As the most common skin condition in the United States, acne affects tens of millions of Americans every year. Although many people struggle with it during their teens, adult acne is also prevalent.
The Beam Me OFF! Acne Buster from Dr. Dima Cosminology Rx Medical Skincare combines clinically proven ingredients to shrink active pimples, prevent scarring, and ward off future breakouts. Learn more about acne and how our Acne Buster can help you maintain clear, healthy skin.
Types of Acne
There’s not just one type of acne. Acne can be categorized into six different types of comedones, including
Whiteheads
Whiteheads, or closed comedones, are a mild form of acne involving clogged pores due to excess oil, dead skin cells, and/or bacteria. This results in a small, white bump on the skin.
Blackheads
Blackheads are clogged pores that rise to the skin’s surface and open. This is why blackheads are also called open comedones. It’s a common misconception that blackheads are dark in color because the pore is clogged with dirt. Instead, it’s because air discolors sebum, causing it to darken.
Papules
Papules are inflamed acne lesions. They appear as tiny red or pink bumps on the skin’s surface. Unlike pustules, papules don’t have a visible white or yellow top. However, papules can develop into pustules.
Pustules
Pustules, or pimples, are raised inflamed bumps with a white or yellow tip surrounded by red skin.
Nodules
Nodules are large, inflammatory lesions that start deep within the skin. It’s a firm, painful bump that can leave behind a scar.
Cystic Acne
Cystic acne, or severe nodular acne, involves deep lesions that are painful and filled with pus. This is a form of inflammatory acne, meaning the lesions are swollen, red, and tender. Inflammatory acne results from your immune system attempting to fight off the bacteria that are trapped in your pores.
What Causes Acne?
Acne occurs when the skin naturally produces sebum, an oily substance, dead skin cells, and bacteria clog the skin’s pores. However, acne can be triggered by various factors, including:
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal fluctuations can increase the skin’s oil production. When the oil combines with bacteria on the skin’s surface, it can lead to acne breakouts. Hormonal fluctuations can also increase inflammation and alter skin cell activity, both of which can cause acne flare-ups.
Stress
Stress triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, causing the release of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Cortisol can boost the skin’s oil production and increase inflammation, possibly contributing to acne breakouts.
Environmental Pollutants
Exposure to environmental pollutants, like air pollutants, has been found to worsen acne vulgaris. This is partially because pollutants trigger inflammation in the body. Small particles of pollutants, like smog, can also sit on the skin’s surface, combine with bacteria, and clog your pores.
Excessive Sweating
Sweating is your body’s way of cooling itself down and regulating its temperature. However, when it sits on the skin’s surface, it can trap bacteria inside your pores, potentially causing acne breakouts. This is why cleaning your skin is essential after a sweaty workout.
Disrupted Moisture Barrier
The moisture barrier is your skin’s first defense against bacteria, pollutants, and other impurities. If it becomes compromised or weakened due to a dry environment, allergies, excessive sun exposure, or drying skincare products, the skin is more susceptible to acne breakouts.
Genetics
Genetic factors can make you more or less susceptible to acne. For example, genetics can make the skin produce more dead skin cells, which can lead to clogged pores. Certain genes can also alter the function of the sebaceous glands, possibly contributing to inflammatory acne.
How to Prevent Acne
Preventing acne breakouts before they appear can help you avoid the frustration of an inflamed pimple and acne scarring. Here are a few strategies for stopping acne before it starts:
Opt for Non-Comedogenic Cosmetics.
If a product is non-comedogenic, it means that it won’t clog your pores. Unfortunately, many cosmetics (especially foundations) are comedogenic and can contribute to acne breakouts, especially in people with acne-prone skin.
Mineral makeup is typically non-comedogenic and widely regarded as the best option for acne-prone skin. This is because it often contains soothing, non-irritating ingredients and won’t create a heavy layer of makeup that sits on the skin. Dr. Dima Cosminology offers an extensive range of non-comedogenic mineral makeup that’s safe for sensitive, acne-prone skin types.
Lower Your Stress Levels.
It’s easier said than done, but reducing your stress levels can go a long way toward preventing breakouts. Try to find stress management solutions that work for you, such as meditation, exercise, journaling, or speaking with a therapist. Stress management can help keep your cortisol levels in check, reducing the risk of stress-related inflammation and acne.
Consider Your Diet.
Some foods such as dairy products and foods that contain high levels of added sugar may play a role in acne formation. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins may offer anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to prevent red, swollen pimples.
Refrain From Touching Your Face.
Touching your face transfers bacteria and other impurities from your fingers to your face, which could get clogged in your pores. So, try to avoid touching your face, especially with unclean hands. Additionally, refrain from picking at or popping pimples, as doing so will slow down the healing process, spread bacteria to other areas of the skin, and increase the risk of scarring.
Adjust Your Skincare Routine.
If you struggle with acne breakouts, including acne-busting ingredients in your daily skincare routine is important. In addition to using a gentle cleanser to keep your skin clean, incorporate products formulated specifically for acne-prone skin, like the Beam Me OFF! Acne Buster.
Preventing and Treating Acne With the Beam Me OFF! Acne Buster
The Beam Me OFF! Acne Buster is a treatment gel to dry up breakouts, curb redness, reduce inflammation, and prevent scarring.
This trusted treatment was developed by Dr. Dima, an acclaimed aesthetic medicine expert with over 20 years of experience in the field. She was also a long-time acne sufferer who tended to experience hyperpigmentation with susceptible skin. This experience made her determined to create effective skincare products that work for even the most sensitive skin types.
How Does the Beam Me OFF! Acne Buster Work?
The Beam Me OFF! Acne Buster contains proven ingredients to heal active comedones while preventing future acne breakouts. These ingredients include:
- Salicylic acid is an ingredient derived from willow bark, widely used as an over-the-counter acne treatment. It works by absorbing into the clogged pore and dissolving the accumulated sebum, dead skin cells, bacteria, and other impurities. This causes the comedone to dry up and heal.
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- Clinical studies show that salicylic has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and keratinolytic effects. Keratinolytic means that it helps shed excess skin cells.
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- Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from tea tree leaves. It’s naturally anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, making it an effective treatment for many forms of inflammatory acne. Studies have shown that tea tree oil significantly improves mild to moderate acne and is well-tolerated by the skin.
- Retinol is a form of vitamin A that’s widely used in skincare products to treat acne, scarring, and signs of aging. It works for acne by ramping up skin cell turnover, which helps prevent clogged pores, excess dead skin cells, and built-up bacteria.
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- Retinol is a highly effective treatment to prevent and fade acne scars. This is because by increasing skin cell turnover, retinol smooths and brightens the skin’s surface, giving it a more even appearance.
- The skin cell cycle is approximately 28 days long. So, using retinol consistently to regulate the skin cycle is vital. The benefits of retinol for acne typically appear after several weeks of consistent use.
- In clinical studies, retinol has been proven effective in significantly reducing inflammatory acne lesions and improving hyperpigmentation.
The Beam Me Off! Acne Buster in Your Skincare Routine
The Beam Me OFF! Acne Buster is designed to be used as a potent spot treatment. You can use it at any time, anywhere on clean skin. We recommend combining this acne treatment with a gentle cleanser, like the So Universally Clean Cleanser, which will help keep your pores clean while priming your skin for the acne treatment.
If you experience dryness with the Beam Me OFF! Acne Buster, apply the Galactic Glove Hydrating Serum. This soothing product will restore moisture to your skin, helping to keep the skin’s moisture barrier intact without clogging your pores.
For personalized guidance on treating acne and optimizing your skincare routine, reach out to Dr. Dima Cosminology Rx Medical Skincare today. Dr. Dima also offers professional acne treatment at WellMedica Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Medicine in Reston. Read out to us today to schedule a consultation!
