What is acne?

First and foremost, it's important to understand what acne is.

Acne or "acne vulgaris" is a skin condition where the skin's sebaceous glands overproduce sebum. Sebum is an oily and sticky substance consisting of fat molecules and squalene produced by the body. When the body overproduces sebum, it can lead to clogged pores with sebum and dead skin cells, resulting in pimples and blackheads (comedones), which we refer to as "common acne".

Different types of acne

• Acne, known as "papules," is characterized by red, tender nodules under the skin that lack a clear accumulation of sebum. These lesions tend to recur frequently and in large numbers, often requiring medical treatment to be managed effectively.
• Pimples, or "pustules," are marked by a white, clear core filled with sebum and sometimes bacteria, differentiating them from acne. Pimples occur sporadically and do not necessarily recur, and spot treatment is usually sufficient for management.
• Blackheads, or "comedones," occur when pores are blocked by a mix of sebum and dead skin cells. When this accumulation is exposed to air, the outer layer oxidizes and turns dark. To manage blackheads, professional extractions performed by skin therapists can be helpful, as well as skincare products designed to extract the blackheads.

Source: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/acne

Causes of Acne

Sebum: As mentioned earlier, an overproduction of sebum is one of the causes of acne.

Bacteria: During adolescence, the production of the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes increases. If this bacterium penetrates the opening of the sebaceous gland, it can lead to inflammation and thus play a role in the development of acne.

Diet: There is a lack of scientific evidence that specific diets directly cause more severe forms of acne. However, a poor diet can negatively affect the body, including the skin and face.

Cosmetics: Some cosmetic products can disrupt the skin's natural balance by making it unusually oily or dry. This can in turn contribute to an increased occurrence of acne, although the effect is generally quite small.

Source: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/causes/

Treatment Options

We know that acne can have a significant impact on a person and that there are steps to take before seeking professional help. This is what we address with our ASD. All products are developed and produced in Sweden.

This skin treatment line is designed for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Cicamed ASD Clear Skin Kit includes 3 products designed to offer the most effective treatments for problem skin. Within the Cicamed ASD series are products aimed at combating acne and skin impurities with carefully selected active ingredients.

Cicamed ASD Active Cleansing Gel is a deep-cleansing gel specially developed for people with oily and combination skin. This cleanser is pH-balanced and effectively removes impurities. It helps prevent new outbreaks and regulates excess sebum production without drying out the skin or damaging its protective barrier. The product contains glycolic and salicylic acid which gently exfoliates the outer layer of the skin and clears clogged pores.

Cicamed ASD Active Moisturizer is a lightweight facial cream specially developed to balance and care for oily and combination skin. It is formulated to combat the emergence of impurities, regulate sebum production, and reduce redness without irritating or drying out the skin. The cream is enriched with a nurturing complex consisting of powerful antioxidants and natural extracts that moisturize, soothe, and reduce signs of previous inflammations.

Cicamed ASD 3-in-1 Spot Treatment is a unique spot treatment with a three-part formula that quickly and effectively fights and reduces acne, while also reducing and preventing the emergence of scars and discolorations. Cicamed ASD 3-in-1 Spot Treatment has a maximum concentration of salicylic acid (2%). This product should be avoided in direct sunlight.

Home Measures and Natural Solutions

1. Review your diet.
2. Exercise.
3. Drink plenty of water.
4. Set up a skincare routine according to your skin type.

The Importance of Skincare

Remember to wash your face, but not too often, use a mild soap or a cleanser. Avoid washing your face more than twice a day.

If you are still unsure about your skin type, you can seek professional help.

Preventive Tips

As mentioned earlier, a preventive tip might be to find out what skin type you have. To determine your skin type, you can start by washing your face thoroughly and then avoiding using any products for a few hours. If your skin feels comfortable and neither dry nor oily after this, it is likely that you have normal skin. Oily skin tends to become shiny shortly after washing, while dry skin often feels tight. If you have combination skin, some parts of your face will be dry and others oily.

Use products that help open up the pores. Products containing salicylic acid are effective because they prevent the sebaceous glands from clogging, thereby contributing to clearer skin that is why our ASD kit contains salicylic acid.

Moisturize! But be mindful not to use a too thick/oily formula and oils. It can clog the sebaceous glands.

When to Seek Professional Help?

If hormonal acne or a family history of acne is present, skincare alone may not be sufficient to resolve the issue. In such cases, it is advisable to seek medical advice. There are various clinics that can assist with acne but also doctors who can prescribe prescription medications for acne.

The medical advice provided in this article is for guidance only and should not replace a visit to a healthcare professional. If you are concerned about your health, you should always consult with healthcare services.