Acne outbreaks affect men and women of all ages, although teenagers are more affected. Unsightly breakouts that are rarely noticeable often make it difficult to feel good about yourself.
This is not to mention the discomfort and even pain that can result. Fortunately, there are effective treatments to get rid of acne !
Acne: definition
90% of teenagers are prone to acne outbreaks. However, adults are not spared either, as about 20-30% are also affected. This benign skin condition manifests itself as pimples that are usually accompanied by redness. If the pimples are white, this means that they contain a large amount of sebum. Blackheads, more commonly known as blackheads, form deeper in the pores, due to impurities and excess sebum.
About 6 million French people suffer from acne outbreaks. In most cases, it is the T-zone of the face, i.e. the forehead, nose and chin, that is affected by acne. However, sometimes pimples appear on other areas such as the back and chest.
It is often tempting to pop pimples to get rid of them faster. However, this can lead to superinfection. The pimples may disappear momentarily, but they will tend to multiply. It is therefore better to let acne pimples dry up and disappear naturally or to follow an appropriate treatment.
Acne in cosmetics
Acne is one of the skin conditions treated by a large number of cosmetic products in response to the high demand for anti-seborrheic treatments. It is therefore common for cosmetic brands to develop solutions that regulate sebum production in order to reduce the risk of acne. At the same time, products that combat inflammation caused by acne pimples are also attracting a lot of interest from consumers.
However, it is important to note that cosmetics are not only used to treat acne. Various products are developed to provide adequate skin care to protect the skin from the factors that lead to acne breakouts. The application of moisturising and nourishing products, for example, helps to keep the skin healthy so that it is less reactive to aggression. There are also “scrubbing” and exfoliating solutions that target the removal of dead skin cells so that they do not clog pores.
In all cases, it is important that the cosmetic routine adopted meets the needs of acne-prone skin. In this way, prevention and treatment are much more effective and the results are long-lasting.
Acne in dermatology
Most dermatological consultations are prompted by acne, but it is essential that the doctor makes a diagnosis before recommending treatment. It is important to understand the precise causes of acne in order to identify appropriate solutions.
In fact, acne in a dermatological context can be the result of a variety of factors. For example, it occurs when the top layer of the epidermis thickens. As a result, the follicular ducts become blocked, which prevents the removal of sebum. The sebum then accumulates in pimples that appear on the skin. Acne can also be caused by bacteria. This is without neglecting the fact that hormonal disorders may be involved.
In dermatology as well as in cosmetology, treatment requests are mainly directed towards anti-seborrheic care and anti-inflammatory products.
Presentation of the company Phenocell
This company, based in the south of France, more precisely in Grasse, is a CRO (contract research organisation) which focuses its know-how on in-vitro testing. The phenotypic analyses carried out by the team are intended to lead to the development of tailor-made protocols. Phenocell therefore uses state-of-the-art tools, based on the most advanced technologies, to develop treatments compatible with the specificities of each skin type.
In addition to dermatological research, Phenocell also conducts trials on ophthalmological care and treatment.
What role can Phenocell’s technology play in acne ?
Phenocell© reproduces in-vitro sebocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). Remember that these are the cells that secrete sebum and are therefore involved in the majority of acne problems. Numerous analyses are carried out in order to determine the most relevant active ingredients for combating acne, using different approaches. For example, Phenocell is developing solutions that target the reduction of sebum secreted by sebocytes.
The team has also identified active ingredients that are effective in combating redness and inflammation. Also through laboratory research, Phenocell is able to identify active ingredients that optimise skin purification.
Phenocell’s technology thus provides concrete ways of understanding acne: its origins, its different manifestations, the active ingredients to which it is sensitive…
Acne is certainly a scourge, but this does not mean that it should be considered as a fatality. Technological and scientific advances have made it possible to adapt permanent solutions. Of course, it remains important to adopt a healthy lifestyle and to take care of your skin on a daily basis.
