Resources
Acne & Breakouts
Acne is a skin disorder that affects approximately 17 million people. Although commonly seen on teenage skin, acne is also a concern for adults due to stress and fluctuating hormones.
Acne can show up as any of the following: blackheads, whiteheads, pimples or cysts. These occur wherever there are more oil glands, mostly on the face, chest and back.
Why Pores get Clogged
Oil is secreted through tiny openings called pores. Dead skin cells inside the pore shed gradually, and if not expelled, will create a clogged pore.
Blackheads
Clogged pores that have blackened at the surface from oxidation, just as an apple turns brown when exposed to air.
Whiteheads
Deeper clogged pores that have not been exposed to air.
Active Breakouts/Pimples
Clogged pores with bacteria, resulting in inflammation and redness.
Cystic Acne
A deeper infection has occurred and often results in scarring of the skin. It typically looks painful; skin looks inflames or swollen in the affected area.
Skin Care Products
Merle Norman offers a wide range of products to help maintain a healthy complexion.
Ask your Beauty Consultant for personalized skin care consultation to address your special skin care needs.
Acne is caused by bacteria and oil that is trapped within pores, leading to infection. Salicylic Acid helps prevent acne breakouts by elimination dead skin cells so oil is less likely to become trapped under the skin.
At Merle Norman we offer
LUXIVA Clear Complexion, a trio of products containing Salicylic Acid, to treat acne:
- LUXIVA Clear Complexion Gel Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid thoroughly cleanses skin of makeup, oil and impurities. Clears up breakouts and prevents new ones from forming.
- LUXIVA Clear Complexion Toner with .5% Salicylic Acid is an acne-fighting astringent that helps clear up breakouts. Refines and tightens pores without drying the skin. Helps reduce irritation.
- LUXIVA Clear Complexion Moisturizer with 2% Salicylic Acid is a soothing lightweight lotion that targets acne blemishers, Improves skin tone and texture while providing essential hydration.
If skin will be exposed to the sun when using these products, we recommend using a sunscreen.
For oil-control options:
- LUXIVA Clarifying Clay Mask with Kaolin Clay absorbs excess oils and refines pores. Good for Oily and Normal/Oily skin types.
- LUXIVA Shine Control Lotion offers mattifying benefits for maintaining a fresh appearance.
For exfoliation options:
- LUXIVA AHA Intensive Complex promotes a smooth complexion.
- LUXIVA Renew is ideal for refining sensitive skin and helping pores appear less obvious.
- LUXIVA Derma-Peel System is a Glycolic Peel Treatment that gently removes dead skin cells on the surface, evening out skin tone.
If sensitivity is a concern, refer to the Sensitive Skin option.
Did You Know...
- It is a myth that chocolate and greasy foods cause acne. However, even airborne grease from fast food environments can aggravate an acne condition.
- The early stages of clogged pores are hardly visible to the naked eye.
Non-Comedogenic mans a product has been clinically tested and proven not to cause comedones (or blackheads). Non-acnegenic means a product has been clinically tested and proven not to cause or aggravate acne.
- Acne-prone areas can be irritated an aggravated by rubbing and friction from clothing, hair, sports equipment and telephones.
- The best rule for preventing further inflammation of a pimple is to keep your hands off skin.
- Hormonal shifts can result in adult acne.
- Many prescribed medications for acne make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Should a dermatologist prescribe one of these medications for acne condition, be sure to follow it with an SPF product. Consult your pharmacist for details.