Acne - What Is It And How Do We Treat It?

Acne (or as the Koreans so aptly call it "trouble") are those unsightly, red blemishes that are irritating, painful, at times itchy and all around self-esteem depreciating things we all hate but have at one time or another dealt with. So what is it?

What are they?

To put it simply, beneath the surface of our skin are sebaceous glands. These work to produce an oil called sebum which is released through pores to lubricate our skin keeping it smooth and supple. However, in certain cases, our pores become blocked or plugged.

1. This causes a build up of sebum which can lead to a few pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.

2. Alternatively, the trapped sebum can cause the proliferation of Propionibacterium Acnes bacterium. This in turn stimulates our immune system to react and induce inflammation. Eventually, the wall of the blocked pore breaks down and spills everything into the nearby skin - this leads to lesions or acne.

What causes it?

There are a variety of reasons, but the most predominant are hormonal imbalances, diet and stress.

How to treat it

You have acne. But don't panic! It can be dealt with! We promise!

Prevention

So, you've never had pimples before as a teenager? Great! But keep in mind, hormonal changes can occur as you get older, so you never know, you might wake up one day to find a sudden flare up!  So prevention is always key! The best way to do this is via a cleansing routine that ensures you remove any impurities from the skin. We recommend a double cleanse (CLICK TO READ MORE).

heimish All Clean Balm - http://www.stylekorean.com/shop/heimish-all-clean-balm-120ml/1457679526/

Neogen Real Fresh Foam - http://www.stylekorean.com/search/real%20fresh%20foam.html

Treatment

Most people, when faced with a pimple or an outbreak fly into a frenzy and over zealously scrub at their poor skin. This will only further aggravate your (already) sensitive skin so don't over-wash! Simply, use a gentle cleanser every morning and evening to remove any impurities. 

COSRX Low pH Good Morning Cleanser: http://www.stylekorean.com/shop/cosrx-low-ph-good-morning-gel-cleanser-150ml/1450852364/

COSRX Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser: http://www.stylekorean.com/shop/cosrx-salicylic-acid-exfoliating-cleanser-150ml/1450853730/

Chemical exfoliation may also be necessary. Now, contrary to it's rather frightening name, it simply refers to the use of chemical exfoliates such as AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) to clear away dead skin cells that have accumulated within your pores. Unfortunately, physical scrubs may not be sufficient as they are only able to remove dead skin cells that aggregate on the surface of your skin.

COSRX One Step Pimple Clear Pad: http://www.stylekorean.com/shop/cosrx-one-step-pimple-clear-pads/1450858295/

AHA Treatment: http://www.stylekorean.com/search/COSRX%20AHA.html

BHA Treatment: http://www.stylekorean.com/search/COSRX%20BHA.html

Please do not pop your pimples! This simply releases the bacterium and sebum onto your skin and leaves an open wound for other germs to enter and exacerbate the situation! Instead use patches which help protect the area and absorb the discharge. It also works to cover up these pesky spots! 

COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch: http://www.stylekorean.com/shop/cosrx-acne-pimple-master-24-patches/1450854152/

Click here to read reviews on these amazing products.​

Now, we LOVE to use COSRX to treat our skin problems. And why not, their representative MR. RX is an acne and pore genius who created this brand after suffering from acne for years and years. Which is why he poured his life and soul into this amazing brand!

So, we too have decided to bring COSRX to you with a special event! Be sure to take advantage of it! ♪ ♪ ♪♪ ♪ ♪​