ACNE, a major problem ...

HOW DOES ACNE DEVELOP? 

We have 4 steps involved in the development of an acne lesion.

• Hair follicles become blocked with an overabundance of normal skin cells. These cells combine with sebum (an oily substance that lubricates the hair and skin), creating a plug in the follicle.
• The glands that produce sebum, known as sebaceous glands, enlarge during adolescence and sebum production increases. Numerous sebaceous glands are found on the face, neck, chest, upper back, and upper arms.
• The increase in sebum production allows for the overgrowth of bacteria that normally lives on the skin.
• Bacterial overgrowth causes local inflammation, which causes rupture of the follicle. This can lead to the formation of a red or tender pimple.

ACNE CAUSES

Hormonal changes — Hormonal changes during adolescence cause the sebaceous glands to become enlarged and sebum production increases. In most people with acne, hormone levels are normal, but the sebaceous glands are highly sensitive to the hormones.

Less often, women's hormone levels are affected by an underlying medical problem known as polycystic ovary syndrome.Acne tends to resolve between ages 30 to 40, although it can persist into or develop for the first time during adulthood. Post-adolescent acne predominantly affects women, in contrast to adolescent acne, which predominantly affects men. Acne can flare before a woman's menstrual period, especially in women older than 30 years.

External factors — Oil-based cosmetics may contribute to the development of acne. Oils and greases in hair products can also worsen skin lesions. Water-based or "non-comedogenic" products are less likely to worsen acne.

People with acne often use soaps and astringents. While these treatments remove sebum from the skin surface, they do not decrease sebum production; frequent or aggressive scrubbing with these agents can actually worsen acne.

Diet — The role of diet in acne is controversial. Some studies have found weak associations between cow's milk and an increased risk of acne, perhaps because of hormones that occur naturally in milk. However, there is no strong evidence that milk, high-fat foods or chocolate increase the risk of acne.

Stress — Psychological stress can probably worsen acne. In several studies of students, acne severity appeared to worsen during times of increased stress.

ACNE TREATMENT 

You have to know that there is no single best treatment for acne, and combinations of treatments are sometimes recommended. this is the reason why in the lab we made several product, this to focus on each kind of acne and each phase.  Since acne lesions take at least eight weeks to mature, you should use a treatment for a minimum of two to three months before deciding if the treatment is effective. So be patient ...

Skin care is an important aspect of acne treatment. Go to our website to see the LONGIDERM products.

Skin hygiene — Wash your face no more than twice daily using a gentle foaming cleanser and warm (not hot) water. Some providers recommend avoiding use of a washcloth or loofah, and instead using the hands to wash the face. Vigorous washing or scrubbing can worsen acne and damage the skin's surface.

Do not pick or squeeze pimples because this may worsen acne and cause skin swelling and scarring. It can also cause lesions to become infected. The purifying foamer of LONGIDERM has the following ingredients:

• - SALIX ALBA soothes irritations and induces a keratolytic effect that unclogs pores.
• - ROSMARIN EXTRACT refreshes the skin, helps control the growth of micro-organisms and strengthens the skin’s natural defence mechanism thanks to its antioxidant properties.
• - AZELAIC ACID is a multifunctional ingredient that acts on hyperseborrhea and balances the production and secretion of sebum thanks to its keratolytic and sebo-regulating properties. This acid has moisturising, anti-inflammatory and brightening effects.
• - ARGININ deeply purifies the skin, soothes and stimulates cellular metabolism.
• - CAPRYLOYL GLYCINE is a sebo-regulating agent that cleanses the skin while keeping it moisturised. It acts against the proliferation of micro-organisms.

 This foam is available in a 100 ml foam dispenser.

Moisturizers — Use of a moisturizer minimizes dryness and skin peeling, which are common side effects of some acne treatments. Moisturizers that are labeled as "non-comedogenic" are less likely to block skin pores. Do not use products that are drying out your skin. In the beginning it will be ok, but later onyour acne will get worse. sebum will plugged in the pores ... with a relapse of the acne.

The LONGIDERM purifying lotion has a toning, astringent and soothing properties completes the daily cleansing of oily and acne-prone skin. It tightens the pores and leaves the skin looking clearer and healthier. It also induces a keratolytic effect in order to avoid the skin plugs.The ingredients are :

• - ALCOHOL refreshes, degreases and disinfects the skin.
• - AZELAIC ACID acts on hyperseborrhea and balances the production and secretion of sebum. It improves the skin’s moisture, suppleness and complexion.
• - SALICYLIC ACID is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent that prevents the growth of micro-organisms and keeps the skin moisturised. It supports the skin’s defence mechanism thanks to its antiradical properties.
• - SALIX ALBA soothes irritations and normalises keratinisation. It prevents dead cells and impurities from accumulating and clogging pores.
• - ARGININE deeply purifies the skin, soothes and stimulates cellular metabolism.
• - VITAMIN C is an antioxidant that helps to scavenge free radicals, encourages collagen synthesis and optimizes cell renewal. It will lso avoid hyperpigmentation around a pimple.

Sun protection — Some acne treatments increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight (eg, retinoids, doxycycline). To minimize skin damage from the sun, avoid excessive sun exposure and use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher before sun exposure.

A combination of two medications, usually benzoylperoxide with a topical antibiotic or retinoid (eg, tretinoin), are the most prescribed by doctors. We tried to avoid benzoyl peroxide since it give a lot of free radicals to your skin. We replaced totally with a new idea using sodium ascorbyl phosphate. At the same time you have a strong antioxidant on your skin, and this will also fade out hyperpigmentation (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) arround your pimples and scars.

Benzoyl peroxide can irritate the skin, sometimes causing redness and skin flaking, and it can bleach clothing, towels, bedding, and hair.