With the pandemic, many people have finally managed to take some time to implement a skincare routine. Since you are stuck at home on a Friday night, going extra with your skincare routine feels right: a date with your face. Or you finally took on that daily SPF goal, even though you haven’t seen the sun in a while. Or maybe you are taking a few more minutes after the bath and putting your facial masks into play. In one way or another, you have a clear conscience: you are taking good care of your skin. So why is your skin so resentful with acne then? What are the types of acne and what’s the best treatment for each?
Trust me, you are not alone: there is a phenomenon of adult acne happening during quarantine. Pimples proliferate at the speed of light and the overall texture of the skin shows it. What’s going on? Stress. Stress is what is happening. And your skin, as always, is responding to it.
When you experience stress, your body produces a corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) that binds to receptors in the sebaceous glands, which leads to an increase in oil production. For women, it hits harder: there is also an increase of androgens, that can trigger a process of higher sebum production. Combine these two factors and you get the break-out you are seeing in the mirror.
So, for all adults frustrated by recurring blemishes, we created a quick guide so you can learn more about the 4 most common types of acne and the correct skincare approach to overcome them.
Types of Acne
Cystic Acne
Cystic acne grows into deep and painful lumps. It is a pore inflammation beneath the skin surface, composed of oil, bacteria, skin fragments, and sometimes even pus. |
To help with it, wash your face with a cleanser containing exfoliants like glycolic acid. And, before bedtime, apply a retinoid base cream. Depending on the severity and recurrence of your cystic acne, you might consider laser therapy or peel treatments.
Whiteheads
It all starts with sebum plugs that block a pore or hair follicle. Whiteheads are commonly found in the T-zone region (forehead, nose, and chin) because that area has more sebaceous glands. |
Once a day, cleanse the affected area with a gentle exfoliator and add to your facial routine products that contain ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids.
Blackheads
It’s very similar to whiteheads, but with blackheads the sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells were exposed to air and oxidized, turning darker. They are also very common in the T-Zone and temples. |
Salicylic Acid also helps to clear out the pores. And since a blackhead does not have a thin layer of skin over it, as a whitehead does, facial clay masks are an ally to scrub trapped material and encourage cell turnover.
Body Blemishes
Blemishes are more common on the back and shoulders. Causes are similar to other acne, but sweat plays a major factor here too. Many women experience breakouts under the bras and bra-straps. |
Wear more breathable fabrics, particularly when exercising. Also, include in your routine a benzoyl peroxide cleanser. Preferably after the shower, to get rid of blemish-causing bacteria.
While we encourage you to be on top of your skin health, you should always seek professional guidance to check and treat any harmful skin conditions. It is important to have an Esthetician or Dermatologist that helps you build and customize a regimen in every chapter of your life, pandemics included. Book a consultation at StudioMD and have your face ready under the mask.