For most, June marks the start of Summer Friday’s and consistently warmer temperatures, but for physicians and dermatologists, June is known as Acne Awareness Month— a time for skincare professionals to shed light and raise awareness surrounding one of the most troublesome, yet common skin conditions—acne. In fact, a recent study estimates that in 2019 alone, there were approximately 612.5 million prevalent cases of acne worldwide with expectations for that number to rise to 658.6 million prevalent cases by 2028.
By definition, acne refers to the “occurrence of inflamed or infected sebaceous glands in the skin; in particular, a condition characterized by red pimples on the face, prevalent chiefly among teenagers,” (Webster, 2021). However, it’s often misdiagnosed or over-generalized to describe common breakouts, leading to misinformation surrounding the topic. Wherever you are in your skincare journey, LYS created a comprehensive guide to share the need-to-know information about acne.
Though heavily researched and highly popular, acne remains a complicated condition to treat. In fact, even celebrities, like Keke Palmer, have recently taken to social media to share their thoughts and frustrations dealing with the disease.
To help determine the right treatment plan for your case, seeking counsel from a licensed professional is always the best bet. They will be able to identify which type of acne you have, as well as build a comprehensive plan to help treat the skin without over-drying, irritating or worsening the condition. Here’s a breakdown of the varying levels of acne, along with their characteristics.
- Mild: non-inflammatory clogged pores. If closed, the comedone may create a white-ish yellow tip, making it a whitehead.
- Moderate: inflammatory acne, including papules and pustules
- Severe: inflammatory acne with larger and often painful nodules and cysts
And while the physical characteristics are evident, the psychological implications of acne can be just as concerning. A 2018 article in the British Journal of Dermatology found patients with acne had an increased risk of developing major depression. This mental health risk underscores the importance of finding the right professional and product line-up to help soothe your complexion.
Finding the Right Ingredients
Oftentimes struggling with skincare concerns means advocating on behalf of yourself to identify the products and ingredients worth trying—and avoiding—to tend to your skin’s ever-changing needs. One ingredient can be the difference-maker in transforming the look and feel of your skin. Whether you struggle with severe acne, or simply want to keep the occasional blemish at bay, these ingredients are LYS-approved for addressing blemishes, enlarged pores and excess sebum production.
- Ginger Root Extract: Found in our Secure Skin Gripping Serum Primer, this powerhouse ingredient helps visibly improve skin texture and tone.
- AHA-Fruit Blend: This catch-all blend of Orange Fruit Extract, Lemon Fruit Extract, Bilberry Fruit Extract, Sugar Cane Extract, Sugar Maple Extract is used in the Secure Skin Gripping Serum Primer formula to help visibly smooth and even the look of skin texture.
- Kaolin Clay, which is found in the Higher Standard Satin Matte Cream Blushes, helps reduce the appearance of pores and limit excess shine, which could lead to future breakouts.
- Niacinamide, or Vitamin B3, is found in the Triple Fix Pressed Translucent Powder and No Limits Matte Bronzers to help reduce the appearance of pores and help control excess oil production.
As with any health condition, leading a balanced and healthy lifestyle has positive contributions alongside any topical serums or treatments you may be using. Tackling pesky blemishes and breakouts from the inside out helps promote visibly clearer, less congested-looking skin, and helps with general body functionality. Below are a few lifestyle tips to address acne, or blemish-prone skin from morning to night.
Consume the Good Stuff
The utilization of food to combat varying health concerns is not a new phenomenon. Age-old remedies include relying on Ginger-ale to relieve an upset tummy, while cranberry is called upon to help protect against urinary tract infections. There’s no secret that food can double as a remedy for everyday ailments, but it also has a direct impact on the appearance of the body’s largest organ—the skin. Sticking to a clean, nutrient-rich diet is a key tactic for addressing blemishes. Foods that are rich in antioxidants, like berries, walnuts, avocados, kale, and even dark chocolate are great for promoting a visibly radiant complexion.
Move Your Body
Keeping in line with a healthy diet is an active lifestyle. While the benefits of exercise are often linked to cardiovascular health, dedicating time to move your body each day is essential in promoting a healthier complexion. Whether you’re an avid cycler, self-proclaimed yogi, or enjoy switching it up, finding the right workout regimen for you may drastically improve the look of skin due to the increase in blood flow. As the body moves, our blood delivers oxygen directly to the skin, as well as help rid the body of toxins, like waste, radicals, and other debris.
Prioritize Your Beauty Sleep
There’s a reason a full night’s rest is commonly referred to as “beauty sleep.” As we rest peacefully, our skin is hard at work replenishing and restoring itself, and a lack of sleep can be detrimental to its overall appearance. Instead, commit to 7-9 hours of sleep each night following a consistent nighttime skincare routine. Together, the adequate sleep and products will help lock in lasting moisture and revitalize skin for a healthy-looking radiance by sunrise.
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