Dermal Diagnosis™ | Teenager Acne: Grade 2

your dermal diagnosis™ results

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We're thrilled you're taking proactive steps to understand your skin better. Below, you'll find your most recent Dermal Diagnosis™ results. Use this data as a roadmap to achieving healthier skin.

Date	Dermal Diagnosis™	Profile and Treatment Plan

DERMAL DIAGNOSIS™ RESULT BREAKDOWN

Aging Score	Hydration Score	Pigmentation Score	Inflammation category

Date	Dermal Diagnosis™

DERMAL DIAGNOSIS™ RESULT BREAKDOWN

Aging Score
Hydration Score
Pigmentation Score
Inflammation category

's Dermal Diagnosis™ Profile

Acne Breakouts: Grade 2

Your Grade 2 acne is classified as mild to moderate and is characterized by more inflamed lesions than Grade 1. You may notice that your skin has a mixture of whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed papules (small red bumps) or pustules (bumps with pus). These breakouts can occur on your face, particularly in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), and may extend to your back and chest. The affected areas might feel slightly tender, and the inflammation can cause some discomfort, though it is usually not as severe as in higher grades of acne.

In Grade 2 acne, the inflammation is more pronounced than in the mildest forms, but it is typically less extensive than in more severe grades. This stage can still lead to self-consciousness and impact confidence, especially if the breakouts are persistent. Common triggers for Grade 2 acne include hormonal fluctuations, stress, certain dietary choices, and improper skincare routines, making identifying and managing these contributing factors important.

Treatment for Grade 2 acne involves the use of topical formulations that will reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and kill acne-causing bacteria. Maintaining a consistent skincare routine with medical-grade active ingredients, and sun protection is essential in managing your acne effectively.

While Grade 2 acne is more challenging than the mildest forms, it responds well to appropriate treatment and lifestyle adjustments. With patience and consistent care, you can achieve significant improvements in your skin’s appearance and health.

benefits

barriers

goals

YOUR SKIN'S MAIN CHARACTERISTICS

Inflammation

↑ Sebum

Clogged Pores

Acne Breakouts

Benefits of your Acne Grade 2 skin type

skincare awareness

less severe

early intervention

Awareness and Advocacy: Experiencing acne can increase awareness and empathy for others with skin conditions, leading to advocacy and support for better skincare education and resources.
Learning About Skin Care: Managing Grade 2 acne can lead to a greater understanding of skincare, ingredients, and routines that work best for one's skin type, which can be beneficial for long-term skin health.
Opportunity for Early Intervention: Having Grade 2 acne provides an opportunity for early intervention and education about skin health, potentially preventing progression to more severe forms of acne.

Barriers to your skin health

Inflammation

Sebum Control

Congested Pores

Acne Breakouts

Psychological Impact: Acne of any grade can affect self-esteem and mental health. The visibility of even mild acne can lead to self-consciousness or social anxiety, particularly in teenagers and young adults.
Breakouts and Acne: The propensity for clogged pores can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and more severe forms of acne, which can be challenging to manage and may lead to scarring or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Skin Discoloration: Mild acne can still cause hyperpigmentation or post-inflammatory erythema (red marks), especially in individuals with lighter or darker skin tones who may be more prone to color changes in the skin.
Sebum Control: Controlling excess oil and shine, especially in the T-zone area, can be a constant struggle, affecting the skin's overall appearance.
Inflammation and Discomfort: Inflammation is more pronounced in Grade 2 acne, causing increased redness, swelling, and discomfort. Chronic inflammation can further disrupt the skin barrier, leading to increased sensitivity and susceptibility to irritation.

your frustrations

Sensitive skin that reacts to various stimuli and products.
Impaired skin barrier and altered skin microbiome.
Rough skin texture with inflammation and breakouts.
Congested pores in the form of blackheads and whiteheads.

your goals

No stinging, itching, burning, or other skin discomforts.
Protected and healed skin barrier with a balanced microbiome.
Smooth skin texture with no breakouts and inflammation.
Clean pores.

Acne Breakouts: Grade 2

treatment objectives

Reduce and eliminate acne breakouts

Prevent and manage all the factors leading to comedones and acne lesions.

Reduce Inflammation

Down-regulate the inflammatory response, balance the skin microbiome and prevent bacterial infiltration.

Regulate sebum (oil) production

Teenage years often see an increase in oil production due to hormonal changes. Treatment should aim to regulate this sebum production, preventing the skin from becoming excessively oily.

Support Healthy Skin Renewal

Adolescence is a time of rapid skin cell turnover. This treatment aims to support this process, promoting a fresh, youthful appearance.

Unclog pores

Dissolve and extract cellular debris and prevent skin cells from clumping together in pores to ensure that the pores remain clear and free from blockages, which can lead to breakouts.

DNA Protection and Repair

Safeguard and repair UV-induced DNA damage, utilizing a blend of UV defense, Retinol, Niacinamide, and antioxidants. This strategy prevents future damage and aids in the repair of existing cellular impairments.

include

Anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agents.
Pore decongesting and sebum regulating agents.
Broad spectrum sunscreen with antioxidants - preventing premature aging and DNA damage.
Chemical exfoliators to accelerate in-pore exfoliation.
Skin-identical medical-grade ingredients penetrating the skin to activate a biological response.

avoid

Damaging lifestyle habits, e.g. smoking, tanning beds, excessive sun and sugar consumption.
Toners and foaming cleansers containing soap & sulfates.
Fragrance in skincare products.
Harsh anti-bacterial products that disrupt the skin's natural microbiome.
Irritating plant extracts and essential oils that will trigger sebum production and secretion.

Acne Breakouts: Grade 2

Active Ingredients your skin needs

Zinc Pyrithione

Zinc pyrithione, a compound with potent antifungal and antibacterial properties, has established itself as a cornerstone in the treatment of various skin conditions, particularly those involving Malassezia yeast. Its effectiveness against seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, which are often associated with an overgrowth of Malassezia species, makes it a key ingredient for many dermatological conditions.

Zinc pyrithione’s mode of action is multifaceted, primarily targeting the membrane of fungi and bacteria, thereby disrupting their growth and replication. One of its significant mechanisms involves inhibiting fungal cell membrane transport by blocking the energy production pathway, which is crucial for cell survival.

In Malassezia, yeast, a natural inhabitant of the skin flora, can overgrow and cause conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff; zinc pyrithione's antifungal action is particularly beneficial. It reduces the yeast population on the skin, thereby alleviating the symptoms associated with its overgrowth, such as flaking, irritation, and redness.

Its efficacy in treating seborrheic dermatitis is attributed to its ability to reduce the Malassezia count, diminish inflammatory responses, and soothe the skin. Similarly, in dandruff, which is often linked to an excess of Malassezia, zinc pyrithione effectively reduces flaking and itchiness, promoting a healthier scalp environment.

The efficacy of zinc pyrithione in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff is well-documented. Its safety profile and efficacy have been confirmed by numerous studies, with significant improvements observed in both scalp and skin conditions following regular use.

Physiological Effects

Antifungal Activity: It is effective against a range of fungi, including those that cause dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Zinc Pyrithione inhibits the division of fungal cells, reducing their proliferation.
Antibacterial Properties: This compound also exhibits antibacterial activity, making it useful in treating and preventing bacterial skin infections.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Zinc Pyrithione can reduce inflammation, which is beneficial in alleviating symptoms of various inflammatory skin conditions.
Sebum Regulation: It helps in regulating sebum production, which can be beneficial for oily skin and conditions like acne.

Role in Managing Dermatological Conditions

Dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis: Zinc Pyrithione is a common ingredient in anti-dandruff shampoos and is effective in controlling the flaking and itching associated with these conditions.
Psoriasis: It can help manage the symptoms of psoriasis, particularly in reducing scaling and redness.
Acne: Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Zinc Pyrithione can be beneficial in the treatment of acne.
Fungal Infections: It is effective in treating various fungal skin infections due to its antifungal properties.

References

Warshaw, E. M., et al. (2005). Efficacy of Zinc Pyrithione in Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff. Dermatology.
Pierard-Franchimont, C., et al. (2002). Antidandruff shampoo efficacy in dandruff/seborrhoeic dermatitis. International Journal of Cosmetic Science.
Scheman, A., et al. (2000). Antimicrobial Activity of Zinc Pyrithione. American Journal of Infection Control.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid, a renowned beta hydroxy acid (BHA), is a cornerstone in dermatology and skincare due to its exceptional keratolytic and comedolytic properties. Its unique ability to penetrate oil-laden hair follicle pores makes it particularly effective in treating acne-prone and oily skin types.

Salicylic acid dissolves skin debris (sebum and dead skin cells) that clogs pores and causes acne. It's a mild antibacterial and powerful anti-inflammatory agent that helps reduce the redness and swelling associated with breakouts.

What sets salicylic acid apart in dermatological treatments is its ability to exfoliate the skin, not just on the surface but within the pores themselves. This is due to its oil-soluble nature, which allows it to penetrate deep into the pores and dissolve the keratin plugs that lead to blackheads and whiteheads.

Furthermore, salicylic acid also has the capacity to adjust the pH of the skin, creating an environment less favorable for the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Salicylic acid's efficacy in treating various skin conditions, particularly acne, has been extensively documented in the scientific literature. Studies have consistently shown its ability to reduce acne lesions in terms of count and severity. Additionally, salicylic acid is highly recommended for its effectiveness in treating other skin conditions, such as psoriasis and dandruff, due to its ability to soften and remove scales and flakes from the skin.

Physiological Effects

Keratolytic Action: Salicylic acid is known for its ability to exfoliate the skin by dissolving the intercellular 'glue' that holds skin cells together, helping to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
Comedolytic Effect: It is particularly effective in reducing comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) by unclogging pores and preventing the formation of new comedones.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Salicylic acid reduces inflammation, which is beneficial in treating acne and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Sebum Regulation: It helps to regulate oil production, making it a valuable ingredient for managing oily and acne-prone skin.
Penetration Enhancement: Due to its lipophilic nature, it can penetrate sebum-filled follicles, effectively treating acne located deep within the pores.

Role in Managing Dermatological Conditions

Acne Vulgaris: Salicylic acid is a cornerstone in acne treatment, effectively preventing and treating existing acne lesions.
Psoriasis: Its keratolytic properties make it helpful in softening and removing scales associated with psoriasis.
Warts: Salicylic acid is commonly used to treat warts because it can exfoliate and remove thick skin.
Seborrheic Dermatitis: It helps manage seborrheic dermatitis by reducing scaling and redness.
Keratosis Pilaris: Salicylic acid can aid in smoothing the rough bumps associated with keratosis pilaris.

References

Zaenglein, A. L., Pathy, A. L., Schlosser, B. J., Alikhan, A., Baldwin, H. E., Berson, D. S., & Thiboutot, D. M. (2016). Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 74(5), 945-973.e33.
Kornhauser, A., Coelho, S. G., & Hearing, V. J. (2010). Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 3, 135.
Zander, E., & Weisman, S. (1992). Treatment of acne vulgaris with salicylic acid pads. Clinical Therapeutics.
Gupta, A. K., & Nicol, K. (2004). The use of sulfur in dermatology. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.

Peptides

Peptides are short chains of amino acids with a wide range of biological functions and skin benefits. They are essentially small fragments of proteins, which are fundamental components of all living cells, including collagen and elastin in the skin.

In skincare, peptides are known for enhancing skin repair and rejuvenation. They function as signaling molecules, instructing cells to perform specific tasks such as producing collagen and elastin, vital for maintaining the skin's firmness and elasticity. This makes peptides especially beneficial in anti-aging products, as they can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Research has shown that certain peptides can improve skin barrier function, increase hydration, and soothe skin inflammation. This makes them suitable for products targeting dry, sensitive, or inflamed skin.

Peptides, with their diverse functions in promoting collagen production, strengthening the skin barrier, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory actions, are pivotal in managing various dermatological conditions, particularly in anti-aging, sensitive skin care, and wound healing applications.

Physiological Effects

Collagen Production: Certain peptides, known as signal peptides, stimulate collagen production in the skin, enhancing skin firmness and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Skin Barrier Strengthening: Peptides can strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration, and protect against environmental damage.
Wound Healing: Some peptides play a role in the skin's natural healing process, aiding tissue repair and regeneration.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Certain peptides have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe and calm irritated skin.
Antimicrobial Action: Some peptides possess antimicrobial properties, potentially helping to manage acne and other skin infections.

Role in Managing Dermatological Conditions

Aging Skin: Peptides can stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity.
Sensitive Skin Conditions: Peptides are beneficial for sensitive or inflamed skin due to their soothing properties.
Acne-Prone Skin: Antimicrobial peptides can be effective in acne treatment formulations.
Wound Care and Repair: Peptides improve wound healing and reduce scarring.

References

Gorouhi, F., & Maibach, H. I. (2009). Role of topical peptides in preventing or treating aged skin. International Journal of Cosmetic Science.
Schagen, S. K. (2012). Topical peptide treatments with effective anti-aging results. Cosmetics.
Varani, J., et al. (2001). Vitamin A antagonizes decreased cell growth and elevated collagen-degrading matrix metalloproteinases and stimulates collagen accumulation in naturally aged human skin. Journal of Investigative Dermatology.