Cosmetic procedures for problem skin

Problematic facial skin needs special care. People suffering from acne rarely seek medical help and try to get rid of inflamed acne on their own. And this almost always leads to unwanted complications. One of them is scarring - a defect, the formation of which makes the relief of the skin uneven: lumpy, rough, covered with irregularly shaped scars. It is extremely difficult to eliminate it. Experts are confident that if you seek help from a cosmetologist or dermatologist in time, you can get out of this situation with minimal losses.

How to choose an acne treatment method

Treating acne without identifying the cause of its appearance is a futile exercise. They are a symptomatic manifestation of pathological processes occurring inside the body. Which ones exactly can be suggested by the formations themselves. There are several types of acne (comedones, nodular cystic acne, nodular acne, superficial pustules).

Each variety has its own etiology, its own pathogenesis. Therefore, the means of treatment are different everywhere.

The table below clearly shows how important it is to correctly assess the severity of the disease. It is not always possible to fight acne on your own; a cosmetologist cannot always help you cope with the problem. In some cases, only an experienced dermatologist can preserve the beauty and youth of the skin. It is he who, after conducting a series of diagnostic tests, will be able to select the correct method of treating acne and suggest which direction is best to move.

Laser treatment

If you have severe acne, you can treat with pharmaceuticals or choose laser therapy. It will allow you to cope with the described defect in the shortest possible time. And all because laser beams affect the source of the problem - pathogenic bacteria, which caused the development of a purulent-inflammatory reaction. According to reviews from patients of specialized clinics, the difference in skin condition before and after the cosmetic procedure is obvious. Laser exposure has a bactericidal effect, it melts thick sebum that clogs the sebaceous gland duct, stimulates collagen production, eliminates pigmentation, evens out the skin texture, relieving the patient of unsightly scars.

Laser treatment can be used to eliminate old comedones, inflamed papular and pustular acne, and cystic cavities. Treatment of inflamed lesions is carried out with a light beam. The targeted action completely eliminates the causes of acne formation (pathogenic bacteria) and sterilizes the tissue. As a result, local skin immunity and the skin's ability to resist new infectious agents are increased.

Light therapy

Light therapy can be used to treat acne vulgaris. This is a non-invasive method that uses a specific wavelength of light. Its effect on the human body has been studied by scientists for many years. Today they have come to the conclusion that it has a pronounced bactericidal effect, and light of a certain wavelength is most active against those pathogenic microorganisms whose infection leads to the appearance of acne vulgaris.

The procedure is extremely simple:

1. During their life, bacteria produce special substances, porphyrins.
2. The short-wavelength light emitted by the hardware corresponds to the photosensitivity of porphyrins.
3. By absorbing it, the described substances release free intracellular oxygen.
4. It destroys bacteria.
5. As a result of their death, the inflammatory process decreases.
6. After treatment, the wavelength changes from 415 nm to 633 nm. The blue color is converted to red.
7. Its action has an anti-inflammatory effect.
8. Several sessions, and the skin heals faster.
9. The light produced by the installation reduces the production of subcutaneous sebum, as a result of which the functioning of the sebaceous glands returns to normal.

In the process of treating severe acne, special local preparations are applied to the affected areas of the skin before the session to increase the skin's sensitivity to light radiation. This method of treatment is called photodynamic treatment. It is prescribed when it is necessary to achieve complete remission of the severe cystic form of acne vulgaris.

To achieve a therapeutic result, it is necessary to conduct about ten sessions; they are carried out at intervals of two to three days. The duration of one procedure is twenty to thirty minutes. After completing the course of treatment, patients note a clear improvement in their skin condition. She becomes clean and fit.

Ozone therapy

The most popular procedure in the treatment of all forms of acne. Provides a pronounced long-lasting result, and at the same time has an affordable price for everyone, without exception. Its essence is that the affected areas are treated with an ozone-oxygen mixture. It has a bactericidal effect. Therefore, it is possible to quickly relieve the inflammatory process. Injections stimulate blood circulation, this helps improve local immunity and restore the protective functions of the skin.

Ozone therapy normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands. The injections do not leave marks on the skin, so the treatment takes place without scarring. The course consists of 6-8 procedures, two sessions can be performed per week. There is no recovery period, there are no restrictive regimes. After ozone therapy, the patient is allowed to visit the pool, have a massage, and play sports. The results of treatment last for about a year. To increase the duration of relapse, it is important to exclude the cause of acne. That is why the described procedure is part of complex therapy.

Chemical facial cleansing

The procedure often becomes part of a comprehensive acne treatment. It allows you to achieve a positive result or maintain a therapeutic effect. Its essence is that special compositions containing fruit acids are applied to the skin in the form of masks. They literally burn the top layer of the epidermis and destroy pathogenic bacteria, the activity of which leads to the formation of acne.

The final result largely depends on the correct choice of drug for chemical peeling. There are a huge number of them. And only an experienced cosmetologist is able, taking into account the patient’s skin type, to choose the most suitable composition.

For example, glycolic acid is often used to treat problem skin. The molecule of this substance is very small, so the acid is able to penetrate deep into the skin and have a healing effect, as they say, from the inside.

This peeling cannot be used to treat pustular acne: the procedure will provoke a sharp exacerbation of the disease. To avoid this, it is first necessary to completely stop the inflammatory reaction with a course of systemic antibiotics, and then use glycolic acid, but not in isolation, but as part of more gentle peelings. The average person cannot know about this, so self-medication often leads to disastrous results.

Using mandelic acid has a smaller list of side effects. In its structure, mandelic acid is similar to the antibiotic erythromycin, so it can demonstrate a pronounced antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. Those with oily skin with comedones need to use the gel form of mandelic acid; if there are a large number of inflammatory elements on the skin, experts recommend choosing aqueous-alcohol solutions. And there are many such nuances. Therefore, it is so important to contact an experienced cosmetologist for dry cleaning.

Microdermabrasion of the face

This procedure is a type of mechanical cleaning. During this process, the epidermis is polished using special microcrystals. The session is carried out in a beauty salon; the skin is not damaged during the procedure, so there is no risk of infection. The effect enhances microcirculation in the upper layers of the skin. This provides intensive nutrition to damaged tissues. Facial resurfacing helps remove dead skin layers of the epidermis, pores narrow, and fine wrinkles smooth out.

Microdermabrasion stimulates the production of collagen and elastin; after several sessions, the tone of the dermis improves and the damaged structure is restored. A similar procedure can be used both during the treatment of acne and after stopping the inflammatory process. With its help, post-acne symptoms are corrected (scars are eliminated, bumpy relief is leveled).

Special equipment is used to perform microdermabrasion. Microcrystals are fed into a special nozzle under pressure, and the cosmetologist uses it to polish the face. The duration of one session is thirty to forty minutes. After its completion, soothing masks are applied to the skin. To achieve a therapeutic effect, up to twelve procedures are necessary. It is important to take a break of ten days between each session. If microdermabrasion was performed correctly, the number of acne rashes is noticeably reduced, skin tone is evened out, it becomes smooth, and a healthy glow appears.

Contraindications to hardware treatment

The cosmetic treatments for acne described above are not suitable for everyone. Hardware treatment has its contraindications. It should not be used during:

1. pregnancy,
2. lactation,
3. menses,
4. taking medications with a photosensitizing effect.

A fresh tan, a history of diabetes mellitus, the presence of herpes in the acute stage, oncology, eczema, fungal infections, psoriasis are also a direct contraindication to hardware treatment of acne.

Advantages and disadvantages

When choosing hardware treatment for acne, it is important to consider the existing pros and cons of such therapy. Almost all procedures, with the exception of deep chemical peeling, are minimally traumatic. Their implementation ensures a high degree of disinfection of the treated surface, so the risks of infection and the development of unwanted complications are minimal.

Any impact enhances oxygen transport, saturates the skin with moisture, stimulates cellular nutrition and regeneration processes. During laser or mechanical resurfacing, light therapy or ozone therapy, the skin is deeply cleansed, pores are narrowed, comedones, pustules, papules, wen, accumulations of sebum and dirt disappear. After a full cycle, an additional cosmetic effect is formed: skin tone is evened out, age spots, shallow wrinkles, and post-acne symptoms are eliminated. The skin of the face becomes elastic, soft,
velvety and soft to the touch.

There are several disadvantages of hardware treatment for acne:

1. To achieve the expected results, it is necessary to carry out several sessions of hardware treatment. Between each you need to take a ten-day break. Therapy is delayed, so it cannot provide an immediate therapeutic effect.
2. The full course of treatment is not cheap.
3. Only an experienced, highly qualified specialist can provide good results.
4. Each procedure has its own contraindications. Sometimes, in order to identify their presence, it is necessary to undergo a full range of diagnostic examinations.

Hardware treatment can eliminate the symptoms of acne, so it only provides temporary results. To achieve stable remission, it is important to combine different types of therapy and use drug treatment for acne.

According to experts, it is pointless to fight problematic facial skin using only cosmetics and procedures. This approach will not solve the problem, but will only worsen the rash.

Do you want to solve your skin problems? It is important to take a comprehensive approach to the situation. Do not forget that the treatment should be carried out by a specialist, and in this case the specialists are a cosmetologist and a dermatologist. First, the nature of acne and pimples is clarified. This is possible by passing a minimum of tests. Only after this the treatment tactics are determined: from the inside - with special preparations, from the outside - with cosmetic procedures. This is the only way to achieve success.

As for procedures, this is what beauty salons offer us for problem skin.

Face cleaning

All organs of our body need periodic cleansing: the digestive system from toxins, the blood from excess cholesterol, and the skin from “dirt”, sebum and dead cells. To periodically cleanse the skin, facial cleansing is used in salons.

Periodic deep cleansing of the face is necessary for any skin type, and especially for problem skin with blackheads and acne. Moreover, it is necessary to carry out cleansing approximately once a month. During the procedure, dead particles are exfoliated, acne and blackheads are removed. After cleansing, the skin begins to ventilate better, and this significantly reduces the number of new acne and blackheads.

For this problem, two types of facial cleansing are used - manual (mechanical) and hardware (ultrasonic) cleansing.

At mechanical facial cleansing Skin cleansing is carried out manually without the use of any equipment. First, the skin is prepared using steaming or a special cold gel, and then the specialist cleanses the skin with his fingers. The procedure is somewhat painful, and the skin, even after applying a soothing and tightening mask, remains red for several hours.

Ultrasonic cleaning - This is skin cleansing using an ultrasonic scrubber. The effect of ultrasound not only deeply cleanses the skin of toxins, impurities, sebum and cleanses problem areas, but also provides micro-massage of the skin and smoothes out fine wrinkles.

Contraindications to this procedure are skin diseases - vitiligo, benign skin tumors, hyperpigmentation, and dark skin.

The procedure is carried out in the form of a course of 8-10 daily 15-minute procedures, after 4-6 months the cleaning is repeated.

These two types of facial cleansing can be used either separately or in combination. It should be noted that modern facial cleansing does not bring severe discomfort, because the skin is treated with special preparations that open the pores as much as possible and dissolve sebum. And after that, dead cells and areas of inflammation can be removed from the skin gently and painlessly. After all the procedures performed, special creams or masks are applied to the skin, which are selected individually, depending on its condition. The procedure ends with the application of soothing and drying agents.

Peelings

The purpose of cosmetic peeling is to improve appearance and prolong youth. By controlling the processes of injury and healing of the skin, cosmetologists achieve amazing results in eliminating skin defects, such as wrinkles, age spots, scars and acne marks, stretch marks, enlarged pores, acne, etc. After just one peeling procedure, you can notice that the skin became smooth, velvety, and acquired an even matte shade.

Peeling methods should be distinguished by the degree of “aggression” (depth of penetration into the skin layers):

1. surface,
2. superficial-median
3. middle, deep.

What type of peeling is suitable is decided by a specialist during a consultation.

Among all peels, glycolic peels should be especially noted, which act very delicately. Moreover, glycolic acid (its molecules) serves as an excellent conductor for anti-inflammatory, whitening components.

Skin peeling based on glycolic acid will give both immediate results (smoothing and improving skin texture, narrowing pores) and delayed results (moisturizing, lifting effect, lightening pigmentation).

This procedure has virtually no age restrictions. At a younger age (starting from 15 years), skin peeling is mainly aimed at treating acne and blackheads. In older people - to influence age-related changes (wrinkles, pigmentation, etc.). The recipe for glycolic peels is compiled individually.

Laser treatment

Today it has become possible to treat acne and other rashes with lasers. This approach allows you to increase the protective properties of the skin, helping to recover from acne. The course of procedures using patented technology is absolutely safe for health.

Improvement in skin condition can be seen after 2-4 therapy sessions. Why is laser acne treatment effective?

In this case, the number of new rashes decreases, skin oiliness normalizes, and the secretion of the sebaceous glands decreases. The laser also allows you to eliminate inflammatory elements and see excellent results.

After the procedure, no long time for rehabilitation is required, which allows the patient not to change his usual schedule.

Remember, the problem is being solved! The main thing is to be patient and trust a specialist who knows exactly what treatment you need!

The main questions for those with problem skin are how to eliminate oily shine and is it really possible to prevent acne? We will try to give an answer, and at the same time we will tell you what beauty products to use and what cosmetic procedures to sign up for.

1. Signs of problem skin
2. Causes of problems
3. What kind of skin may be problematic?
4. How to care for problem skin
5. Preventing skin problems
6. Cosmetical tools
7. Cosmetology procedures

Signs of problem skin

Cosmetologists, as a rule, call oily skin prone to pimples and acne problematic. In patients suffering from acne, the formation of sebum significantly increases and its composition changes (the concentration of linoleic acid decreases). This leads to hyperkeratosis, and subsequently to clogging of pores and the appearance of closed and open comedones, or blackheads.

So, the main characteristics of problem skin:

The main skin problems are blackheads, oily shine, pimples, enlarged pores © iStock

Causes of problems

The number of sebaceous glands in the body of each person is determined genetically. But the intensity of the work of these glands can change throughout life. Skin problems can accompany you not only during adolescence, but also appear in your 30s and 40s.

What can cause them:

hormonal imbalance;

improperly selected care;

insufficient skin cleansing;

environmental pollution;

What kind of skin may be problematic?

Oily skin is considered a problem, but everyone is individual, so options are possible.

It is distinguished by oily shine and enlarged pores in the T-zone.

Characteristics: oily shine and enlarged pores all over the face.

Dehydrated problem

It shows an oily sheen, enlarged pores, and comedones. Inflammatory rashes - all over the face or in certain areas. Plus redness, peeling, burning, a feeling of tightness that occurs during drug treatment and aggressive care.

The most important step in caring for problem skin is cleansing © iStock

How to care for problem skin

Perhaps the most important step in caring for oily skin is cleansing. Morning and evening, with special means.

One of the main problems for owners of oily acne-prone skin is disruption of the surface hydrolipid layer. As a result of aggressive care or treatment, the skin becomes dehydrated and sensitive. Therefore, it is important to avoid soaps and alcohol-containing cosmetics and choose products with a pH of 5.0–5.5 (that is, corresponding to the normal pH of the skin).

Products for problem skin should contain acids and components with anti-inflammatory and mattifying effects.

Cleansing

Trying to get rid of oily sheen, owners of problem skin cleanse their skin “to the point of squeaking” using aggressive products and thereby achieve the opposite effect - they disrupt the hydrolipid layer, causing new inflammation and dryness.

Choose mild products, such as those containing zinc. It regulates sebum production. The composition must also contain restorative components.

Invest in foams and tonics. Be careful with scrubs. If you have an acute phase of acne, it is better to avoid mechanical exfoliants; they can increase the inflammatory process. If acne is already behind you, use the scrub twice a week. Choose one that contains antibacterial and sebum-regulating components.

Scrubs are not always suitable for problem skin, but it really loves masks with clay © iStock

Hydration

This important step in caring for oily skin is often ignored, mistakenly thinking that moisturizing will cause shine. Contrary to myths, oily skin can and should be moisturized to restore its hydrolipid mantle. Choose light textures - fluids and mousses.

Don't forget about the need to protect your already vulnerable skin from ultraviolet radiation. Both regular day cream and foundation should contain SPF.

Preventing skin problems

Wash your face lukewarm water. Hot water dries out the skin and stimulates sebum production.

Thoroughly take off your makeup every night. If you use oil or milk, wash off the products with water.

For morning wash choose a soft gel with fruit acids, then apply toner and moisturizer.

Exfoliants such as scrubs and peels should not contain too large abrasive particles, otherwise there is a risk of causing microdamage to the skin, which can then turn into inflammation.

Before applying the cream refresh your skin with toner, it will visually narrow the pores. Tonic formulas often have a cumulative effect - after a month of regular use, you will definitely notice that your skin has become more even.

During the day use matting wipes. As soon as you notice shine, blot your T-zone and chin.

Foundations should be light and contain soothing and caring components.

Cosmetical tools

Cleansing gel “Endless freshness”, L’Oréal Paris with rose and jasmine extract.

Gel, scrub, mask “Clean skin 3-in-1”, Garnier with zinc, pumice and white clay.

Mineral pore-cleansing mask, Vichy with white clay, allantoin and aloe vera.

Mattifying sorbet cream "Life-giving hydration", Garnier with green tea extract.

A fast-acting, targeted remedy against imperfections Normaderm Hyaluspot, Vichy, with salicylic, lipohydroxy and hyaluronic acids.

Facial gel with brush “Clean skin asset Expopro”, Garnier anti-acne for oily skin with salicylic acid.

Skin texture renewing product Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro-Dermabrasion, Kiehl's with aluminum oxide powder, alginate and shea butter.

Purifying mattifying mask Effaclar, La Roche-Posay with two types of mineral clay.

Corrective care against imperfections Normaderm 24H, Vichy with salicylic acid.

Local action corrective agent Effaclar A.I., La Roche-Posay with niacinamide and lipohydroxy acid.

Cosmetology procedures

Below is a list of the most effective methods used by cosmetologists to alleviate problem skin.

In addition to cosmetic care for problem skin, there are cosmetic procedures © iStock

Chemical peeling

It is usually used to smooth out skin microrelief (including post-acne correction). As a means of combating acne and post-acne, aqueous solutions or gels based on various acids are used:

Plasma therapy

Today this is one of the most effective methods. A safe method of regenerative medicine is based on the principles of autohemostimulation. Its essence is to isolate plasma from the patient’s blood and administer it by injection.

Platelet-rich plasma has a powerful anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effect.

A course of 3–7 procedures in combination with chemical peels and laser resurfacing is recommended.

Ozone therapy

An effective anti-inflammatory technique for acne. It is recommended to carry out the procedures in a course of 10–15 sessions. The result is a significant reduction in inflammation, lightening of post-inflammatory spots and prevention of new rashes.