Lifestyle

The Complete Guide to Acne – Scars, Types, Treatment, and Recipes

2 Comments / Hair, Lifestyle, Skin / By Tamara

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Acne is the most common skin condition in the world, it can happen to anyone. It is a skin condition that affects most people at some point in their lives.

The most common cause of acne is the formation of pore-clogging oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This mixture can lead to an inflammatory response that may be visible on the skin surface as redness, swelling, or pus-filled bumps. Another cause for this condition is puberty because hormones result in an increase in oil production in your body which can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

Acne treatment options are plentiful, but not all treatments work for everyone. They can be divided into – medical treatments (prescriptions), and over-the-counter treatments, choosing the right treatment will depend on the type of acne you have, however, you can visit a dermatologist.

Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing advice. With that being said, let’s dive right in!

What are Acne Scars and What Causes Them?

It is important for you to know the different types of acne scars so you can better understand your options for treatment.

Acne scars are a result of inflammation in the skin. They are often caused by picking at pimples or blackheads, which causes the pimple to spread under the skin and create a raised bump or nodule that takes much longer to heal than if it was left untouched.

This occurs when the engorged pore or follicle swells and causes a break in the follicle wall. Superficial wounds that are closer to the skin’s surface tend to heal quickly and without leaving any scars behind. However, when the wound damages the second layer of the skin (dermis), scars form on the skin.

The greater and deeper the inflammation, the more likely scarring is to occur. In order for the skin to repair the damage done to the dermis, collagen is produced. This protein is what gives the skin its flexibility and strength.

The Different Types of Acne Scars

Acne scars generally come in two main categories; atrophic and hypertrophic. Atrophic scars are those caused by a loss of tissue, and hypertrophic are those caused by an excess of tissue. Among these two categories, there are 4 types of scars; ice-pick scars, boxcar scars, rolling scars, and keloid scars.

Ice-pick Scars

These scars are deep and narrow, they’re so deep that they sometimes pierce the skin and go down to the level of the dermis, which means that they can’t be treated with topical treatments like retinoids or lasers.

They can also be difficult to conceal with makeup.

Treatments

There are a few treatment options for treating or removing ice-pick scars.

The most effective treatments are the best scar treatments and they include punch excision and punch grafting.

Punch excision is where scar tissues are removed surgically using a tool called: the punch tool, and then followed by stitching the skin.

Punch grafting, the second most effective scar treatment involves removing the scarred tissue and replacing it with a new skin graft taken from the back of the ear.

Boxcar Scars

Boxcar scars look like round or oval depressions in the skin with sharp vertical sides and give an uneven appearance to the skin.

Just like icepick scars, deeper scars are harder to treat than shallow ones.

Treatments

Scar removal treatments vary depending on the size of the scar, how deep it is, and its location.

Microdermabrasion is a superficial treatment that treats the top layer of the skin.

Dermabrasion is similar to microdermabrasion but works deeper by removing the whole top layer of the skin. It is most effective on shallow scars, not deep ones.

Fillers are used to fill the space under the scar and make the skin appear level and smooth.

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to treat scars. It can also be used to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity.

The procedure consists of using a controlled device with multiple rows of needles that are passed over the surface of the skin. This process stimulates collagen production, which can help with scarring and elasticity. This procedure is done by a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon and it usually takes about 15 minutes. The microneedles will puncture the surface of the skin, but they won’t go deep enough to cause any damage to the underlying tissue or create scars.

Rolling Scars

These scars are wider than ice-pick scars but not as deep. They have a smooth surface and blend well with makeup but they cannot be completely concealed by it either. They make the skin look craggy and uneven.

Treatments

Scar removal treatments are various, some examples are subcision, punch excision, punch elevation, punch grafting, dermabrasion, microneedling, and chemical peels, to name a few.

The goal of these treatments is to reduce the depth of the scar so that the surface of the skin returns flat, although discoloration might occur.

Keloid/Hypertrophic Scars

These scars are firm, raised scars that grow above the surface of the skin, this is the result of excess production of collagen. Keloid scars typically are larger than hypertrophic scars and have the potential to be painful and itchy.

Treatments

If the keloid scar is relatively new, less-invasive treatments are recommended, such as silicone pads, pressure dressings, or injections. If the scar is an older one, laser treatments are one way to address it. The goal of this treatment is for the keloid to resurface and create a smoother appearance. The most effective treatment is cryosurgery, where the keloid is frozen using liquid nitrogen.

The bottom line is, that the best acne scar treatments for you will depend on your skin type and the severity of your acne scar.

Acne Treatments

Before you make your purchase, it is important to consider what type of acne you have and what your personal preferences are. There are many different types of treatments available today, so finding one that works best for you may take some time and patience, but it will be worth it in the end.

Treatment options depend on your age, skin type, acne severity, and type of acne. Acne can be treated using topical treatments, oral medications, or laser therapy.

Topical treatments include benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and salicylic acid.

Oral medications include antibiotics and hormonal therapy. They work by reducing oil production or by treating bacterial infections in the body, two of the many causes of acne.

Laser therapy includes pulsed dye laser or intense pulsed light therapy.

Acne Treatment Side Effects

Acne treatments come with side effects. The most common side effects of acne treatments include dryness, redness, and peeling of the skin. These side effects usually subside after the first few weeks of treatment. Another common side effect is the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, which may cause redness and dryness.

7 Things You Can Do To Treat Acne

Exfoliate regularly. Exfoliating is an extremely important step in any skincare routine because it gives you a clean slate to work on. Exfoliating your skin regularly (1-2 times a week) will remove dead skin cells and any excess oils found on your skin.
Exercise daily. Daily exercise will help improve blood circulation in the body thus helping nourish the skin and healing acne.
Tea tree oil spot treatment. This holy grail essential oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics which calm the skin’s irritation.
Fish oil supplements. Fish oil has a blend of healthy fats that reduce acne by decreasing inflammation.
Cut back on dairy. Eating less dairy will reduce acne-related hormonal changes.
Reduce stress. Stress increases inflammation in the body, reducing stress will balance hormones and reduce inflammation.
Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps reduce the redness and swelling that is caused by acne.

3 Natural DIY Recipes That Help Treat Acne

Exfoliating scrub: Mix 1 cup of brown sugar with ½ cup of ground coffee and 2 tbsp carrier oil of your choice. Optional: You can add a few drops of tea tree oil to add an antibacterial property to the scrub.
Oil-controlling face mask: Mix 1 tbsp of honey with enough oatmeal to create a paste. Apply for 10-15 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water.
Hydrating face mask: Mix ¼ cup of honey with half an avocado and ½ cup of yogurt. Apply for 15-20 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water.

DIY recipes are endless. You need to choose what works for you and your skin type, oily skin, dry skin, or sensitive skin.

4 Foods That Cause Acne

Sugar
Dairy
Bread
Oil

…and the list goes on!

Foods That Help Clear Acne

A proper diet that contains tons of vitamins and minerals is always healthy, but it is especially for people with acne.

Vitamins and minerals help reduce inflammation in the body and increase antioxidants. Here are some ingredients that are healthy and good for clearing acne.

Of course, it goes without saying, water is the most important one and should be consumed daily.

Spinach
Green tea
Avocado
Salmon
Carrots
Berries

eat better, not less!

Get Rid of Acne Quickly With These Effective Tips

Proper skincare routine. A proper skincare routine is important for preventing acne breakouts. It includes washing your face twice daily, once in the morning and once at night using the proper face wash for your skin type. Moisturizing immediately after washing. Applying face masks and exfoliating regularly.
Pat dry. After washing your face, use a tissue and pat your face dry to avoid any harsh friction, instead of rubbing your face dry with a towel.
Do not pick on/touch your pimples. Picking at your pimples or touching them frequently will, first of all, inflame the pimple, and second of all, spread the bacteria to different areas of your body.
Follow a healthy diet. Diet does not mean starving yourself, it rather means having a healthy food routine with a balanced portion of vitamins and minerals. A healthy balanced diet will keep your skin nourished and healthy.
Use OTC treatments. Over-the-counter treatments are an affordable way to help keep your acne at bay.

Skincare Routine For Men

Hair, Lifestyle, Skin / By Tamara

Introduction: The Importance of Skincare For Men

Skincare is not just a women’s thing. Men should care about their skin too! This is why we have made this article for you to get on a skincare routine for men!

With the rise of social media, men are starting to realize the importance of skincare routine and now they are finally catching up with the trend. The main reason for this change is the awareness of how important skin health is and what it can do for your appearance.

A man in the barbershop shaving his beard — Photo by Maria Orlova from Pexels

Skincare is a part of self-care and it has been proven to have a positive impact on your mental health as well. Men who take care of their skin will not only look better but they will also feel better too!

It’s no longer about just shaving or going to the barbershop, but also taking care of your skin, which is one of the most important parts of your body.

Follow along to start your skincare routine today!

How To Have a Set Skincare Routine For Men

Starting a new skincare routine for men can be a bit confusing in the beginning, but once you find what works for you, everything becomes easier.

The key is finding the right products that suit your skin type and have ingredients that will benefit your skin. It should be easy to use and it can be done in less than 10 minutes every day.

A guy with a face mask on for acne — Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

Step 1: Facial Cleanser

We all know that you have been using hand soap as a facial wash, but let us pretend that this never happened and move on for the sake of our sanity!

Using a facial cleanser should be a regular step before starting and after ending your day. The goal is to use a facial cleanser that is suitable for your skin type.

A man washing his face with a facial cleanser — Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels

If you have dry skin, then you should use a cleanser with moisturizing ingredients.

If you have oily skin, then you should use a gel cleanser with oil-controlling ingredients.

If you have sensitive skin, then you should avoid cleansers that have fragrances and alcohol.

It is important to use the right technique when cleansing the face.

Gently wet your hands with warm water and massage the cleanser into your hands before applying it to your face. You should not rub dry but pat dry with a soft tissue not a towel as this can cause micro-tears in the skin which will lead to inflammation and breakouts.

Step 2: Eye Cream

A guy in the bathroom looking at himself in the mirror while applying an eye cream mask treatment — Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

The first place men typically notice signs of aging, is around the eyes, but eye creams can help with that.

The skin around the eye is thinner than the skin on the rest of your face, so it’s important to apply eye cream with concentrated ingredients to keep it moisturized.

In general, you should apply eye cream every morning and every evening. The best time to apply it is after cleansing your face and before you go to bed. You can also put some on during the day if you’re feeling dry or tired-looking.

There are a few things that you need to know about how to use eye cream:

Start by cleansing your face and patting it dry with a paper towel.
Apply eye cream in a clockwise motion starting from the inner corner of your eye and working your way outwards.
Use the tip of your ring finger or pinky finger to apply the product gently around the delicate area near the eyelid.
Apply as many times as you need throughout the day to keep your eyes hydrated.

Step 3: Moisturizer

Moisturizing is important for everyone, and it is especially important for men because their skin is thicker and oilier than women’s.

Moisturizing the skin on your face is essential to maintain a healthy appearance and feel, it can also help with preventing breakouts and conditions like eczema.

You should use moisturizers every day to keep your skin looking healthy and youthful. You should also use a moisturizer after shaving to protect the newly exposed skin.

There are many different brands of moisturizers on the market specifically for men. Some brands are designed to be used in conjunction with shaving cream, while others are designed to be used alone.

A guy applying face cream on his cheeks and forehead — Photo by August de Richelieu from Pexels

How to apply a moisturizer:

Apply a pea-sized amount onto the back of your hand. (Sometimes a little goes a long way, so don’t squeeze out too much).
Start by applying small dots onto different areas of your face.
Blend the face cream by gently massaging your face in an upward, circular motion.
Consider applying face cream on your neck too as it tends to show signs of aging fast.

Step 4: SPF

A man applying SPF sunscreen on his face in the beach to show how to protect men's skin. — Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels

Sunscreen is an important part of your skin care routine. It protects you from the sun’s harmful UV rays and reduces the risk of skin cancer. Applying SPF is a vital step to preventing skin damage and premature aging.

The SPF (sun protection factor) indicates how well a sunscreen will protect your skin from UVB rays, which cause sunburns and the most common form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma. The higher the SPF number, the more protection you are getting from UVB rays.

There are 2 types of sunscreen: chemical and physical blockers. Chemical blockers contain organic compounds which absorb UV radiation in order to prevent it from reaching your skin cells; Physical blockers work by deflecting or reflecting the sun’s rays away from your body, as a mirror does.

Apply SPF on all parts of your body that are exposed to the sun, including ears, nose, back of the knees, and shoulders.

7 Pro Tips on How to Save Money In Your Skincare Routine

Do you want your skin to be healthy? Do you want it to glow? Are you also on a budget and don’t have the money to go and buy every single product in the market that will change your skin for the better and make your life a whole lot easier?

Well, you’re not alone!

We, too, want healthy-looking skin with a glow that will make it seem as if we had our life together.

Here are 7 tips on how to save money on your skin:

Protect your skin now by applying SPF on a daily basis so you won’t have to pay for pricey treatments later on.
Know your skin type so you won’t have to fix the mistakes of applying the wrong face cream to your face.(For e.g.: if you have sensitive skin and apply a face cream with harsh ingredients, then you’ll have to buy another face cream while also having to buy an ointment to heal the rash).
Limit the number of steps in your skincare routine so you won’t have to buy a whole lot of products.
Apply products as required and do not apply excessively so as not to finish the products quickly.
If possible, get your hands on samples before buying the actual-sized product in order for you to know if it suits your skin, thus saving money.
Get enough sleep so your skin can look well-rested.
Drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated.

Remember that it can take up to two weeks for a new product to work its way into your skin and make it look better but be patient, it will happen!

Happy Glowing!