It’s a big problem faced by many. Acne can be summed up as a menace to society. Today we are going to discuss the facts, the statistics and the treatments available. Don’t despair, help is here:

• Acne is a skin condition that consists of pimples, deeper lumps (cysts or nodules), and plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, and even the upper arms.

• Acne usually begins in puberty, but the condition is not restricted to any age group. Adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s, even their 50s, can develop acne.

Facts

• Acne is caused by three major factors:

1. Overproduction of oil by enlarged oil glands in the skin

2. Blockage of the hair follicles that release oil

3. Growth of bacteria, called P. acnes, within the hair follicles

• Scientific research has led to many new acne therapies and changes in existing treatment options for the varying grades of acne.

Statistics

• Acne is the most common skin disorder in the Caribbean.

• Nearly 85 per cent of all people have acne at some point in their lives, most often on the face, chest, and back.

• By mid-teens, more than 40 per cent of adolescents have acne or acne scarring, which requires treatment by a dermatologist.

Acne care and treatment

DON’Ts

• To prevent scars, do not pop, squeeze, or pick at acne.

• Stop scrubbing and irritating your skin with rags and large granular scrubs.

• Avoid alcohol-based astringents, which strip your skin of natural moisture.

• Never dehydrate your oily skin; this makes skin even more sensitive and prone to breakouts.

• Avoid oily foods such as nuts and deep-fried items.

DOs

* Seek treatment early by visiting your professional aesthetician and asking for a skin consultation and recommended regime for a series of Acne Correcting Facials and Purifying home care products that treat

and prevent new breakouts and that normalise oil production.

* Gently wash affected areas twice a day with Purifying Foaming Gel and warm water. Vigorous washing and scrubbing can irritate your skin and make acne worse. Use a deep pore cleanser twice per week in place of a scrub at night to avoid irritation, such as the Desquacrem deep pore cleanser.

* Always use a soothing toner such as the Purifying Lotion with cucumber and camphor.

* Use non-comedogenic (does not clog pores) and oil-free cosmetics and sunscreens — try the Pore Refiner Matifying Solution and Complexion Perfector to eliminate open pores due to overproduction of oil and the Cellu-Guard SPF30 for face and sensitive areas.

* Eliminate existing marks and scars by using the C-Renewal Micro-dermabrasion Mask kit at home at night.

* Always moisturise and use home care as directed and allow enough time for acne products to take effect, which might be six to eight weeks. The Active Cream at night prevents new breakouts and the Hydra-Matt Fluid keeps skin hydrated but matte during the day. Also incorporate the Clarifying Correcting Serum and the Absorbant Mask for spot treatments.

There are some positives, however, which should be noted: namely, that you will not wrinkle nearly as quickly as those with less oil production and you can, with persistent care, both professionally and at home, quell the breakouts and eliminate the scars and marks associated with acne skin. There is hope yet; don’t give up.

Jeanette La Caille-Hill is a beauty and wellness expert and qualified aesthetician. She operates the exclusive distributorship for SOTHYS, Paris professional skincare and body treatment line in Jamaica. Contact her at 536-7640 or e-mail her at sothysjamaica@ gmail.comwith questions and comments.