Acne & Problem Skin – Here’s the Secret To Real Relief

Does this sound familiar? You’ve tried hundreds of acne treatment products, but clear skin still eludes you.  Relax, the problem isn’t you – it’s knowing your specific acne type. Knowing your specific acne type will help you identify which specific acne treatments work best for each acne type.  
So, clear skin is on its way.

Whether you are a teen or adult, there are many types of acne – non-inflammatory acne, inflammatory acne,  hormonal acne, blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, cysts, acne mechanica – just knowing which type of acne and grade (severity of acne)  you have is the first step in real acne relief. Here’s a list of the different types of acne, four grades that measure acne severity – and the best way to treat it.  

The 4 General Grades of Acne & How To Treat Them:

Grade 1: Mild Acne

You have mild acne if you have:

• Oily skin
• Blackheads & Whiteheads – fewer than 20
• Pimples – generally on the nose & forehead – fewer than 30 lesions
• No skin inflammation

If not treated, mild acne can progress to moderate acne, so it’s important to get mild acne under control before it gets more serious.

Most doctors recommend over the counter acne treatments that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids.  Both retinoids and salicylic acids help unclog pores, so blackheads and whiteheads won’t recur. Don’t apply only as a spot treatment, rather spread a thin layer to your entire face, this helps prevent new pimples from forming.  Remember to use a thin layer – never over apply.

The key to acne skincare is GENTLE – scrubbing will only irritate and worsen acne.  Wash your face twice a day, in the morning and then at night. Shower and change your clothes after getting sweaty.

Use oil-free and fragrance-free skincare and makeup products to avoid irritating acne.

Don’t expect instant results, it will take about 8 weeks to see a significant improvement, so keep at it.  

Grade 2: Moderate Acne

You have moderate acne if you have:

• Visible skin inflammation
• Open & Closed Blackheads & Whiteheads – 20 – 100
• Large pimples red/and or pus-filled – 30 – 125
• Slight skin inflammation
• Acne visible on other areas of the body & anywhere on the face
• Hormonal acne – painful nodules/bumps/pimples on a woman’s’ chin, cheeks, and jawline, usually pre and during periods.

Be careful around pus-filled pimples, as these easily scars.  Do NOT pick or pop. If you pop a pimple, then you’ve ruptured tiny blood vessels, which result in acne scars.  Guess what? Acne scars are permanent and can only be treated by a doctor, so be very, very careful.

Moderate acne can also be treated with over the counter acne medications and topical antibiotics which kill acne bacteria.  Use a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide all over your face twice daily. If after several weeks there is no improvement, then it’s time to see a doctor.  

If you have hormonal acne, consider consulting a doctor about using the birth control pill to relieve this painful acne condition.

As acne begins internally, many acne sufferers have had great results taking vitamins to clear their skin.  

Loma Lux Acne Pill contains 5 all-natural skin-clearing minerals that a dermatologist-developed.  It’s taken just like a vitamin to relieve acne from the inside out. Because it’s not a topical application, it won’t irritate already sensitive acne-prone skin.  Even better, when taken regularly, it helps prevent future acne recurrences so you can enjoy clear skin day after day.

Grade 3: Severe Acne

You have severe acne if you have:

• Severe redness & inflammation
• Acne has spread to other body parts such as neck, chest, back, shoulders
• Pustules abscess, painful
• Make up no longer covers or conceals acne

This type of acne should only be treated by a dermatologist in order to avoid it developing into the most serious acne, grade 4.  There are numerous treatments available that a doctor can tailor to your needs.

As with all grades of acne, keep skincare GENTLE.  Do not use a washcloth, scrubs or sponges that can irritate your skin.  Use your fingertips to clean your skin in gentle motions. Use alcohol-free astringents/toners so they won’t further dry out your skin, as it will only make your skin look worse.  

Be sure to wash your hair regularly.  Try a benzoyl peroxide wash on body parts affected with acne; leave it on the skin for a few minutes before rinsing.  

At night, apply a warm compress on your freshly cleaned face and leave it on for a few minutes. Follow with a thin layer of a clay-based masque to draw out impurities.

Grade 4: Nodulocystic Acne

You have nodulocystic acne if you have:

• Very painful, large, deep cysts/pustules/nodules greater than 5 mm in diameter
• Deep and widespread inflammation & infection
• Acne affects the face, back, chest, shoulders and upper arms.  

As with grade 3 acne, this type of acne needs to be treated by a dermatologist in order to provide you with real relief.  Cysts are generally deep within the skin, close to nerve tissue, causing much pain. Ice sometimes helps temporarily relieve the pain.  A doctor can inject corticosteroids directly into the cysts to reduce the size. Treatment is generally a combination of oral drugs and Rx topical medications.