AN INTRO TO ACNE

Acne is a disease of the pilosebaceous unit — blockage or inflammation of this unit will result in acne. Oil glands are found in the highest density on the face, back, and chest and these are the most common sites of acne development. Sebum is a food source for bacteria called propionibacterium acnes (p. acnes) that reside in the skin. As these bacteria proliferate, they attract white blood cells, which is an immune response that can damage the follicle walls, forming debris and dead cells that result in pimples and sometimes pustules.

Acne can manifest in many ways. It can be non-inflammatory, where sebum and dead skin cells easily become trapped within the follicle. This accumulation of cellular debris and sebaceous matter forms a hard plug that obstructs the pore opening. This obstruction is called a comedo. It manifests itself as a non-inflamed bump or blackhead on the skin’s surface. Over time it can become more inflammatory where small red bumps (papules) or pus-filled spots (pustules) occur. In more severe forms, deep, red, tender spots known as nodules or cysts develop. This form is also known as cystic acne, which can result in scarring of the skin. It is important to remind clients not to self-pop, squeeze, pick, or poke at their acne lesions as they can result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), post-inflammatory erythema (PIE), or scarring.

Beatrice Van is an award-winning aesthetics master educator and enthusiastic, positive, self-starter with over 17 years of progressive experience in the beauty industry. In addition to her role as a clinical master aesthetics educator at Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics, she is the clinical director for Fearless Beauties. She is also a certified advanced aesthetician, makeup artist, and nail specialist. On her days off, Van is at Indie Esthetics helping her clients look and feel like the very best versions of themselves or off traveling throughout North America as an education ambassador for CND and Fearless Beauties. Her passion is to empower both students and beauty professionals to boldly invest in their education and strengthen their skills while elevating standards in the industry.