June 2022 – Page 2 – intelbeauty

Blackheads and Whiteheads

What are Blackheads?

Blackheads are small, slightly raised lesions with dark tips that appear on the skin. They are made of oxidized melanin and not trapped dirt. They are more common on the face and neck. They are usually a feature of acne not a kind of pimple. They are not inflammatory. They also have a lower texture than pimples.Squeezing or scrubbing at blackheads can make them worse. To reduce blackheads, avoid oil-based skin care products, humid environments, tight clothes, and skin products that contain alcohol. They tend to appear when hormones lead to the increased production of sebum, an oily substance, by the glands under the skin.

Causes of blackheads :

Increased sebum production.
Abnormal formation of keratin.
Increased hormones (androgen).
An increased presence of bacteria on skin that causes acne.

What are Whiteheads?

Whiteheads occur when pores become clogged with a buildup of bacteria and sebaceous material. They are Small, but firm, and white or yellow in color. They Tend to turn into pimples if untreated. They close the opening of a pore. Whiteheads are also known as close comedones. They occur with acne, often on the face, chest and back. They typically affect teenagers and young adults.

Causes of whiteheads

increased sebum production and shedding cells in the hair follicles.
Androgen hormones, also known as reproductive hormones, play a role, which explains why acne is widespread in puberty.

Treatments for whiteheads and blackheads

If you get blackheads you have plenty of methods to treat them. There are also ways to prevent new ones from forming. Picking, squeezing, and popping blackheads aren’t among your options. That approach could make your situation a lot worse. Certain chemical ingredients can help you remove whiteheads and blackheads. Here are some of the most effective ones:

Salicylic acid
Azelaic acid
Benzoyl peroxide
Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives)
Oral antibiotics
Microdermabrasion
Chemical peels
Laser skin resurfacing

Papules and Pustules

What are acne papules?

Acne papules are solid, inflamed bumps that are usually cone-shaped. They are red or pink, they don’t have a yellow or white center of pus. Most papules become pustules after few days. face, neck, back, chest, shoulders and upper arms are most likely to develop papules.

What causes acne papules?

An increased presence of oil (sebaceous) glands.
An increased presence of bacteria on your skin.
An increased presence of androgens, which are a group of sex hormones. They help start puberty and play a role in reproductive health and body development. All people have androgens, but people assigned male at birth make more of them. Testosterone is the most common androgen.
Some medications, including corticosteroids and anabolic steroids.

Treatment for acne papules:

Azelaic acid: This is a natural acid found in grains. It kills microorganisms on your skin and reduces swelling.
Benzoyl peroxide: This is available as an over-the-counter product as a leave-on gel or as a wash. It targets surface bacteria, which often aggravate papules. Lower concentrations and wash formulations are less irritating to your skin. Irritation is a common side effect.
Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives): Retinoids, break down papules and help prevent pores from clogging. You may notice skin discoloration, dryness or peeling.
Salicylic acid: This is available for papules as a prescription cleanser or lotion. It helps remove the top layer of damaged skin. Salicylic acid dissolves dead skin cells to prevent clogging of hair follicles.
Antibiotics: Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic pills that you swallow with water. Effective prescriptions include a tetracycline or a macrolide.
Anti-androgens: Anti-androgens block the effects of androgens, which are sex hormones that may make acne papules worse.
Dapsone: This is a topical gel that has antibacterial properties.
Oral contraceptives: Oral contraceptives, can help treat acne papules.

Oral contraceptives: Oral contraceptives, can help treat acne papules.

What are acne pustules?

Pustules appear red bumps with white centers. They are hard and often tender to the touch. In many cases, the skin around the pustules is red or inflamed. Acne and folliculitis are common causes of pustules. Pustules contain pus because the body is fighting with bacteria and dirt.

Pus is a natural product of the immune system, which consists of dead white blood cells. Pustules can occur anywhere, but they are more common on oily parts of body like face and neck.

Treatment for pustules:

salicylic acid
sulfur
peroxide

You can prevent papules and pustules by washing your face and the parts of your body which are prone to pimples. And you shouldn’t use products contain oils. The oil can clog the pores and cause pustules.

The role of BHAs in skin care

BHA stands for beta hydroxy acid. It’s oil-soluble, meaning it loves oil, and it’s an exfoliating acid. Technically, there’s only one kind of BHA: salicylic acid.”

Chances are you’ve seen salicylic acid in the ingredients list for an acne product, since it’s great for busting breakouts as it penetrates the skin very deeply. Salicylic acid exfoliates by removing dead skin cells, which is why it’s often suggested for complexions that need more exfoliation as well as for treating acne and oily skin. Through exfoliation with acids, you can rid yourself of those topical things you see happen to the skin, such as breakouts, clogged pores, blackheads and whiteheads. Over time, salicylic acid will decrease oil secretion as well as reduce redness and inflammation.

How often should you use products with BHA?

It absolutely first and foremost depends on skin type, and the BHA in the product. The general rule is you only want to exfoliate two to three times a week for skin that isn’t experiencing breakouts or oil. If your skin struggles with acne or excess oil, you can use a lower percentage of BHA every day to clear skin of debris, excess oil, dirt and makeup. Specifically, 1% or 2% salicylic acid is often gentle enough to use every single day for the purpose of treating acne or a breakout. Products with higher percentages of BHAs, such as peels, are designed to be used once a week.

BHAs can be found in a range of skincare products.

There are several categories where BHAs are useful, in cleansers of course, as well as products that stay on skin, including topical treatments like toners, serums, or spot treatments.

BHAs and AHAs often appear together, but don’t make the mistake of thinking they’re the same thing. AHAs—alpha hydroxy acids—are also exfoliating acids, but there are several key differences:

BHAs are organic compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.
BHA stands for beta hydroxy acid.
They help new skin cells replace old ones.
BHAs are oil-soluble.
They exfoliate the top layer of skin and dissolve excess sebum, found in congested pores.
BHAs can help soothe inflammation specially sensitive skin or rosacea, … .
They reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the skin and improve the skin’s texture.
Because they are oil-soluble, they mostly preferred for normal to oily skin that’s prone to bumps, clogs, blemishes, and enlarged pores.

BHAs include:

salicylic acid
beta-hydroxybutanoic acid
tropic acid
trethocanic acid

the BHA most commonly used in cosmetics is salicylic acid.

Benefits:

Treat Acne
Treat Fungal Infections
Deep Exfoliation

Side Effects of BHAs

Skin Irritation
Dryness
Redness And Burning

The rule of AHAs in skin care

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids are water-soluble acids derived from fruits and plants. They’re considered a chemical exfoliant, which means that they use chemicals — aka acids or enzymes — to buff away dead skin cells. AHAs cause controlled trauma to the skin, leading to quicker cell turnover. That process will result in less hyperpigmentation and more even-toned skin.

AHAs offer almost instant gratification” and they’re suitable for someone who wants to “refresh” their skin. However, as with most skincare ingredients and especially exfoliants, AHAs have their downsides, including possible sun sensitivity, peeling and itching. Overall, this means that you’ll need to be extra diligent about slathering on sunscreen no matter the season or whether you’re inside and working from home or heading off on a socially distanced run outdoors.

Summery of AHAs:

They are a group of acids that occur naturally in fruits, sugar cane, and milk.
They are used in a variety of skincare products.
They are used as exfoliants to remove dead skin cells
They are loosening the top layer of old skin cells by breaking down the gluey substance that keeps skin cells joined together. This encourages the skin to grow more cells, increasing cell turnover.
AHAs include daily anti-aging products, such as serums, toners, and creams, as well as occasional concentrated treatments via chemical peels.

Types of AHAs:

malic acid
citric acid
tartaric acid
lactic acid
glycolic acid

lactic acid and glycolic acid are the most well-known AHAs.

Benefits of AHAs:

prevent acne
brighten your skin
increase product absorption
promote collagen and blood flow
correct discoloration from scars and age spots
improve appearance of surface lines and wrinkles

AHA treatment:

acne
scars
melasma (brown or gray patches of skin)
hyperpigmentation (patches of darker skin)
roughness
age spots
seborrhea (rash with red and itchy spots and white scales)