Beat Breakouts This Summer

As we all adjust to life with COVID-19, we must also adjust to life with face masks. Although necessary to inhibit the spread of the virus, they also can cause redness, irritation, and increased acne breakouts — even in adults with otherwise blemish-free skin. 

Acne is caused by clogged pores; this clog begins with dead skin cells and sebum oil. Sebum oil is a naturally occurring oil that keeps the skin from drying out. When the dead skin cells shed, instead of rising to the surface, the sebum oil keeps the cells trapped in the pore, which leads to bacteria, thus leading to what we call acne. Inside the pore, the bacteria have the perfect opportunity to multiply quickly leading to inflammation. 

There are four different types of acne to be aware of: whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, and pustules, all with different levels of concern ranging from mild to severe. 

Types of Acne

Whiteheads:  A form of acne that can occur on the face, back, chest and neck, it is a closed skin pore clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.

Blackheads: A form of acne that is caused when an open skin pore is clogged and oxygen gets in. This causes the oil to turn gray or black, which is where they get their name. 

Cysts: An inflamed, large, pus-filled pimple that opens up very deep in the skin and can be painful.

Pustules: A small red bump or blister on the skin containing pus.

Levels of Acne

Mild: Consists of mostly whiteheads and blackheads, possibly includes the presence of a few pustules.

Moderate: Consists of a plethora of whiteheads and blackheads, with many pustules present.

Severe: Consists of many large and often painful pustules and/or cysts.

Treat it

Leaving acne alone to heal on its own may seem like the best solution, but in reality, this can lead to dark spots and permanent scars once the blemish clears. Finding a consistent method to take care of your skin is an important step.

• Be sure to cleanse your face once or twice a day with warm water and a mild cleanser. While it can be tempting to use aggressive scrubs and hard washcloths, this can end up inflaming the acne more and irritating the skin further. 

• Try HydraFacial! The 30-minute treatment uses patented technology to cleanse, extract, and hydrate. When you add on a HydraFacial super serum to enhance the treatment, you can expect break-outs to be a thing of the past.

• Remember not all products are made equal and should be used together, sometimes this can have adverse effects on your complexion. Talk to an expert at a trusted Medical Spa, like the professionals at ALDA Aesthetics, to get you on the correct recommended products for your skin goals.

Still need help finding the right treatment? ALDA is here to help. We’re prepared and trained to help you find your best skin solution. Don’t let insecurity keep you from enjoying your summer. Set up an appointment today; we’ll be waiting for your call: (781) 826-5400.