal Factors: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, menstrual cycles, or hormonal imbalances, can contribute to acne development. Androgens, a type of hormone that increase during puberty, can stimulate sebum production and barrier imbalance, leading to acne breakouts. (Both the ICE Balancing Lotion and the MYSTIQ iLuminating Beauty Oil work well to soothe hormonal breakouts)
5. Stress: Stress doesn’t directly cause acne, but it can exacerbate existing acne or trigger breakouts. Stress hormones may stimulate sebum production and inflammation, leading to acne flare-ups.
6. Environmental Factors: Exposure to pollutants, high humidity, and certain occupational factors like contact with oils or greases can influence the development of acne. (Lira Clinical SPF and BB line products are formulated to protect against environmental factors, including the sun, to soften environmental acne triggers)

It is worth noting that the causes and triggers of acne can vary from person to person, and it may be a combination of several factors. Consulting with a Lira Clinical skincare professional can help identify the specific causes of your acne and guide you toward an appropriate treatment plan.

What are the different types of acne?

While most of us are familiar with the term “acne,” it’s important to recognize that there are various types of acne, each with its own distinct characteristics and treatment approaches. Let’s explore three different types of acne commonly seen by esthetic practitioners, shedding light on their causes, symptoms, and potential remedies.

1. Comedonal Acne:

Comedonal acne, also known as non-inflammatory acne, primarily manifests as blackheads and whiteheads. It occurs when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells, oil (sebum), and bacteria. Blackheads appear as dark bumps on the surface of the skin, while whiteheads are closed, flesh-colored bumps. To address comedonal acne, gentle exfoliation and topical treatments containing beta hydroxy acids, alpha hydroxy acids and/or retinoids can be effective.

(Lira Clinical’s PRO Anti-aging Pads, ICE Clear Stick, and PRO Retinal-Plus Treatment’s effective formulations to combat comedonal acne)

2. Inflammatory Acne:

Inflammatory acne is characterized by redness, swelling, and the formation of papules, pustules, or nodules. This type of acne occurs when bacteria invade blocked hair follicles, leading to a skin immune system response. Papules are small, tender red bumps, while pustules are filled with pus. Nodules are large, painful, solid lumps beneath the surface of the skin. Treatments for inflammatory acne may include topical probiotics, benzoyl peroxide, anti-inflammatory agents, or in some extreme cases, prescription medications like oral antibiotics or isotretinoin.

(Lira Clinical’s ICE Clarifying Treatment, BIO Hydra Infusion, and MYSTIQ Cryo Masque are fantastic products to address the cause and consequences of Inflammatory Acne).

3. Acne Mechanica:

Acne mechanica is a form of acne triggered by friction, pressure, or heat against the skin. It commonly affects athletes, students wearing backpacks, or individuals wearing tight-fitting clothing (or masks in a pandemic!). The constant rubbing and occlusion of the skin can lead to the development of small, red bumps or pustules. Prevention and correction involve ensuring the skin is properly hydrated, not over-cleansed, and especially important, balanced! If your profession or hobbies are contributing to acne mechanica anywhere on your body, consider using an occlusive skin barrier to protect the skin. (HEALTH Recovery Balm is “the bomb” for combatting acne mechanica).

Understanding the different types of acne empowers professionals to identify a specific condition and select appropriate treatment paths. While over-the-counter remedies can be helpful temporarily, it is important to consult a skincare professional for more persistent cases ensuring longer lasting skin clarity. Remember, acne treatments can take time to show results, so patience and consistency are key. By demystifying the diverse types of acne and tailoring treatments accordingly, we can work towards achieving clearer, brighter, more beautiful skin.

Consequences of Acne:

Acne can give rise to various skin co-issues, both during active breakouts and because of long-term acne or scarring. Some common skin issues associated with acne include:

1. Hyperpigmentation: After an acne lesion heals, it can leave behind dark or red patches on the skin known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). (98% of Lira Clinical skincare products are formulated with brightening agents, but you may find the PRO Lite Serum or the PRO Brite-Plus Serum especially effective to combat PIH caused by acne).
2. Acne Scars: Severe or prolonged acne can lead to permanent scarring. Acne scars can manifest as atrophic scars (indentations in the skin) or hypertrophic scars (raised, thickened scars). They can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem and may require professional treatment to minimize their appearance. (Any Green Power Protocol in addition to a custom homecare routine will help to rebuild damaged tissue).
3. Post-Acne Erythema: Some individuals experience persistent redness in areas where acne lesions have healed. This redness, known as post-acne erythema or vascular erythema, is caused by inflammation and dilation of blood vessels in the skin. (PRO Lite Serum, MYSTIQ iLuminating Beauty Oil, MYSTIQ Infused C are excellent to combat post-acne erythema).

It’s important to note that addressing these skin issues often requires professional intervention. Lira Clinical skincare professionals can provide customized treatments such as advanced product formulations and SMART PEELS™ to combat acne breakouts and minimize the appearance of acne-related skin consequences.