DermExcel™ | Teenager Acne: Grade 3

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 3

Your Grade 3 acne is moderate to severe and is characterized by numerous inflamed pustules and papules (red, tender bumps), which can appear on the face, back, and chest. This stage of acne often involves more significant inflammation and a greater number of lesions compared to milder forms. The affected areas may feel sore or tender to the touch, and you might notice that the bumps are sometimes filled with pus. These symptoms can cause discomfort and may have a noticeable impact on your daily life and self-esteem.

In Grade 3 acne, the inflammation can lead to more persistent and visible redness, and the risk of developing scars increases if the condition is not managed properly. It is crucial to avoid picking or squeezing the pimples, as this can exacerbate the inflammation and increase the likelihood of scarring. The condition can be triggered or worsened by hormonal changes, stress, diet, and certain skincare products, making it essential to identify and manage these factors as part of your treatment plan.

Treatment for Grade 3 acne typically involves a combination of topical and oral medications to reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and regulate skin cell turnover. Your dermatologist may prescribe topical oral antibiotics or hormonal treatments in some cases that you will use in conjuction woth your DermExcel Treatment Plan. Consistent use of these treatments will help to control the acne and prevent new lesions from forming.

It’s important to remember that while Grade 3 acne is more challenging to manage, effective treatments are available, and with the right approach, significant improvement is possible. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider will ensure that your treatment plan is optimized and adjusted as needed to achieve the best results for your skin.

benefits

barriers

goals

YOUR SKIN'S MAIN CHARACTERISTICS

↑ Sebum

Acne Breakouts

Scarring Risk

Inflammation

Benefits of your Acne Grade 3 skin type

hydrated skin

Natural Hydration: Your oily skin provides a natural layer of hydration, forming a protective barrier against environmental damage. This helps to keep the skin plump and potentially reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Barriers to your skin health

Sebum Control

Acne Breakouts

Scarring Risk

Pain and Inflammation

Sebum Control: Grade 3 Acne skin has an increased sebum (oil) production, and dead skin cells are not shedding from within the pore. This combination, among other factors, leads to clogged pores and severe nodulocystic acne breakouts.
Microbiome Disruption: Your skin's natural microbiome is altered, and the balance between normal microbes is disrupted, allowing harmful microbes to invade the skin and trigger inflammation, sensitivity and reactivity.
Pain and Inflammation: Inflamed nodules and pustules can cause significant pain and discomfort.
Scarring: Moderate to severe acne increases the risk of permanent scarring due to the depth and severity of the lesions.
Persistent Redness and Hyperpigmentation: Post-inflammatory erythema (redness) and hyperpigmentation (dark spots) can persist long after active lesions have healed, leading to uneven skin tone.
Increased Risk of Secondary Infection: Open or ruptured lesions increase the risk of secondary bacterial infections, complicating treatment and prolonging recovery.
Psychological and Emotional Impact: Severe acne can profoundly affect self-esteem and mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal.

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 balanced microbiome.
Smooth skin texture with no breakouts and inflammation.
Clean pores.

Acne Breakouts: Grade 3

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 3

Active Ingredients your skin needs

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. It uniquely penetrates oil-laden hair follicle pores, making it particularly effective in treating acne-prone and oily skin types.

Salicylic acid works by dissolving skin debris that clogs pores and causes acne, namely sebum and dead skin cells. It's a mild anti-bacterial- and a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, which helps to 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 can 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 exfoliating the skin by dissolving the intercellular 'glue' that holds skin cells together. This helps 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 effectively soften and remove scales associated with psoriasis.
Warts: Salicylic acid is commonly used to treat warts because it can exfoliate and remove the thickened 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.

Zinc PCA

Zinc PCA, also known as Zinc Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid, is a skin care ingredient that combines the mineral zinc with a hydrating molecule PCA (Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid). It is renowned for its numerous benefits in skincare, particularly for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and sebum-regulating properties.

Zinc PCA is derived from zinc, an essential mineral known for its antioxidant and skin-soothing capabilities. Zinc is also noted for its role in wound healing and its ability to reduce inflammation, which can be particularly beneficial for acne-prone and irritated skin. The PCA component is a natural moisturizing factor (NMF) found in the skin, which helps maintain the skin's hydration levels.

One of the key benefits of Zinc PCA is its ability to regulate sebum production. Excess sebum can lead to acne and oily skin, and Zinc PCA helps to moderate this by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which is involved in oil production. This makes it an effective ingredient in formulations targeting oily and acne-prone skin (Schueller, R. and Romanowski, P., 2003).

In addition to its sebum-regulating properties, Zinc PCA possesses antimicrobial properties, which further contribute to its efficacy in treating acne. By reducing the presence of acne-causing bacteria on the skin, it helps to prevent and reduce acne breakouts.

Moreover, Zinc PCA's anti-inflammatory properties make it beneficial for soothing irritated skin and reducing redness and inflammation associated with various skin conditions, including acne, rosacea, and eczema.

Physiological Effects

Sebum Regulation: Zinc PCA reduce and regulate sebum secretion and production, making it beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin by controlling excess oil production.
Antimicrobial Action: Zinc has antimicrobial properties, particularly effective against acne-causing bacteria, reducing acne breakouts.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Zinc PCA reduces inflammation, which is beneficial in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne and rosacea.
Moisture Retention: PCA is a natural moisturizing factor (NMF) that helps maintain skin hydration, enhancing the skin’s moisture retention capabilities.
Wound Healing: Zinc is essential for wound healing processes, aiding in the repair and regeneration of skin tissues.

Role in Managing Dermatological Conditions

Acne Management: Its ability to regulate sebum production and provide antimicrobial action makes Zinc PCA a valuable ingredient in acne treatments.
Oily Skin: It's beneficial in controlling excess oiliness and maintaining a balanced skin environment.
Sensitive Skin Conditions: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Zinc PCA soothes sensitive skin and conditions like rosacea.
Skin Hydration: Its role as an NMF helps in maintaining skin hydration, useful in treating dry skin conditions.

References

Schagen, S. K., et al. (2012). Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging. Dermato-endocrinology.
Firooz, A., et al. (2011). Zinc therapy in dermatology: a review. Dermatology Research and Practice.
Gupta, M., et al. (2014). Zinc therapy in dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal.
Schueller, R. and Romanowski, P. (2003). Conditioning Agents for Hair and Skin. Cosmetic Science and Technology Series. Marcel Dekker Inc., New York, USA.

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.