Acne is one of the most common skin concerns experienced by people all over the world. In fact, research estimates that 9.4 percent of people worldwide have acne. While acne doesn’t pose a serious risk to your overall health, it can still be painful, particularly if you have severe acne. Over time, acne might also cause scarring. There’s no denying that acne can contribute to emotional distress. Acne and acne scars on your face and other visible body locations can affect self-esteem and self-confidence, and they can even contribute to feelings of anxiety or depression. If you live with acne, know that it’s a common condition.

“ISDIN South Africa aims to shed light on the negative impacts of stress on your skin. Managing stress is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Knowing how to manage stress can improve mental and physical well-being as well as minimise exacerbation of health-related issues,” explained Karlo Mitchell, Brand Manager of  ISDIN in South Africa.

For some, stress can be a huge trigger for unhealthy skin. When you are stressed, your diet takes a knock and so does your self-care, your mood, and your overall well-being. The first physical in most cases is your skin and this can appear in the form of breakouts, acne, congested and dehydrated skin. 

“While stress can affect your skin negatively when we speak about acne, it is important to remember that it is very treatable. Many effective treatments exist, so you have options for reducing the number of breakouts you get and minimising your chances of scarring. The first step is always understanding the characteristics of your skin. This will lead you to identify the type of acne you have which will result in effective treatments for your acne,” added Karlo Mitchell. 

You can experience some sort of acne anywhere on your body. The most common sites include the face, neck, shoulders, back, and chest. Here is a breakdown of the different types of acne:

• Whiteheads and blackheads, both also referred to as comedones, are the most common acne lesions.

• Blackheads, or open comedones, open at the surface of your skin. Oxygen in the air (not dirt) gives the top of these pimples their darker appearance.

• Whiteheads, or closed comedones, form as raised bumps under the surface of your skin. They remain flesh-colored.

• Inflammatory lesions, which are more likely to cause scarring of your skin, include:

• Papules. These small, red, raised bumps are caused by inflamed or infected hair follicles.

• Pustules. These small red pimples have pus at their tips.

• Nodules. These solid, often painful lumps develop beneath the surface of your skin.

• Cysts. These large lumps beneath your skin contain pus and are usually painful.

“When treating your acne, it is recommended to choose a skincare brand that has a comprehensive, holistic and effective acne range that services all types of skin and acne. This will help prevent overloading your skin with active ingredients in addition, using products that are made to work together will promote maximum benefits for your skin. The ISDIN Acniben range is skincare made for acne-prone skin as the name suggests. This range includes everything you need from A to Z to treat your acne using a dermo-cosmetic brand,” said Karlo Mitchell. 

The range includes: 

• Two cleansers (Gel and Foam) assist with deep cleansing, unclogging pores, and controlling excess sebum production. 

• A facial cream to hydrate the skin and control shine. 

• A night concentrate serum that helps restore radiance. 

• An on-the-spot treatment to localise and minimise pimples. 

• A quick-drying body spray to use on your back, chest, neck, and shoulders. The 360° valve allows reaching difficult areas (back, shoulders) and contains 2 % Salicylic acid and 8 % Glycolic acid to help exfoliate the skin. 

• A face mask that reduces redness, eliminates impurities, and mattifies the skin. 

“We encourage you to prioritise your skin and your overall health this month. Take stock of how you are treating your skin and body and make changes for the better. It is never too late to start investing in your skin and avoid the domino effect to take over your life. If acne is something that you suffer with, or perhaps only flares up when you are stressed, try the Acniben range,’ concluded Mitchell. 

Shop the ISDIN® Acniben range online at Cosmetology and at selected Clicks Pharmacies.