How To Deal With Acne?

Skin is the first thing we see and the truth is... we can't prevent people from noticing how good or bad our skin especially our face. There are many skin problems (psoriasis, scabies, burns, impetigo) but did you know that acne is one of devastating disease affecting quality of life?

I'm grateful for having a fair skin and dealing with acne has never been a big deal. But there's someone I'm paying extra effort for skin care - it's my husband. He has oily, sensitive skin and have angry-looking bumps on his face, sometimes on his chest and back. I'm worried every time I see a tiny pimple that will turn into big, inflamed acne. I know the problem has something to do with the genes. His dad had the same skin condition, it just subsided when he was 32 years old.

Nowadays, a lot of skin care products promises complete solution to acne problems. Some may be effective while others will just worsen the condition. Remember, we should deal with the angry-looking bumps with utmost care and prevent acne from scarring and causing skin pigmentation. At home, we have separate bath soap and facial wash. I'm giving him mild body soap and a gentle, unscented facial cleanser but the acne just keep coming back!

Few days ago, I met the people from Galderma. They are also the makers of the familiar brand Cetaphil Cleanser and Moisturizers.

It was in an intimate event held at Fairmont Hotel in Makati where Galderma launches a new line for acne treatment. They also invited dermatologists Dra Casintahan and Dra Oblepias to answer skin-related concerns and explain what acne is all about.

Basic information: 

• Acne is a term for blackheads, whiteheads, inflamed pimples, pustules, pimples on the body (truncal acne) and cystic pimples. 
• Acne Bulgaris is the no. 1 skin disease and it persists up to adulthood. It usually causes scarring and pigmentation. 
• The Cause of Delay in Treatment: Ignorance, Embarrassment and lack of support. 

Photo from Dra. Casintahan's presentation

Acne is differentiated or categorized according to severity like mild, moderate or severe. 

Is acne and pimple the same? I used to think that pimples and acne are different. The former as a minor skin problem, usually small bumps on the forehead and cheek; they are whiteheads and blackheads. Acne are big, reddened, angry bumps usually comes in cluster. I was wrong! Acne and pimples are the same. Pimples are the layman's term for acne.

Dra Oblepias showed us Low Glycemic Index diet recommended for patients with acne. 

How To deal

• Avoid smoking
• Stress
• Avoid too much use of cosmetic products
• Proper diet
• Avoid harsh facial soap and medication that can cause acne. 
• Do not pick or pop your pimples, have it done by a professional. Picking or popping may cause further infection and scarring. 

What to do?

First, we should know that one of the causes of acne is the increase in production of sebum which can be caused by hormone levels change or stress. The problem begins when this excess oil combines with dead skin cells within hair follicles, pores can become blocked and infected with bacteria. This is medically referred to as comedones.

Galderma introduces Benzac Gel for treatment of acne. It is recommended to use at night, directly applied on the affected area.

Treatment:  it is important to unblock the pores and reduce the number of acne-causing bacteria to prevent from scarring and pigmentation. Galderma also launched new skin care line: 

Benzac Facial Foam Cleanser

Benzac Daily Facial Liquid Cleanser

Benzac Facial Scrub which should be use twice a week

Benzoyl peroxide is recommended by dermatologists as highly effective in treating acne. It mildly peels the skin surface and unblocks the pores. 

Benzac AC helps to clear acne like no other benzoyl peroxide treatment. It is the only acne treatment that contains Acrylates Copolymer (AC)/glycerin complex which absorbs excess oil from the skin’s surface while delivering hydrating glycerin. Combine this with eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and exercising regularly, you should be on your way to a cleaner, healthier, acne-free skin.

Now that I have these line of defense and for treating acne, all I have to do is to convince my husband to use it. Remember, "if it's acne, Act now!" 

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