TAKING A LOOK AT ACNE

23rd Jun 2022

WHAT IS ACNE?

Acne develops when sebum, an oily substance that lubricates your hair and skin, and dead skin cells plug hair follicles. Bacteria can trigger inflammation and infection resulting in more severe acne.

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PIMPLES AND ACNE?

The difference between acne and pimples is that acne is a disease and pimples are one of its symptoms. Acne is a condition affecting the skin's pilosebaceous system, which includes the hair follicles and oil glands. Pimples are nothing but a less severe form of inflammatory acne. Acne is most common in teenagers and young adults but can also occur in adults.

COMMON SYMTPOMS OF ACNE

When dealing with a client that presents with acne, one or more of the following symptoms may be present:

Closed comedones (whiteheads)
Open comedones (blackheads)
Pustules
Papules
Cysts
Nodules
Milia
Redness
Inflammation

Each type of acne symptom requires a different treatment approach. A correct treatment programme can reduce the risk of long-term skin damage, such as pitting, scarring and PIH.

WHERE ON THE BODY CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE ACNE BREAKOUTS?

Back and shoulders
Neck
Chest
Face

ACNE GRADES

As skincare professionals, we need to be aware of the different acne grades and which ones we may treat with Nimue.

Grade 1: Comedones, occasional papules (may be treated with Nimue)

Grade 2: Papules, comedones, few pustules (may be treated with Nimue)

Grade 3: Predominant pustules, nodules (may be treated with Nimue)

Grade 4: Mainly cysts, abscesses, widespread scarring (may not be treated)

Acne vulgaris has a substantial impact on a patient’s quality of life, affecting both self-esteem and psychosocial development.

PROPIONIBACTERIUM ACNES

Propionibacterium acnes is a tiny microbe that lives in the oily region of the skin's pores. The bacteria can aggravate an immune response which causes red, swollen bumps to develop on the skin. Propionibacterium acnes is a facultative anaerobic Gram-positive bacterium.

Propionibacterium is not only present on human skin as part of the normal flora, but also present in the oral cavity, large intestine, conjunctiva and external ear canal.

HORMONE LEVELS AND PROPIONIBACTERIUM ACNES

The rise in androgen levels can also trigger a process of higher sebum production. This causes changes in skin cell activity, inflammation and colonisation of the hair follicles by Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes).

WHAT ABOUT STAPHYLOCOCCUS?

Staph infections are commonly mistaken for acne. This bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus, is around us all the time, on our skin, in our noses, on surfaces and on the ground. Inflamed skin blemishes are the most common type of staph infection.

This type of infection usually appears as:

Swollen
Painful bumps and lumps (bump may resemble a spider bite or pimple)
Yellow or white centre and a central head
Infected area is surrounded by an area of redness and warmth, known as cellulitis

NIMUE PRODUCTS FOR PROBLEMATIC SKIN

NIMUE PURIFIER DAY 50ML

A skin clarifying and mattifying day moisturiser for the treatment of all manifestations in problematic skin conditions. Unique actives based on Dermabiotics, Glycolic Acid and Tea Tree Oil, counteracts the root cause of a problematic skin, while minimising the disruption of the skin barrier.

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NIMUE PURIFIER NIGHT 50ML

A skin clarifying and mattifying night moisturiser for the treatment of all manifestations in problematic skin conditions. Unique actives based on Dermabiotics, Acids, Encapsulated Retinol and Tea Tree Oil, counteracts the root cause of a problematic skin, while minimising the disruption of the skin barrier.

Shop here.

NIMUE PURIFYING SERUM 30ML

A multi-active treatment serum for the specialised treatment of problematic skin from age 20 upwards. Unique actives based on Dermabiotics, Anti-oxidants, Encapsulated Retinol and an acid blend, provide a clearer, brighter and less oily skin.

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NIMUE PURIFYING MASK 60ML/100ML

A creamy, soft and cooling treatment mask for problematic skin in all ages, providing deep exfoliation to remove impurities and excess oil. A clay and charcoal base purify and detoxify while a prebiotic restores the microbiome balance on the skin.

Shop here.