Biological Process During an Acne Outbreak
Acne is caused when oil and dead skin cells clog pores and hair follicles. The blockage allows normal skin bacteria to grow and build up rather than be flushed out as it normally would in an unblocked pore. The resulting bacterial infection causes the familiar redness, bump, whitehead and eventual eruption of the typical acne pimple.
Known Causes for Acne Outbreaks
There are only a few known causes of acne. One is an increase in skin oil production caused by excess hormones generated during male and female puberty. And genetics also plays a role in the presence and severity of acne in individuals.
Theories on Acne Causes
There are theories and anecdotal claims that stress as well as certain foods such as chocolate, pizza, French fries and other food generally considered greasy and unhealthy are also factors in acne breakouts but there is little actual scientific proof to these claims.
The process of how acne forms under the skin is much better understood than the causes that trigger that process to begin in the first place. Regardless of the process and underlying causes, acne suffers, especially teenagers, are driven to seek relief and prevention from visible acne symptoms.
The Obagi Approach to Acne Treatment
Dermatologist Dr. Zein Obagi developed a series of skin care products and procedures that have become well known for their systematic approach to addressing serious skin problems such as uneven skin tone, blemishes, acne outbreaks and acne scarring.
The Obagi system to treat and prevent acne is the Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. System. The Clenziderm System is for use on face, back, arms and neck. It is dispensed in one of two product combinations depending on whether the user's skin tends to be more oily or dry.
Clenziderm's Patented Active Ingredient
The common product in the Clenziderm systems for both oil-prone and dry skin users is the Therapeutic Lotion which contains a 5% solution of benzoyl peroxide. Although benzoyl peroxide is a common compound for treating acne, the Obagi Clenzider Therapeutic Lotion contains a patented solubilized form that is designed to penetrate deeply into the skin to reach and treat the site of the bacteria-filled pore.
Clenziderm Products for Oily to Normal Skin
Those prone to more oil on the skin go through two cleaning steps before the three Clenziderm products used to treat normal-to-oily skin are:
Daily Care Foaming Cleanser
Pore Therapy
Therapeutic Lotion (active ingredient 5% benzoyl peroxide)
The Daily Care Foaming Cleanser uses salicylic acid to remove dirt and makeup and contains menthol to soothe the skin. Instructions are to wash, rinse and pat dry. Then the user should wait 15 minutes to let the skin air dry before moving on to the next step, applying Pore Therapy.
The PoreThreapy product is the next Clenziderm step for users with oily skin. Like the Daily Care Foaming Cleanser, Pore Theraly is another cleaning step and also contains salicylic acid to clear away dead skin. However, the Pore Therapy solution is left on the body and allowed to dry.
The final step or normal to oily skin users is the Therapeutic Lotion with the patented 5% solubilized benzoyl peroxide solution. This is applied to the affected area and allowed to be absorbed completely into the skin.
If users experience stinging or general discomfort they can reduce the amount used initially until their skin gets used to the product being applied.
Clenziderm Products for Dry to Normal Skin
The Clenziderm product combination for people with normal to dry skin is:
Daily Care Cream Cleanser
Therapeutic Lotion (active ingredient 5% benzoyl peroxide)
Therapeutic Moisturizer
The first product and step for users with normal to dry skin is the Daily Care Cream Cleanser. It is a cleanser for dirt and oil from the skin. It has allantoin and botanic extracts to make it gentler and less drying than ordinary soap. User are to wash and pat dry area then wait 15 minutes to become completely dry.
The second step for normal to dry skin types is the Clenziderm Therapeutic Lotion with solubilized benzoyl peroxide. In the procedure for oily skin types this product is used last, but it is the middle step for people with dry skin so that it can be followed by a moisturizing step. It is applied as described above, the same as it is for more oil-prone skin type users.
The final product and step for dry skin types is to apply the Therapeutic Moisturizer. It is intended to sooth and protect skin with ingredients including dimethicone and glycerin.
Anticipated Results
Clenziderm users from both skin type groups are instructed to use the products twice daily, morning and evening. Results are expected to be visible within two week and improvements can continue up to four weeks after first use. The product must be used continuously to retain the benefits unless external factors that cause acne are no longer present.