Blog - Minal-FM Skin

What Are the Different Terms used in Acne

January 27, 2021January 27, 2021
by minal

Blackheads : These are open comedones(clogged hair follicle/pore), where dead skin cells and sebum clog up a hair follicle which is darkened by oxidation with the “head” or opening on the surface of the skin. Hence the name – Blackhead.

Although it can be tempting to “squeeze” the blackhead, it’s best left for the professional who will ensure it’s done hygienically as well as finish off with sterilising the skin so as to avoid inflammation or thepore getting infected.

Whiteheads : these are closed comedones, slightly deeper in the skin. Since they are closed oxidation ( reaction of oil with oxygen)cannot take place , they appear white.

These cannot be squeezed out as the pore is closed and are deeper into the skin. Best to be treated professionally as they may need to be removed with sterilised needle or via electrolysis .

Papules : these are comedones that are inflamed. The appearance is of tiny red or pink bumps on the surface of the skin which maybe tender to touch. Depending on the numbers and area coverage this can be termed as moderate to severe acne.

Picking or squeezing will lead to a worsening of the inflammation and may lead to scarring.

Pustules- these are raised comedones with a white head in the centre with the surrounding skin being red , inflamed and quite painful to touch. The bump is filled with white or yellow pus.

Any attempt to squeeze or pop these at home is strongly discouraged as it will spread the infection, leaving in its wake hyperpigmentation and acne scarring.

Nodules – these are large and inflamed bumps that feel firm to the touch with no white head, they develop deep within the skin and can be quite painful. If untreated these can leave deep acne scarring. The treatment of this will need stronger ingredients and will need a detailed look into the patients history and lifestyle by an advanced skin specialist.

Cysts – large, inflamed, boil like lesions filled with pus and can be very painful. As in the case of nodules, attempt to squeeze/pop will only lead to its spread, hyperpigmentation and acne scarring.

These should be treated by a skilled advanced skin specialist.

Hormonal Acne

Hormonal Imbalances causing Acne

January 25, 2021January 27, 2021
by minal

Women in the modern world face imbalance in hormones as a result of unrelieved stress, an ever-expanding to-do list, environmental pollution, medication use, conflicting ideas on nutrition and nutrient deficiencies. In addition to that genetic influences, conditions such as PCOS ( polycystic ovary syndrome), fibroids, endometriosis, thyroid, adrenal fatigue. All these have an effect in an imbalance in hormones and one of the symptoms can be Hormonal Acne.

Hormonal imbalances can also affect teenage boys and men, however, the fluctuations are less. Teen-acne in Boys can also have an enormous effect in their confidence and sometimes can feel embarrassed to seek professional advice.

Hormones affect everything from how dry or greasy your hair is , skin being dry or oily,weight gain or loss ,mood alterations, the elasticity and firmness of the skin, breakouts before or after menstruation and so much more!

Some Home Remedies that can be tried –

Controlling Acne with Diet

Low GI diet,dairy free diet,abundance in alkalinising vegetables and cleansing fluids

( advice of a Nutritionist is advised)

Warm Lemon Water

Starting the day with a cup of warm water and fresh lemon is a great way to cleanse the body and flush out toxins. It helps to alkalise the body which combats excess acidity .

Topical retinoids

Derivates of Vitamin A applied in the form of a cream/serum . They work by preventing skin cells from clogging up the hair follicle( follow the suggestion of a skin specialist which is the best one for the type of acne)

Omega 3’s

Foods rich in Omega 3 fats, like oily fish each week, omega 3 eggs, flaxseed oil is inflammation-fighting and hormone balancing ( consult a nutritionist before diet changes are introduced)

Home remedies are a good place to start in mild acne cases, however, it is recommended to seek advice from experienced Skin Specialists who can help to give it a more rounded approach for better chances to resolve the issue.

At Minal-FMskin Marylebone, we do a thorough consultation before suggesting the best plan forward. The consultation will include – the history of your acne, lifestyle, diet, home product use. After which a tailored treatment/product plan will be created.

Kindly get in touch with us for more information.

Hyperpigmentation

What Is Hyperpigmentation? Causes and Common Types

December 31, 2020December 31, 2020
by minal

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition. These are dark patches caused by various factors such as acne scars, sun damage, hormonal imbalances and many more. It is a skin condition that can affect people of all ages, gender, and skin colour.

The melanin pigment in our skin is responsible for giving it tone and protection against UV rays. Sometimes, the concentration in which the pigment is present can increase abnormally or unevenly. This can even cause hyperpigmentation of the skin.

Hyperpigmentation can make parts of the skin look darker, blotchy and uneven in tone and texture.

There is no quick fix to this problem, and it is tedious to cover up with make-up. Timely in-clinic treatments or use of customised skincare routine can help to even out skin tone which in turn makes the skin look healthier and younger. Here are some general causes of hyperpigmentation.

Causes of Hyperpigmentation

Excessive exposure to the sun.
Melasma.
Inflammation in the skin.
Skin Trauma.
Hormonal Changes
Solar lentigines.
Age spots.
Usage of certain drugs.

Common Types of Hyperpigmentation: Their Symptoms

The most effective way of treating hyperpigmentation is to understand the underlying cause. Here is an overview of the commonly found types.

Solar lentigines: This is a type of hyperpigmentation caused due to direct exposure to the sun. As the skin comes in contact with the UVA and UVB rays of the sun, the defence mechanism triggers and stimulates the melanocytes in the skin. This tends to produce excessive melanin causing uneven patches on the skin.

Melasma: Is another type of hyperpigmentation mainly occurring to pregnant women due to hormonal imbalances.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): This occurs mainly due to skin injury or trauma such as acne, dermatitis, skin rashes, insect bites to name a few.

Age spots/ liver spots: They are mainly caused as a result of photoaging and damages caused by the sun which in turn accelerates skin ageing.

It is highly recommended to visit a dermatologist if an existing mole changes in the colour, shape, size, or texture. This may indicate an early sign of skin cancer.

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