Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. Characterised by the presence of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and sometimes cysts or nodules, acne can have significant physical and emotional effects on individuals.
Causes of Acne:
Acne develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. Several factors contribute to the formation of acne, including:
Excess Sebum Production: Hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, leading to clogged pores and acne outbreaks.
Bacterial Overgrowth: Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), a type of bacteria that normally resides on the skin, can multiply rapidly in clogged pores, leading to inflammation and acne lesions.
Inflammation: When the hair follicles become blocked, the body's immune system responds by triggering inflammation, which can worsen existing acne lesions and contribute to the formation of new ones.
Genetics: Family history plays a role in acne development, with individuals more likely to experience acne if their parents or siblings have had the condition.
Lifestyle Factors: Certain lifestyle habits, such as diet, stress, smoking, and inadequate skincare routines, can influence acne severity.
Types of Acne:
Acne can manifest in various forms, ranging from mild to severe. Common types of acne include:
Comedones: Comedones are non-inflammatory acne lesions characterised by clogged pores. They can be open (blackheads) or closed (whiteheads) depending on whether the pore is open or closed at the surface of the skin.
Papules: Papules are small, red, inflamed bumps that develop when comedones become further irritated and inflamed.
Pustules: Pustules are similar to papules but contain pus, giving them a white or yellowish appearance at the centre.
Nodules: Nodules are large, painful, solid lesions that develop deep within the skin. They can be stubborn and may leave behind scars.
Cysts: Cysts are severe, pus-filled lesions that are deeper than nodules and can cause significant pain and scarring.
Treatment Options for Acne:
Treatment for acne depends on its severity and may include:
Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter and prescription topical medications containing ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinoids, and antibiotics can help unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and kill acne-causing bacteria.
Oral Medications: Oral antibiotics, hormonal medications (e.g., birth control pills), and isotretinoin (Accutane) may be prescribed for moderate to severe acne that does not respond to topical treatments.
Professional Procedures: Dermatological procedures such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser therapy, and corticosteroid injections can be effective for treating stubborn acne lesions and reducing acne-related scarring.
Skincare Regimen: A gentle skincare routine using non-comedogenic products can help cleanse the skin without exacerbating acne. Moisturisers and sunscreens are essential for maintaining skin hydration and protecting against sun damage.
Lifestyle Modifications: Making lifestyle changes such as adopting a balanced diet, managing stress, getting regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco can contribute to overall skin health and reduce acne severity.
Red Algae and Acne
At Seacra Skincare, we use Red Algae in all of our products. Red Algae is a super ingredient that is rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, a super hydrant, and vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
The combination of Red Algae and other natural ingredients enables our products to tackle the root cause of blemishes, soothe sensitive skin, repair the skin barrier, and prevent future breakouts.
One of our customers, Martha, suffered from blemishes for years until she found Seacra. This is her story of how she got rid of blemishes for good.
Step one: Cleanse thoroughly.
Our Red Algae Cleansing Soap Bar is our perfect weapon against blemishes. It’s created with natural flakes of Red Algae for a gentle exfoliant. It’s also made with naturally hydrating but non-comedogenic ingredients to remove dirt, oil, and impurities that can clog pores and contribute to blemishes.
It’s rich in hydrating ingredients that gradually repair the skin barrier, adding moisture at every level while being non-greasy and irritating. It helps tackle blemishes and scarring, which is already present while future-proofing the skin against further blemishes.
You can shop our cleanser in the Red Algae Cleansing Exfoliating Soap Bar.
Step Two: Nourish the skin with the Recovery & Repair Gel
More often than not, people use toxic chemical treatments to target blemishes. They opt for harsh medicinal products that damage the skin barrier, making you more likely to get flare-ups and blemishes over time.
Our Recovery & Repair Gel is our best-selling product, and it is your moisturiser, actives, and blemish treatment in one. It is made with Red Algae and has been clinically proven to target redness, blemishes, and pigmentation over 28 days. You can shop our best-selling gel to target blemishes in Red Algae Recovery & Repair Gel.
Step Three: Protect Your Skin
Wear sunscreen daily with an SPF of 30 or higher to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Sunscreen helps prevent further damage to the skin and protects against the worsening of existing blemishes.
