Keep Your Skin Blemish Free
Tips to Fade Acne and Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Mar 10, 2009
Nobody wants to be a victim of skin conditions like acne and PIH. Acne is an inflammatory disease of the skin; characterised by pustules or comedones. PIH is the discolouration of skin caused due to a prior injury. While many skin injuries initiate hyper-pigmentation, its mostly an aftermath of acne.
Nailing The Culprits
It is commonly believed that certain eating habits, stress, dirt etc. cause acne. The truth is that many physiological changes occurring underneath the skin manifest as inflamed lesions on its surface. During adolescence, hyper-synthesis of androgen (hormone) stimulates sebaceous glands to produce excess sebum (skin's natural oil). Dead skin cells mix with sebum and clog pores causing acne. Furthermore, oil build-up in these pores attracts bacteria triggering an inflammatory response causing redness with spots.
With PIH, inflammatory responses on skin's surface lead to excess melanin production and therefore skin darkening. Fortunately, PIH does not leave deep pits on the skin and appears more like “fresh skin”.
Treatment Options
Control Acne
Reducing inflammatory break-outs is the first step in acne control. It is important to note that PIH can be controlled only after acne occurrence stops. Consulting a dermatologist is beneficial as he/she may prescribe the use of topical creams or oral medications depending on the severity of acne.
Resist the urge to pick a pimple or tamper with a scab (skin's natural bandage). Meddling with a pimple will only force the debris deeper into the dermis, spread inflammation and cause deeper scarring. Picking at a scab before the wound heals prolongs the healing process and worsens the scar.
Microdermabrasion
“Dermabrasion” is a cosmetic procedure involving exfoliating the uppermost layer of skin. A machine rapidly discharges superfine crystals onto skin surface, removing the upper layer and fading the blemish. It’s an absolutely safe procedure with zero recovery time. Best results require multiple sittings and is suited for those with non-inflamed acne and PIH.
Chemical Peels
Glycolic, salicylic and trichloroacetic acids (TCA) are common chemical agents used in peels. A peel removes layers of pigmented skin, leaving behind new skin, coloured and textured evenly. Depending on the nature of the blemish, a superficial or medium depth peel is chosen. Procedure involves application of an even layer of the peel on the face leaving it feeling stinging and itchy. A neutraliser is then sprayed to reduce burning.
Superficial peels are excellent “lunch-time” procedures being short and requiring no prior arrangements. But a deeper peel is more painful and treated areas remain red and crusted for about a week. Using a pre-treatment cream is generally advised to make skin more tolerant to chemical peels.
This works for people with non-inflamed acne and PIH and does not help those with deep furrows and pits on the face.
Maintaining Skin For That Blemish Free Look
Having an 'acne free' or 'scar free' face is an important step in building a magnetic personality. But one needs to understand that Acne and PIH can be treated and not cured. Although treatments listed above are effective, following a post-treatment maintenance regime is necessary.
Home remedies like “Multani mitti” (available in Indian stores), orange peels, medicated scrubs and alcohol free toners are useful. Depending on what suits your skin, these can be used to retain the glow on your skin. Seek professional advice and try any of the above listed options and kiss your problem skin good-bye. Go ahead, put your best face forward!
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