TCM Spotlight On: What Is Acne?

Types Of Acne

The most common places to experience acne are the face which, understandably, can be hugely detrimental to one’s confidence and self-esteem. Other common areas include the chest, shoulders and back.

There are different types of acne, from oily or combination skin types that causes blocked pores leading to blackheads, through to hormonal acne triggered by hormonal changes, often experienced by teenagers or women. There are also different types of acne such as Acne Mechanica or Fungal Acne, that have different triggers and, sometimes, symptoms.

Blackheads and Whiteheads

These are the most common types of acne. Appearing as white or dark bumps on the skin, often the size of the pore. They are relatively easy to treat with a consistent skincare routine and are relatively painless.

Papules

Show up as small, red bumps of inflammation and can be tender, especially when newly formed.

Pustules

Similar to Papules, Pustules tend to be small and can often be tender but will show a white or yellowish head.

Nodules

These are large, often solid, lumps deep under the skin. Usually they are painful, especially when forming, and can take several days or even weeks to clear.

Cysts

Are considered to be one of the most severe types of acne. They also present as large lumps under the skin, but will often present a white or yellowish head and are usually tender, if not painful.

The skin’s healing process means that while any of the above can cause temporary dark spots as the new cells form, known as hyperpigmentation, the deeper occurrences of Nodules and Cysts can cause deep, v-shaped scars, also known as Ice Pick Scars.

Is There A Cure For Acne?

While, unfortunately, acne cannot be cured, it can be very effectively managed. With over three decades of experience treating patients across a broad spectrum of acne symptoms, including those with acne scarring, at Dermatology M we have been able to clear a range of acne conditions.

This is thanks, in part, to our prioritisation of Traditional Chinese Medicine which focuses on the holistic approach to the health of the body, and therefore the skin. Looking more towards lifestyle factors such as diet, stress and wellness, and their impact on our bodies’ ability, or inability, to function. We therefore use combinations of valuable therapies such as acupuncture, nutrition and herbal therapy that support, and work with, the body, rather than creating abnormalities in it.

This is hugely beneficial for certain types of acne caused by hormonal imbalances where harsh chemicals and medications often only serve to intensify fluctuations, as with our natural alternative to Roaccutane.

Our founder, Dr Mazin Al-Khafaji spent years developing innovative skincare formulas that balances the principles of TCM with science-backed learnings to help tackle skincare problems such as acne, in gentle, natural ways. This means that our acne clearing range of skincare products only include high-quality ingredients and the finest Chinese herbs that work with our natural body processes to find balance and calm.

Here we present our specialised skincare recommendations for effectively alleviating and managing acne, naturally.

Skincare Treatments To Clear Acne

Cleanse

Specially designed and formulated for skin prone to acne, cleanse morning and night with our oil-free, soap-free Honeysuckle Cleanser. Soothing and balancing, it blends Aloe Vera and Jin Yin Hua – renowned in Traditional Chinese Medicine for their respective soothing and detoxifying qualities. In addition, Jin Yin Hua contains Palmarosa and Lavender essential oils, both long-used for their antibacterial properties to help balance sebum production, unclog pores and ease inflammation.

Treat

Those prone to acne should avoid abrasive scrubs. Instead, alleviate a heightened level of dead skin cells by applying Blemish Rescue Mask for between 15-60 minutes, two or three times a week. Containing Tea Tree and Peach Kernel oils, as well as Aloe Vera and Camphor, it refines and soothes while also preventing congestion and breakouts. In addition, apply Blemish Rescue to any blemishes. This on-the-spot treatment is especially effective and, rather conveniently, can also be kept on hand for minor cuts and grazes.

Soothe Inflammation

Morning and evening, smooth Blemish Rescue Face Cream over skin. Formulated to help calm and clear breakouts, rebalance excess oil and stimulate skin cell regeneration, it blends antioxidants Sunflower Seed Oil and Hyaluronic Acid with Gotu Kola to alleviate inflammation while also helping aid the healing process.

Overnight

Provide overnight relief to painful breakouts with an intensely soothing hit of Overnight Blemish Rescue. This calming and rebalancing gel combines renowned herbal ingredients including Tu Da Huang, Da Huang and Liu Huang – all long used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help clear the heat, toxins and itching associated most with acne symptoms.

Treat Acne Scars

Greatly reduce the extent of visible acne scarring by using Conditioning Scar Oil as early as you notice scars forming. A formula rich in antioxidants and linoleic acid – with Safflower Oil, Rosehip Oil and Vitamin E, among other actives – Qu Ba You soothes acne while helping effectively reduce scarring.

Shop our complete collection of acne and oil control skincare.

If you have any questions about acne, breakouts, scarring or suitable skincare, please contact us here.