Did you know that acne has been around forever and has nothing to do with our modern lifestyle or eating habits? In numerous works of literature, from Bible to Shakespearean plays, many references have been to acne or, as it was called, “skin eruptions.”From biblical times and the Shakespearean era to modern times, acne has always been considered weird, inhuman, and even devilish. This perception makes us uncomfortable and lowers our self-esteem. Over the years, acne has had many definitions under its belt. Well, not just definitions; it’s also referred to by different names and types. That’s why it could be a bit confusing for us to understand which is which.

So, let’s put down our Aristotlean hats and start understanding acne scars for real this time.  

Acne is a build-up of oil called sebum and dead skin cells in the pores of our skin. These pores are tiny holes in our skin from where hair starts to grow. And the sebum helps moisturize our hair and skin. So, this excess buildup of oil, dirt, and dead skin cells in pores leads to clogging. This clogging commonly causes bumps, pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, blemishes, acne spots, and scars on our face, chest, and back.

Acne scars and spots are not just limited to teenagers; adults also have acne more often than we think.  

Now that we are familiar with acne, let’s understand some more associated concerns. In that regard, the most common one is acne scars. These are raised and depressed areas of our skin left behind after acne has healed completely. It’s like a ghost of dead acne that stays back to haunt us more. These scars are basically of two types: 

1. Hypertrophic Acne Scars- These acne scars are also known as keloid scars. Hypertrophic acne scars on our skin get thick because of excess collagen production during acne healing. This type of acne scar is common in people with darker skin tones.
2. Atrophic Acne Scars- Atrophic acne scars get depressed or sunken into our skin because of a loss of tissues during acne healing. These acne scars can be classified into icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars.  

You are likelier to get acne scars when:

• You have inflammatory swollen, reddish, and painful acne.
• You don’t treat inflammatory acne
• You pick, pop, or squeeze acne
• You have a blood relative with acne scars 

This generic term can envelop concerns such as  dark spots , age spots, acne spots, wrinkles, freckles, sunburn, and sun damage. So, any spots or freckles on your body can be primarily considered blemishes. 

You are more likely to get blemishes when: 

• You don’t wash your face regularly,
• You avoid eating healthy foods,
• You don’t shampoo your hair,
• You use a heavy moisturizer or oily sunscreen  

Apart from these usual reasons, there are hormonal imbalances during puberty, the menstrual cycle, and menopause can also cause blemishes on your face, chin, and other parts of the body. 

Now that we’ve understood the definition of acne, it is time to get to its different types and symptoms. Acne can be classified into fungal, cystic, hormonal, and nodular acne. Let’s further elaborate on its types. We know how much you love it. 

• Fungal Acne- This mild acne occurs due to yeast overgrowth in our skin pores due to moist skin, weak immunity, tight clothes, and tropical environments. This acne looks like skin breakouts dispersed in a part of our skin. It can cause itchiness and stinging in our skin.
• Cystic Acne- This severe form of acne causes deep pus-filled pimples, making it much more challenging and messier for us to eliminate. It mostly happens because of bacteria clogging our skin's pores. If not treated well, it can lead to permanent scars and spots on our skin/face.  
• Hormonal Acne- This moderate form of acne occurs because of an overproduction of sebum (a substance that makes our skin oily) because of fluctuations of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in our bodies. These hormones fluctuate because of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, diabetes, stress, overdosage of carbs, fats & lactose, and other unhealthy lifestyle practices.  
• Nodular Acne-  This severe acne occurs when bacteria get trapped in our skin. It causes lumps or knots (nodules) to form deep under your skin. These lumps appear on the skin as red bumps. Moreover, they usually don’t have blackheads or whiteheads at the center of acne.  

There are less common types of acne, such as whiteheads, papules, pustules, and blackheads. We might as well take a look at them too.

No matter how many types of acne exist, they all are painful, irritating, and lower our confidence. But we can tackle them effectively by following the best skin care treatment plans.

Though our skin might get one, two, or more types of acne, their causes will always be similar. Once we know the specific cause, we can treat acne better. So, let’s get to them: 

• Sebum- As mentioned in the definition of acne, the pores from which our hair grows get clogged with Sebum, a kind of oil that acts as a protective barrier for your skin against UV radiation. This clogging happens more than usual because sebum is secreted a lot by our skin glands. Thus, sebum is the most common acne-causing factor.
• Bacteria- Our skin houses many types of bacteria with unpronounceable names. They don’t just live there rent-free; these microorganisms and microbes protect us from harmful pathogens, water loss, and skin damage. But sometimes, these bacteria get clogged with oil in the pores of our skin, which leads to acne of various kinds.
• Dead Skin Cells- You must know that our skin comprises living cells, and often skin sheds dead cells to make way for newer cells. Sometimes when our skin releases deal cells, they get stuck in the pores of our skin, which leads to clogging, i.e., acne. 

These factors lead to swelling, skin inflammation, discoloration like redness around pimples/acne scars, and pain. 

Apart from these genetic and natural factors of acne, other factors in our surroundings can trigger acne & pimples or make them worse. So, let’s get to them as well. 

• Diet- If we eat a lot of cakes, pastries, candies, milk, cereal, and cheese-based food, then we’re more likely to get acne or pimples on our skin. This happens because these diets contain high amounts of glucose and glycemic carbs. If we start to control our diet, we can reduce the impact of acne on our skin.
• Friction- Our skin gets moist and choked up when wearing tight, unbreathable clothing items. The tight fittings can trap bacteria under the skin, further leading to inflamed acne.
• Environmental Factors- Various pollutants like dirt, dust, and other chemicals can get clogged up in the pores. So, the pores of our skin are the most sensitive part when it comes to acne.
• Cosmetics & Beauty Products- Heavy moisturizers, lotions, and creams on oily skin can also clog pores and cause acne. So, knowing our skin type and what products it needs is essential. 

It is important to note that these factors can vary from person to person, and it may take some trial and error to determine the specific factors causing or worsening your acne. 

We at Kaya understand how acne can hamper our self-esteem and confidence. It also impacts mental well-being because we worry a lot about it. That’s why Kaya brings you its 360-degree approach to root out this concern. Our approach includes a blend of products and services to give roundabout solutions for your acne-prone skin. These acne removal treatments are customized and personalized based on your skin type and the type of acne. 

Our dermatologists thoroughly analyze your skin to root out this problem. With such a detailed analysis, we can identify the actual cause of your acne. After which, we provide a combination of advanced peels, masks, cleansers, and medications customized just for your skin. Our dermatologists also offer consultations and suggestions regarding your diet and other skin-related dos and don’ts. This thorough treatment and care ensure minimized post-acne scarring and pigmentation on your skin.  

So, let’s start with Kaya’s services for treating various kinds of acne. 

It begins with a consultation with our dermatologists for Acne and Blemish, which includes suggesting an advanced homecare system called  Tri-active Clear System  that includes Black Peel, Salicylic Peel, and Lactic Peel.

• Aectic Acid - It is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, which prevents irregular and unnecessary clogging of pores and discoloration of your skin.
• Jasmonic Acid- This prevents exfoliation and prevents skin breakouts and roughness.
• Potassium Iodide- Faster recovery of wounds, further inflammation, and infection around the acne spot.  
• Salicyclic Acid- Removes all the excess oil glands and surface oil and disinfects your skin to prevent more acne formation. 

We are motivated to bring you scientifically oriented products to help you unlock your best version and feel confident about your skin. Our products are specially formulated to fit your daily usage and make you a wholesome skincare routine. 

Our  Advanced Acne Care Kit includes products that protect entirely against acne. It is best for oily, acne-prone skin, and combination skin. It comes with products that offer immense benefits to your skin. 

• Cleanser- Helps cleaning of your skin from within by removing layers of dirt, oil, and other impurities from your skin. This also prevents further breakouts & dryness. So, if you’re looking for something that keeps your skin oil-free and shiny.
• Toner- It is a non-alcoholic toner with Mandelic acid that gently unclogs the pores of your skin. Additionally, cucumber extracts, witch hazel, and rose helps in unclogging pores and reducing skin irritation and inflammation.
• Nourisher- It’s not a heavy moisturizer. It is infused with rich aloe vera & rose extracts, and almond oil does not clog your pores.
• Spot Corrector- It helps dry the acne overnight and yields prompt results. A perfect blend of Glycolic and Salicylic acid reduces post-acne irritation and inflammation.  

In the form of a how-to guide/manual’ of that product, which we’ve talked about in the form of 60-90s videos* 

You can also get the above-mentioned products outside the kit under our Acne Free range, which includes a purifying  toner,  a  cleanser,  a  serum , a  cream , and a nourished.  

These products are suitable for oily, acne-prone skin and combination skin. 

You should avoid exposing your skin to direct sunlight. UV rays reduce the efficacy of a product and worsen inflammation. You should also avoid using makeup or cosmetics that contain alcohol, astringents, exfoliants, etc. in them.  

Anti-oxidants in our charcoal and tea tree mattifying  face mask  also help in soothing acne, reducing skin inflammation & irritation, and retaining your skin’s moisture.