Understanding Acne: Common Myths vs. Reality
When we think about acne, most people are led to believe its cause is dirty skin, bad food, or hormones.
While all those things can be triggers for some, the real cause of acne is retention hyperkeratosis.
What Is Retention Hyperkeratosis?
Retention hyperkeratosis is an inherited disorder of the pore, where an abundance of skin cells shed rapidly. Healthy skin sheds one layer of skin cells per day, while an acne-prone pore sheds five times as much.
An acne-prone pore also contains abnormally sticky skin cells, or corneocytes. This combination of accelerated shedding and sticky cells causes the pore to become clogged.
Why Does Acne Form?
Due to these two factors, the body has difficulty keeping the pore clear. Once blockage occurs, bacteria thrive and proliferate, leading to acne.
How Do We Manage Acne?
Now that we know what acne is and how it forms, the key to managing acne-prone skin is to prevent acne from forming in the first place.
The solution lies in using products that penetrate the pore, prevent dead skin cells from building up, and combat inflammatory tendencies.
The Two Gold Star Ingredients for Acne Management
1. Mandelic Acid
• Gently exfoliates the skin to remove dead skin cells.
2. Benzoyl Peroxide
• Kills the C. acnes bacteria within the pore.
• Removes excess oil and dead skin cells.
Prevention Is Key
Preventing acne from forming is all about consistency. Using the correct ingredients for your skin daily will help you start seeing clearer skin.
Take the Next Step
To start your own customized acne home care routine, reach out to your local Acne Certified Specialist today!
