How To Treat Every Type of Acne (Comedones, Nodules, Cysts)

Summary

This video offers a comprehensive guide on understanding and treating different types of acne. It explains the causes of acne, categorizing it into inflammatory and non-inflammatory types. The video also discusses the importance of proper skincare routines, including the use of exfoliants like salicylic acid, balancing oil quality through diet, and maintaining the skin's pH. Additionally, it provides tips on managing severe acne and emphasizes the need to consult professionals for advanced treatments. The goal is to empower viewers to take control of their skin health.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Acne is a complex issue with varying levels, causes, and treatment methods.
• 🔍 Acne types are categorized into inflammatory (papules, pustules, nodules, cysts) and non-inflammatory (open and closed comedones, blackheads, whiteheads) acne.
• 📍 The root causes of acne include clogged pores, poor oil quality, and an imbalanced skin pH level.
• 🛠️ Effective acne treatment involves exfoliation with salicylic acid, regulating oil flow, and maintaining a balanced skin pH.
• 🚫 Avoid physical scrubs and cleansers with salicylic acid alone, as they are not effective for deep exfoliation.
• 🍽️ Improving oil quality can be achieved by increasing essential fatty acids in the diet or through supplementation.
• 💊 For severe acne, consider professional treatments like chemical peels or consult a dermatologist for oral retinoids.
• 🧴 A proper skincare routine includes cleansing, toning, exfoliating, moisturizing, and applying SPF for daytime.
• 🔬 Skin purging is common when starting a new acne treatment; it involves temporary worsening before improvement.
• ⏱️ Patience and consistency are key in acne treatment, and professional guidance can be sought if acne persists after 4 months of self-care.

Q & A

What are the two main categories of acne?

The two main categories of acne are inflammatory acne and non-inflammatory acne.

What are the different types of non-inflammatory acne?

Non-inflammatory acne includes open and closed comedones, which are blackheads and whiteheads.

How does the presence of oil and UV light affect the formation of blackheads?

The oil plug can oxidize from UV light exposure and turn into a blackhead, which is essentially a plug of oil that has oxidized and darkened at the top of the hair follicle.

What are the two levels of inflammatory acne and what types of acne do they include?

Inflammatory acne is divided into two levels: Level two includes papules and pustules, while level three includes nodules and cysts.

Why do papules and pustules occur in the skin?

Papules and pustules occur when there is a blockage further down the hair follicle within the epidermis, leading to a lack of oxygen and an environment where acne bacteria thrive, causing infection.

What is the difference between papules and pustules?

Papules are small, red bumps without pus, while pustules are similar to papules but contain pus.

Why are nodules and cysts considered more severe forms of acne?

Nodules and cysts are more severe because they are blockages deep within the skin, close to the dermis, and can lead to significant scarring if the collagen and elastin are damaged.

What are the three main factors that cause acne?

The three main factors that cause acne are clogged pores, poor oil quality, and an imbalanced skin pH.

How can you improve the quality of your skin's oil?

Improving the quality of your skin's oil can be achieved by increasing essential fatty acids in your diet, such as through avocados, fish, and nuts, or by taking supplements.

What is the recommended pH range for healthy skin and why is it important?

The recommended pH range for healthy skin is between 4.5 and 6.5. This slightly acidic environment helps keep the skin free from bacteria and maintains a strong immune response.

What are the key ingredients recommended for treating acne?

Key ingredients recommended for treating acne include salicylic acid for exfoliation, vitamin B3 (niacinamide) for balancing skin pH, and retinol (vitamin A) for regulating oil production and preventing scarring.

Why is it important to consult a skin professional for severe acne or acne scarring?

Consulting a skin professional is important for severe acne or acne scarring because they can provide advanced treatments like chemical peels, micro-needling, and may recommend oral medications like retinoids for effective treatment.