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Alpha-H Newbie
 Joined: 01 June 2009
Posts: 3
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I hope i can clear some of the confusion about acne and scarring for some of the forum folks here. It seems some are lost and worse, are getting conflicting advice from other forum folks.
Having been an aesthetician for more than 15 years, i can only speak from experience and what i've seen when dealing with acne conditions
Some of the questions I've seen posted
Dermatologists vs Facial therapists
Dermatologists would recommend topical products such as antibiotic creams, and retin A. In severe cases, roaccutane and antibiotics may be needed.
Dermatologists treat what they see on the skin, not many will try to understand the root of the problem as to why you are having acne in the first place. In addition, the drugs they prescribe have bad side effects. Roaccutane in particular can cause fetal deformities so you would have to undergo pregnancy tests and go on contraceptives before starting it.
Still, those who have gone that route have seen acne reduced quite quickly but since it's not a long term solution, the chances of recurrence is high once they go off the meds.
Lastly, you do not get supportive care for your skin. in other words, no dermatologist is going to give you a facial to hydrate, purify and protect your skin.
Having said this, for cystic acne, where the skin is infected with large painful pimples with no pus, a course of antibiotics will be needed to quickly reduce the infection so that scarring can be minimized. This is crucial and no time must be wasted to get treatment. I have seen so many who waited only to end up with permanent scars.
I'm not sure if Dermatologists in Singapore are allowed to use lasers on patients. If they are, then this would mean they can go beyond healing acne but also offer solutions to scarring.
Facial Therapists on the other hand, tend to focus more on a holistic (at least they should!) approach to the problem. Since they have more time with the client, a more detailed consultation can be done to find out the history, lifestyle, types of products used, skin care routine and even the diet
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A good therapist will take into account the duration of the condition as well as medical history and client's current health condition and medications if any. After this, a treatment program consisting of at least 4 weeks of care should be created to ensure that the infection is controlled, acne bacteria is reduced considerable and then nourishing and care of the treated skin. Realistically for severe acne, treatment duration can last up to 8-12 weeks before skin is in the clear.
If the therapist has a trained eye and notices that Cystic acne is present, her first step is to advise the client to start on a course of antibiotics provided by a family physician. Facial treatments can commence a week or so after that.
No therapist should attempt to deal with cystic acne with extractions with tissue or even needles, while it looks like pimples are subsiding, the underlying tissue would be damaged and a scar will form. Worse, the bacteria is pushed further into the skin allowing other cysts to surface around the area.
As acne is systemic in that a person's blood may have a higher level of androgen and this could sometimes be to mineral deficiencies like zinc, the therapist must include vitamins and mineral supplementation advice to go along with the treatment regime. At the same, certain foods can can cause acne to worsen so a good knowledge in that area is important if the treatment is to be successful.
I hope this helps, pm if you have questions about acne
In my next post, I'll tell you exactly what type of products should be included in your anti-acne homecare routine. Get that right first before you start searching to buy products!
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Posted: 19 June 2012 at 5:37pm · IP Logged |
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gregorypeter Newbie
Joined: 24 July 2012
Posts: 5
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Thanks for sharing such a valuable information on acne, i am waiting for your next post.
Edited by gregorypeter on 09 August 2012 at 1:22pm
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Posted: 09 August 2012 at 1:19pm · IP Logged |
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Alpha-H Newbie
Joined: 01 June 2009
Posts: 3
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You're welcome! I hope it helps.
I just finished typing a very detailed post on the right products and skincare regime here but accidentally pressed back and it vanished! argh.
I'll just try to remember what I wrote..
Well it's been some time since my last post and since then, I've learned alot more about the skin and acne from working with clients with moderate to severe acne.
On the first treatment, i usually ask them to bring all the products they are using at home and also to tell me what their skincare routines are at home. I was taken aback with the sheer number of various different brands of products used all at once and the way these products were being used.
I have found myself eliminating almost all but one in some cases as these were simply not suitable and in fact, were adding to the problem
To simplify, Here's a rundown of what an ideal anti acne regime should include
FIRST, STICK WITH ONE BRAND
Cleanser
Mild, non lathering antibacterial cleanser
Use
Very gently on skins with cysts and pustules. No rubbing and about the size of a 10 cent coin is sufficient. Over cleansing dries the skin and increases oil activity. Keep a small clean towel for dabbing the face dry and change it every 2 days. DO NOT use your bath towel to wipe your face. Cleanse 3 times a day to break the cycle of acne buildup that if left untreated, will result in infections
Toner (only if the brand you use is recommending it)
Non alcohol, anti bacterial and soothing to remove traces of excess cleanser on the skin.
Use
With a cotton wool, gently wipe, no pressure. Avoid skin lotions that promise hydration and radiance, save that for later when acne is no longer the issue
Treatment product
Instead of a regular moisturizer, keep this part for a treatment gel or lotion that has peeling agents, antibacterial and soothing ingredients. Skin cells turnover in acne skins is high which results in clogging and bacteria overload. Redness usually follows so soothing ingredients is a must.
Moisturizer
People with acne should stay away from lotions or creams that hydrate, even ones for oily skins that are supposedly oil free. Hydrate the skin with pure aloe vera gel or spritz evian on the skin throughout the day.
Pimple gel
Large cysts and pustules need extra help that a pimple gel can offer in concentrated form. Avoid at all costs the following
Products that contain Benzoyl Peroxide, leaves behind dark marks and is a know carcinogen.
Oxy 5, 10 etc or any other brand with this ingredient
Pure Tea Tree oil usually from Body shop
Great for rapid healing of cuts, abrasions and scratches but NOT for pimples which need to heal at a slower rate to allow white blood cells to lay down new cells and remove dead tissue resulting in a smooth, scarless heal. I've seen pimples healed so fast by Benzoyl Peroxide and tea treee, it left behind a hard bump with skin over it.
Daily or weekly
Clay mask to pull out infections and to apply in a thin layer overnight to absorb excess oil and control bacterial production so pimples are not allowed to form while you're sleeping
In conclusion, I say to those dealing with this difficult skin condition, don't give up. Find a good dermatologist/doctor/facialist to analyse your skin and put you on a good regime. Be patient, I have cleared acne for some in 4 weeks and yet others need 12 weeks and more but this came about because we worked together and they followed the treatment plan to a T. Do not jump from treatment to treatment too quickly. Stay the course.
One last thing, if your skincare routine is not working and breakouts keep forming, you may want to add Hakubi B supplement. I have seen very good results with new acne clearing or reducing within the first month. If you have an existing health condition or on medication, check with your doctor before taking any supplements.
Edited by Alpha-H on 12 September 2012 at 12:38pm
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Posted: 11 September 2012 at 11:03pm · IP Logged |
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olaf Moderator
ShoppingLifestyle Spree HostJoined: 03 April 2004
Posts: 24130
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oxybenzone is a sunscreen ingredient. i believe you meant to say benzoyl peroxide instead? bp is the active ingredient in eg. oxy5. if so, please edit your post accordingly.
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Posted: 12 September 2012 at 2:28am · IP Logged |
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Alpha-H Newbie
Joined: 01 June 2009
Posts: 3
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You are correct, Olaf, that's what I meant to say. The post has been edited. Thanks for that!
olaf wrote:
| oxybenzone is a sunscreen ingredient. i believe you meant to say benzoyl peroxide instead? bp is the active ingredient in eg. oxy5. if so, please edit your post accordingly. |
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Posted: 12 September 2012 at 12:42pm · IP Logged |
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