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Understanding acne

We all have that one insecurity we can never seem to get rid of and if that insecurity happens to be your skin, fret not because you are not alone.

In fact, 1 to 9 billion people suffer from skin problems worldwide– acne being one of the most common skin disorders treated by doctors and dermatologists, with 90% of the world’s population having been affected by it at any one point of their lives. Contrary to popular belief, acne is not limited to teenagers, but could be a standing skin issue faced by men and women of all ages. Often, improper treatment of acne could result in severe scarring or recurring lesions. Read on for more information on acne, it’s symtoms, and how to treat it.

Acne

Acne is a recurring inflammatory skin condition caused by hormonal changes during puberty, which could be then further aggravated by other genetic, environmental, or physical factors. There are 3 main forms of acne: mild acne in the form of a few occasional pimples, moderate acne that results in inflamed, swollen papules, or severe acne where individuals suffere from stubborn, inflamed breakouts, nodules, and cysts.

Although acne is primarily a usual physiologic occurrence, certain factors may exacerbate the condition. Examples of such factors are:

  • Fluctuating hormonal levels during the time of menstruation
  • Excessively picking at or prodding acne lesions
  • Unclean environments
  • Unclean head/face gear

Acne may be treated in several different ways, from the use of special facewashes or topical lotions, to the use of specific lasers or pulse-light therapies.

The three most popular treatments for acne are:

Benzoyl peroxide

Recommended for mild acne, benzoyl peroxide is believed to destroy bacteria associated with acne. Like many   over-the-counter and prescription products, it does not affect sebum production or the skin cycle, and when you stop application, the acne comes back. It is available in many forms, such as creams, lotions, and gels. Benzoyl peroxide may cause dry skin, so consult a professional before application.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid helps unclog pores to resolve and prevent acne lesions. For maximum effect on acne, it must be used continuously, because when you stop application, pores clog up again and the acne returns. Salicylic acid is available in many acne products, including lotions, creams, and pads.

Topical retinol gel

 Retinol works to keep pimples from forming by affecting the growth of cells, causing increased cell turnover to unblock pores. In some individuals, their acne may appear to get worse before it gets better because it will work on the pimples that have already started forming beneath your skin. It must be applied continuously and may take 8-12 weeks for visible results.

Acne scarring

In some individuals, severe acne may lead to acne scarring. There are mainly 5 types of acne scarring.

Boxcar
These are wide, U-shaped scars that have sharp edges. They can be shallow or deep. The shallower they are, the better they respond to skin resurfacing treatments.

Ice pick
Ice pick scars are narrow, V-shaped scars that can go deep into the skin. They can look like small round or oval holes, like a chickenpox scar. These are the most difficult scars to treat because they can extend far under the surface of the skin.

Rolling
These are wide depressions that normally have rounded edges and an irregular appearance.

Hypertrophic or raised scars
Hypertrophic scars are most common with chest and back acne. They stand above the surface of the surrounding skin and are caused by too much collagen when healing.

Dark Spots
Discoloration left behind after a pimple has cleared is not considered a scar. These purple, red, or brown marks will fade over a few months on their own.

Treatment

Acne scars are often treated with acids (Alpha hydroxy, salicylic, or lactic), retinoids, or chemical peels.
Each treatment targets a different form of scarring. However, they can be harsh on sensitive skin and could possibly cause photosensitivity. Therefore, it is always important to consult a medical professional before applying or ingesting any form of medication.

To understand more about your skin and keep up to date with 28Cubed, visit the rest of our skin magazine and sign up for our newsletter!

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The Lightening Serum dispenser – innovative, novel, convenient

We challenged our product performance designers to find a solution that would suit the modern lifestyle, be intuitive to use and simplify our customers lives.

The device dispenses an exact dose and completes within 3 steps – tilt and lift, push to dispense and put back down on the base.

One of our customers commented that after 4 days, they didn’t even think about it when picking up the dispenser and dispensing.

Each cartridge contains 14 doses. It will last for 7 days as we recommend twice daily applications on your face, neck and hands.

When we first met the final device, it became clear we found the winner. No fumbling with droppers or making a mess, or even wondering whether you have too much or too little applied.

Perfect for the modern lifestyle…

We were inspired by….

The fountain pen, the device is refillable, streamlined and aspirational.

Precise dosage creams used in the medical field, the device gives the exact dose required.

Ergonomic design, the device is used with one hand, hygienic and travel-friendly – plus it saves space and looks good!

Did you hear?

There is a trend where people are adding a few drops of serum into their other skincare products. We do not recommend mixing The Lightening Serum with other products because the dosage of active ingredients have been carefully formulated.

The Lightening Serum contains 3 food-based molecules that when combined, form Po3™ , a potent, novel combination of active ingredients that target the production of excess pigmentation at the root level.

Join 283 on a new, innovative skincare journey to brighter, more even and younger looking skin with The Lightening Serum!

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Understanding the 28 day skin cycle

As many of us know, our skin is the body’s largest organ and the first barrier of defence against external germs, infections, and UV radiation. Additionally, our skin also helps us express ourselves – be it the pallor of fear or the flush of anger. 

That being said, let’s explore beneath of surface of one of our body’s most complex and vital organs.

Skin’s 3 layers

The skin consists of three distinct layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutaneous layer. The outer layer of the skin, and also the thinnest layer, is the epidermis, which provides a waterproof barrier and creates one’s skin tones. It is also this layer of the skin which is mainly made up of dead skin cells that are consistently washing off and flaking. These old skin cells are replaced by new skin cells that have been produced within the lower layers of the epidermis, which have been moved upwards towards the surface of the skin. This entire rejuvenation process occurs within every 28 days for the average middle-aged adult. 

The average time taken for a full skin cycle increases with each progressive stage of our life, with teenagers experiencing it every 10 – 21 days, while people in their 40’s and 50’s experiencing it every 45 – 60 days.

Effects of Po3™ on excess pigment production within our skin

Melanocytes

The epidermis also houses unique cells called melanocytes. These cells are responsible for the production of the pigment melanin, which are then moved up towards the top layer of the epidermis, resulting in the pigment visible on your skin – be it your natural skin tone or specific pigment spots like acne scarring, age spots, and freckles.

However, these forms of excess pigmentation can be addressed with The Lightening Serum, which promotes brighter, even and younger looking skin with the use of potent food-derived actives. These actives target the production of pigmentation at root, thus effectively reducing visible pigmentation on the surface of your skin.

In addition to reducing pigmentation, it is also important to lather on the sunscreen and ensure that your skin is protected from excessive UV radiation, which may cause premature ageing, and in serious cases, skin cancer. Remember to be kind to your skin and it will be kind to you!

5 interesting skin facts

Five interesting facts about our skin

There’s no doubt that our skin is one of the most important parts of our body. From regulating our temperature by controlling the transfer of heat out of the body, to existing as the body’s first external barrier against bacteria, dirt, and UV radiation, our skin is one of the most complex and important organs in our body. Here are 5 more interesting facts about the largest organ in your body.

Our skin in numbers

  • The average adult has approximately 21 square feet of skin, which weighs 9 lbs – that’s the weight of one juicy watermelon
  • More than 1,000 species of bacteria live on your skin
  • The thickest part of the skin can be found on your feet (1,4mm) and the thinnest on your eyelids (0,2mm – the thickness of two pieces of paper) 
  • Your skin is made up of about 300 million skin cells and every minute 30,000 dead cells are shed by the skin
  • Dead skin comprises about a billion tons of dust in the earth’s atmosphere

Not only is your skin one of the most interesting and complex organs in our body, it is essential in keeping us healthy by producing melanin which absorbs harmful UV radiation, diverting it away from healthy cells. However, an increase in melanin means more pigmentation within your skin, resulting in a darker skin tone, and more obvious pigmentation spots.

We know, we spent four years understanding, testing and learning about every aspect of skin.Through trying to understand how skin works, we came up with The Lightening Serum that works naturally with your skin and gives you the Po3™ power you need to solve pigmentation!

The Lightening Serum reverses the UV radiation damage done on your skin throughout your lifetime by targeting pigmentation at the root cause within your skin. Regardless of whether you have pigmentation issues, take good care of your skin and it will treat you well. We suggest you see a dermatologist at least once a year to keep your largest organ in tip-top condition!

Shop The Lightening Serum here.

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Identifying and understanding your skin type

It isn’t a secret that the key to good skin is to first identify your skin type. In fact, according to dermatologists, your skin care routine should be specifically tailored to your skin type.

Then there comes the issue of uncovering which category your skin falls into. Normal, dry, oily, sensitive, or a combination of several – it isn’t easy to solve this mystery on your own, so here’s where we come in!

Normal

Normal skin is generally not defined as oily or dry, but rather exists in a balance between the two. Normal skin rarely faces excess shine or flaking and cracking, with few lines, wrinkles, and blemishes. Although well balanced, normal skin is not perfect and may have the occasional breakout, or may face other skin issues.

People with normal skin should use products that dry out their skin or that cause excess oil production. Stick to a regular skin care routine to ensure consistency. 

Dry

Dry skin is often due to a lack of moisture and may be characterised by a dry and flaky texture, and a tight sensation all over your face. Contrary to popular belief, dry skin is sometimes caused by a lack of natural moisturising factors, which help to bind in water, and epidermal lipids, such as fatty acids, which are essential in nurturing a healthy skin barrier. 

Combat dryness with a hydrating moisturiser, serums, or facial oils. The more oils found in hydrating products, the better it will be absorbed into the epidermis to hydrate your skin.

Oily

Oily skin is often due to a shift in hormone levels in individuals, or to genetic factors. The oil glands in oily skin produce excess amounts of oil and sebum, which then flows to the surface of the skin, clogging pores and resulting in breakouts and the presence comedones.

People with oily skin should not use products that cause excessive drying as this could result in the skin identifying this and producing even more oil to counteract to the lack of moisture. Instead, gently exfoliate to remove the build-up of oil, dead skin, and dirt, and remember to moisturise with products that are lightweight and oil-free.

Combination

Combination skin often features more than one skin type on different parts of your face. Typically with your t-zone (your forehead, nose, chin) being shiny and oily, and your cheeks either being dry and flaky or normal.

Treating two or more skin types at the same time requires a consistent skin care routine that does not contain harsh chemicals that could cause inflammation and skin irritation.

The Lightening Serum has been tested to be suitable for all skin types. Additionally, we have conducted safety tests on The Lightening Serum and it has shown to be safe for prolonged, repeated use and does not cause irritancy around the sensitive eye contour area. Learn more about our safety testing here.

Use after cleansing and toning, and before moisturising, sunscreen, and makeup.

Shop The Lightening Serum here.