Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Skin Deep- When Acne Attacks!


If there is one think I was always know for was my flawless skin – wait, before you start booing, we all know nothing is forever!

After my son was born a change in Hormones caused my face to break out uncontrollably, with daily bumps and red spots that became more and more obvious and harder to cover up.

As a fashionista and a beauty consultant I wanted to hide my face under the sand!
I tried all the creams and treatments at the drug store, but nothing worked, it actually seemed to aggravate my skin.

So, in desperate search for a cure I went to my GP to get recommended to a dermatologist. Turns out that the wait for a visit to the dermatologist can take 3 to 6 months…enough time to do serious damage to your skin! But luckily I have a very knowledgeable Doc, who prescribed me antibiotics!! Really!! I had no idea that it could be cured with antibiotics, and I did a bit of research, so listen up: According to my GP, for Acne Vulgaris over-the-counter meds are crap!

Those with mild acne will only have an occasional pimple, but if the problem is not controlled it can worsen and the number of pimples will increase; in severe cases it can turn into very painful cysts which can leave permanent scars on the skin.

Contrary to what people believe, poor eating habits are not a cause of acne, just like washing the skin often is not the key to prevent acne. However, it is to my amazement that some beauty products (oil-based) can aggravate acne!!

Here is the advice I received: Wash your face twice a day with a mild soap like Dove©, SpectroJel© or Cetaphil© - massaging the soap on the skin for at least 30 seconds. These soaps are not expensive and can be purchased at any drug store.
Use a mild moisturizer for sensitive skin, like Imprüv©, and an oil-free sun block cream for outdoor time (since the antibiotics make your skin more sensitive to the sun harmful rays).

Then I received an oral antibiotic and a topical antibiotic cream containing Benzoyl Peroxide to apply to my whole face- given the peroxide in it, you should be careful as it can discolour you hair and clothing.

Disclaimer: Obviously, this is the treatment for my level of acne. On more severe cases another preparation containing Tretinoin can be prescribed to soften up the superficial layer of the skin, and in extreme situations a powerful vitamin A derivative, Isotretinoin (Accutane®) is prescribed.
DO NOT put in your own hands to cure such a serious skin condition as acne! Visit a doctor as soon as possible, often on mild cases your GP can be very helpful in treating it, before you have to visit a specialist.

Be fabulous,

Ella Bonanni

Personal beauty, fashion trends, style, glamour like celebrities.