“Why Do I Break Out?!” | Do You Have“Mask-ne”
It seems as of lately (due to COVID-19) a lot more patients are complaining about acne breakouts and the more obvious, “mask-ne”. Acne breakouts are especially common right now because of 1.) the summer heat + sweat 2.) mask wearing + heat 3.) an overproduction of OIL. If you have acne in your 20’s and if you have acne in 50’s, you are not alone!
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 50 million people are impacted by acne vulgaris each year. About 85% of people age 12 and up experience some form of acne in their lifetime.
What Causes Oily Skin?
Genetics: If either of your parents have a bistory of oily skin, then the chances of you inheriting that trait is likely.
Hormones: As many of you may know, acne breakouts are very common during that ‘time of the month’ and that is due to our flunctuating hormones (insert eye roll). This is why acne is common in our adolescent years and even as we age, termed “adult acne”. Speaking of hormones, when I was pregnant with my son my face cleared up instantly, it was free of acne, however when I was pregnant with my daughter, I broke out terribly, thank. you. hormones (& my dear Stella)!
The foods you eat: YES! The foods you eat do have an effect on your skin. So think twice before that next slice of pizza.
Where you live: If the climate of the place where you live is hot and humid, your skin is likely to produce more oil. This is why, no matter where you live, your skin is oilier in summers as compared to winters.
Your current skincare/makeup regime: Take note of your current skincare regime, (you must not be on ZO Skin Health, lol) What you are using may actually be clogging your pores. And those enlarged, blocked pores, create acne! Try wearing as little makeup (to none) as possible. Once you start your new ZO Skin Health regime, you’ll never want to cover wear makeup again!
So What Is Actually Causing My Acne?!
The most common places you’ll find excessive oil, “The T-Zone”
If you consider yourself an “oily” person, listen up! If you are prone to breakouts, continue reading! Everyone has natural oils called sebum and as you just read, you may have just inherited the oily trait. But it’s teaching patients and their oils to maintain a healthy balance under the skin and pores. The most common places you’ll find excessive oil is the forehead, nose, and chin, the T Zone (now add that sweaty mask to the mix!)
Illustration of the stages of acne formation
Now let’s discuss bacteria. More specifically, Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). It is normal to have a healthy amount of P. acnes underneath your skin. This bacteria lives at the base of our hair follicles and survives in a no oxygen environment. However, it’s important to understand that this bacteria thrives off of oil, dead skin cells, and no oxygen. So, when you add hormonal changes or your diet consisting of fatty foods, there becomes an increase in oil or FOOD for the bacteria to eat, thrive off of, and then MULTIPLY. So the root cause to acne is an overproduction of oil not P.acne. Let’s continue on… As P. acnes, multiplies, tissue becomes annoyed and causes your immune response to freak out which produces chronic INFLAMMATION to fight back. The ingredients: oil + dead skin cells + bacteria multiplying+ chronic inflammation = a backup underneath the skin, which causes.... you guessed it, a PIMPLE.
Yes P.acne feeds off of oil, that’s why we need to control the oil. Healthy levels of bacteria under our skin is actually normal. While we can’t control hormones and genetics, we can control what we eat and how we are taking care of our skin. Bad skincare habits such as picking at your pimples (aka creating irritation and inflammation) or applying moisturizers (and clogging our pores), causes that overproduction of oil or food for the bacteria. Which is the real culprit to acne. (And per Dr. Obagi, moisturizers are the enemy anyways!)
ZO Skin Health To the Rescue!
The best way to start your journey to acne free skin is with the ZO Skin Health, Getting Skin Ready protocol
ZO Skin Health offers a variety of products to meet everyone’s needs. The getting skin ready products (see my previous blog post) helps combat oily skin, pore size, and aggressively exfoliates dead unwanted skin cells. Dr. Zein Obagi is a huge propionate of aggressive exfoliation. When you exfoliate and correct your skin, you are freeing your pores of excess oil, dead skin cells, and inflammation. Besides ‘getting your skin ready’ its important to incorporate these key ingredients to your regime:
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)- AHAs slough off dead skin cells that cause pimple-producing clogged pores and leaves you with smoother, softer skin. Types of AHAs are glycolic and lactic acid. Try ZO Skin Health’s Exfoliation Accelerator or Enzymatic Peel.
Benzoyl peroxide – You’ll find a womping 10% of this ingredient in ZO’s pimple-fighting treatments! Try ZO Skin Health’s Acne Control.
Salicylic acid - This beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) is an effective and powerful exfoliant that helps keep pores clear by exfoliating deep down inside. Try ZO Skin Health’s Oil Control Pads
Sulfur & Clay- The mineral decreases excess oil and inflammation. Try ZO Skin Health’s Complexion Clearing Masque.
Retinol - This powerhouse ingredient not only smooths fine lines and wrinkles, but it also exfoliates the dead skin cells that cause clogs pores and lead to acne. Try ZO Skin Health’s Wrinkle & Texture Repair. (One of my personal favorites!)
At Home Facial with ZO Skin Health
1. Wash your face using your ZO Skin Health cleanser
2. Exfoliate using your ZO Skin Health exfoliating polish
3. Apply your ZO Skin Health Complexion Clearing Mask and leave on for 15 mins. After 15 mins wash off throughly.
4. Use your ZO Skin Health Oil Control Pads or Complexion Renewal Pads
5. Apply ZO Enzymatic Peel and leave overnight. (this “invisible” peels works to reveal a bright and smoother skin tone)
6. Acne spot treat(overnight) with your acne control + complexion clearing masque
**Through August (or while supplies last) purchase two acne products and receive a FREE complexion clearing masque + headband.
So which products and ingredients are right for you? Contact me, your skin coach and I’ll give you recommendations and pro tips for combating oily skin and your “mask-ne”. Already know what your looking for? You can purchase your products on my ZO Skin Health online store here. (special gift offer not valid via the online store).
XO, Lauren