Acne & Triggers
What grade of acne involves open & closed comedones but no inflammation?
Grade 1
What is an emulsion in skincare?
A mixture of oil and water held together by an emulsifier
What is melasma and what causes it?
Melasma is hyperpigmentation usually caused by hormonal changes due to pregnancy, menstrual cycle, illness.
What does niacinamide help with in the skin?
Brighten, reduce inflammation, regulate oil and even skin tone.
What layer of the skin are Langerhans cells found in?
Found in the stratum spinousum layer of the epidermis
What type of product can clog follicles due to a small follicular opening?
Occlusive products. Thick creams. Heavy oils.
What does “lipid-soluble” mean for a product’s ability to absorb?
It means the product dissolves between in oil and can penetrate lipid-rich areas like the skin.
Name one vascular condition and describe how it looks.
Telangiectasia - small visible red/purple blood vessels near the surface, often on cheeks/nose.
What’s the role of ceramides in skincare?
Ceramides strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture to prevent TEWL.
What do astringents do for the skin?
Tighten the skin and reduce oil.
How does comedogenicity affect acne-prone skin?
Comedogenic ingredients can block/clog pores and cause/worsen breakouts in acne-prone skin.
How can you tell if a product is oil-in-water or water-in-oil?
Look for the first ingredient listed (is it water or oil), is it thick/does it in come in a jar or pump mechanism
What is contact dermatitis and what causes it?
How do peptides contribute to anti-aging?
They help produce proteins which produces collagen and elastin to support firmness and elasticity.
What’s the purpose of the Fitzpatrick scale?
Determine how a person’s skin responds to sun exposure and risk of hyperpigmentation.
Which medications may purge the skin before improving acne?
Retinoids (Like tret, accutane, isotretinoin) may initially purge the skin before showing improvement.
What type of chemical change is caused by UV radiation in the skin?
UV radiation causes oxidation which is a chemical change in the skin
What’s the difference between vitiligo and albinism?
Vitiligo: autoimmune loss of pigment cells
Albinism: genetic lack of melanin production from birth
Which antioxidant is known to neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin?
Vitamin C
What is the difference between a physical and chemical exfoliant?
Physical: get dead skin cells of the surface and polishes the skin. Often uses friction (like scrubs)
Chemical: use acids/enzymes to dissolve bonds holding dead skin cells
Name a food-based acne trigger and explain why it might affect the skin
Dairy, peanut butter, eggs. Contain androgen hormone which increases oil production, thus causing more breakouts
What’s the difference between a suspension and a solution using skincare examples?
Suspension: two immiscible ingredients that don’t mix and have to be shaken or add an emulsifier to mix. (Ex: exfoliating scrubs)
Solution: fully dissolved ingredients (Ex: toner)
What is Keratosis Pilaris and where is it usually found?
KP/Chicken skin is rough bumps caused by a buildup of keratin. Often found on upper arms or thighs.
What does Azelaic acid treat and how does it work?
Treats acne and rosacea and PIE by reducing bacteria and inflammation and helping fade dark spots.
Describe how product absorption happens in simple terms
Depends on molecular size, solubility (oil vs water) and skin condition (barrier health, temp., etc)