DIFFERENT TYPES OF ACNE || HOW THE PRODUCT AKNE HELPS COMBAT ACNE  

By Kanishka Suri

What is Acne?

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition caused by dead skin cells and sebum clogging up the hair follicles. This can cause a multitude of different conditions on the skin like clogged pores, blackheads, and whiteheads. Acne can be a result of hormonal changes, puberty, oily skin, and diet.

Hormonal acne affects both men and women resulting from androgen imbalance. It is more commonly seen in women, pregnant women and women going to menopause. Hormonal acne responds well to adaptogens ( those that alter hormone levels) as the root cause is addressed. Topical treatments like Akne help minimize the future breakouts,  blemishes and severity of breakouts in the treatment process. 

What Are the Different Types of Acne?

Acne can appear in different forms which are caused by different triggers, they are similar in being caused due to clogged hair follicles that will form a bump on the skin. Below are the different types of Acne and their identifications and why they maybe caused, all of the below acne forms mostly will appear on the face but can also appear in other parts of the body such as neck, shoulders and back. The specificbacteria implicated in the pathogenesis of acne is Cutibacterium acnes.

Forms of Acne

  • Black Heads

Black heads are small projections on the skin that appear black in color, as to why they are called black heads. They are the result of clogged hair follicles, oils and dead skin cells collected in the opening causing it to be clogged. This bump is known as a comedone. If the comedone does not get exposed to air and the opening is closed it is known as a whitehead, If the opening gets exposed to air the dark coloring will appear, resulting in a black head.

  • Papules

There are two main types of acne bumps. They are papules and pustules. Papules are small red or pink bumps that become inflamed. Papules are the formation of acne under the skin. Later on papules become pustules. Papules are deeper under the skin. Papules are more solid acne bumps and have no pus in the acne head. 

  • Pustules

Pustules are fluid or pus filled acne bumps that are on top of the skin. They are more likely to be seen and appear on the outermost layer of the epidermis. Oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria are all factors in causing pustules. Pustules occur when the walls of the pore begin to break down. Pustules tend to be bigger than white and black heads. 

  • Fungal Acne

Fungal acne is the most common one that is misdiagnosed as acne since it looks like it but it isn’t acne at all. Fungal acne  or otherwise known as Malassezia Folliculitis is a fungus that traps yeast in your skin and causes small, red itchy bumps. This also causes dandruff. This yeast is naturally found on your skin but can overproduce in the type of climate you live in. Malassezia is most commonly overproduced in humid climates. 

  • Nodules

Nodules are an extreme case of acne. These bumps are deep underground in your skin. This type of bump is not pus filled and is more solid than the cyst. A type of bacteria called cutibacterium acnes becomes trapped under the skin leading to inflammation and infection.​ They can be a result of hormonal changes

  • Cyst

Cystic acne is a type of  inflammatory acne that causes painful, pus filled pimples deep under the skin. Cystic acne is the most severe type of acne and is the most likely to leave scars. Cystic acne is caused when bacteria, dead skin cells, and sebum gets trapped beneath the surface of the skin causing an infection to lead to cystic acne.

How is AKNE Helpful In the Prevention and Betterment of Acne?

Akne is a plant based serum that is inclusive to all skin types and ages. It contains botanical extracts that are bountiful in flavonoids and other phytocompounds, that help reduce common problems of acne such as inflammation, even tone of skin, and redness. It also assists in avoiding prevalent factors that typically cause acne. Akne is a serum that is not only beneficial in managing acne, but also helps with moisturizing the skin for a better appearance, that gives you the natural glow of your skin back with use over time. It contains ingredients that work together to reduce and combat typical acne problems such as  breakouts, blemishes, redness, oiliness, skin texture, and hydration. While helping the skin combat acne, akne serum also helps teh skin combat the changes and stress it goes thrugh because of age and pollution.

Some tips on to manage acne

  1. Use a cleanser that is salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide based on your skin type ( gel or foaming type )
  2. Cleanse your face daily and pat dry
  3. Use non comedogenic, and fragrance free products
  4. Use a light moisturizer
  5. Use a mineral sunscreen of SPF 30 at least when needed.
  6. High glycemic foods tend to trigger acne. Try to sugars and high glycemic foods
  7. Maintain a food diary to identify any food triggers – eg daily, sugar, gluten are some common triggers
  8. Do not pick or squeeze pimples as they will leave a scar
  9. Increasing consumption of vitamins, A, D, E and zinc can help clear acne