What causes breakouts & blackheads?
In general, breakouts are caused by build-up of dead skin cells, excess sebum (oil), and bacteria. When excess oil and skin cells clump together, they can form an impaction, or plug, in a pore. Bacteria live harmlessly on the skin but when trapped inside the follicle, they can multiply, causing breakouts. This then results in inflammation, causing the redness and pain that is typically associated with acne.
The anatomy of a breakout.
Our outermost layer of skin coats our bodies — and our pores — like a thin sheet of laminating paper. Many pores are attached to sebaceous glands below the skin’s surface. These glands secrete sebum, which is wicked out by tiny fine hairs. At the same time, an average person sheds approximately 35,000 skin cells per hour while a person with a genetic predisposition to acneic skin can shed up to four times that amount. If any of those dead skin cells collect and remain in a sebaceous follicle, there is a chance that they can mix with excess oil and clump together. This can form low-grade acne such as blackheads, whiteheads and milia, as well as set the stage for higher-grade acne such as papules, pustules, nodules and cysts.
Blackheads are open pores that turn black not because of dirt but because the oil, dead skin cells and bacteria inside the follicle mix and oxidize, like an apple that has been sliced open. This means the follicle is open and still receives oxygen. Some blackheads resolve themselves, or are easily extracted. Others linger and can grow into more severe forms of acne if they become infected or inflamed.
Whiteheads are closed comedones that occur just like blackheads but don’t oxidize. These usually go away on their own but can also grow into more severe forms of acne if they become infected or inflamed. Milia happen when dead skin cells and/or sebum (or keratin) become trapped by skin that grows over them. You may recognize milia as tiny, hard white bumps that cannot be extracted. Milia are often mischaracterized as acne, when in fact they are benign cysts.
Blackheads can turn into breakouts. Untreated blackheads can become breakouts if infected by breakout-causing bacteria. That’s why it’s important to practice skin care habits that will keep their skin clear of excess oil and dead skin cells.
Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask helps decongest pores so breakouts won’t have a chance to grow.
Your ideal skin routine would be
AM
Cleanse with Clearing Skin wash
Spritz Micro Pore Mist
Apply either Cooling Aqua jelly if your skin is red or Breakout clearing booster if you have spots
Follow by Clearing Skin Defense Moisturiser SPF20
Once or twice a week
Use Flashfoliant exfoliant
Followed by The Fizz masque
PM
Cleanse with Clearing Skin wash
Spritz Micro Pore Mist
Apply either Cooling Aqua jelly if your skin is red or Breakout clearing booster if you have spots
finish with Skin Hydrating Lotion
