Know the difference between Whiteheads, Blackheads and Acne? No? In this weeks Examiner, Eamonn discusses all things "blemish"....and how using the Uriage Hyseac® range may help with these conditions
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
“Acne or Rosacea?”
Acne is a disorder of skin glands that produce a natural oil (Sebum). The face, neck, shoulders, upper chest and back are most frequently affected. It affects more than one in two young adults at some stage, usually beginning at puberty and clearing completely before the mid-twenties. However, in many adolescents, acne clears within a year or two. The characteristic white-heads and black-heads are caused by over-production of sebum, leading to a blockage of skin pores with a mixture of dead skin cells and oil. Bacteria on the skin surface intensify the problem by producing chemicals that inflame and irritate the skin. Diet has little influence on acne. Despite what is commonly believed, sugary foods and fatty foods, such as chocolate and chips, have not been proven to contribute to acne. Treatment can take between 2 to 3 months to get the full benefits but is worth it.
Whiteheads and blackheads
Whiteheads are tiny little clogged pores just below the surface of the skin which are not inflamed. Blackheads are like whiteheads except they are open to the air which oxidises with the sebum and keratin in our skin and gives them a brown/black colour. If you attempt to squeeze these yourself, they can get irritated and inflamed and cause a little red bump on the skin known as a papule. Papules are generally what most people would get especially on the T-zone (ie) forehead, nose and chin. Sometimes the healthy bacteria on our skin can find their way into these little papules, it can fill with pus and develop a defined white or yellow head on the surface called a pustule.
More pronounced lumps
Cysts and nodules are large painful lumps underneath the skin which can take weeks to heal. The only difference between the two is that nodules are hard and don’t have an obvious white/yellow head where cysts are fluid filled with a defined white or yellow head. Do not to squeeze these as they will leave you with a scar and possibly spread to surrounding pores.
Most cases of mild acne will be helped by washing affected areas twice daily, avoiding food stuffs that they themselves feel worsen the problem, and spend more time in the sun during summer. Girls should be careful to avoid greasy cosmetic products.
I have discussed medical treatments for acne in the Westmeath Topic in the past. This week I discuss how the skin-range Uriage® can help.
How Uriage range can help?
Many are familiar with acne, but maybe have not found a range of skin products that work. Uriage’s Hyseac® range has a range of products specifically for oily and acne prone skin especially their award winning Hyseac SOS® Paste. It’s a dark grey clay-based paste which you simply apply a tiny amount at night and rinse off the next morning. It works by accelerating the maturation of spots to quickly get rid of them. It’s €18.50 for the pot, but a little goes a long way with the paste so really it is a skincare essential.
And Rosacea?
Rosacea is perhaps not as well-known as acne, but it is generally described as an adult acne. It is a chronic condition characterised by redness, dilated blood vessels, small red bumps and pus-filled spots. There are many ways which you can reduce symptoms of Rosacea, but Uriage’s Roseliane® range is second to none, especially their Roseliane Anti-Redness Mask. It soothes hot, irritated skin, while reducing redness and leaving a fresh cooling feeling on the skin. Products mentioned in this article is available in Whelehans Pharmacy Pearse St, Mullingar
Disclaimer: Uriage range is not an alternative to full medical assessment with your healthcare professional
For health advice and information call in to Whelehans Pharmacies, log on to www.whelehans.ie or dial 04493 34591 (Pearse St) or 04493 10266 (Clonmore).