Acne & Karin Herzog

Acne is an extremely common skin condition, affecting over 80% of us at some p0int in our lives. We know this is no consolation is you’re suffering – but there is hope! Karin Herzog oxygen skincare works in synergy with your body to give amazing results, without the use of drugs, chemicals or other harsh ingredients. But to explain how oxygen works to combat acne, it helps to understand just what acne is and what causes it.

What is acne?
Acne sufferers have a condition that Dermatologists call RETENTION KERATOSIS. This is where the sebaceous glands within the skin are over producing Oil.

It is thought that hormones are generally responsible for some glands producing more oil than others. It is sometimes a reaction to environments and artificial stimulants (such as the over-use of the wrong products) that cause the problem to accelerate.

Dead skin cells are constantly being shed from the epidermis. Sometimes, and especially in an oily skin, these cells are not sloughed away and so can build up, eventually falling back into the openings of the Pores – and as a result the pore becomes blocked.

Fresh air can not get down into the follicle to deliver detoxifying oxygen. The consequence is a plugged pore with a moist warm environment – the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. As the bacteria multiply, it swells the follicle, and inflammation occurs turning into either a whitehead, blackhead or pustule. Doctors describe acne as a disease of the pilosebaceous units (PSUs).

Either way, blackheads and whiteheads are filled with trapped sebum and bacteria. And they can make you really miserable!

What causes acne?
The exact cause of acne is unknown, but doctors believe it results from several related factors:

One important factor is an increase in hormones called androgens (male sex hormones). These increase in both boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy or starting or stopping birth control pills can also cause acne.

Another factor is heredity or genetics. Researchers believe that the tendency to develop acne can be inherited from parents. For example, studies have shown that many school-age boys with acne have a family history of the disorder.

Certain drugs, including androgens and lithium, are known to cause acne. Greasy cosmetics may alter the cells of the follicles and make them stick together, producing a plug.
Changing hormone levels in adolescent girls and adult women 2 to 7 days before their menstrual period starts.
Oil from skin products (moisturizers or cosmetics) or grease encountered in the work environment (for example, a kitchen with fry vats) Pressure from sports helmets or equipment, backpacks, tight collars, or tight sports uniforms.

Environmental irritants such as pollution and high humidity. Squeezing or picking at blemishes without a sterile environment and hard scrubbing of the skin can all contribute to the worsening of acne.

Some of the myths about what causes acne

Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but there is little evidence that foods have much effect on the development and course of acne in most people. Another common myth is that dirty skin causes acne; Blackheads and other acne lesions are not caused by dirt.

Stress does not cause acne, but research suggests that for people who have acne, stress can make it worse. This is because stress reduces the oxygen pressure within the skin.

The lower the oxygen pressure, the higher the bacteria within the tissues and the more bacteria can spread and multiply.
Factors that can reduce our oxygen pressure

* Age
* Smoking
* Pollution
* Medication
* Stress
* Alcohol
* Sun exposure
* Air conditioning & Central Heating

From this list we can see why some people older than 30 are still suffering from problematic skin.

Many people in today’s modern society live life at a fast pace. Stress is on the increase, Pollution is rising which depletes the amount of natural Oxygen in the air. Most work environments are air conditioned or centrally heated, and many people are taking medications. Some are even subjected to more or all of the factors listed above. Consequently mature Acne is on the increase.

How to treat acne

The goals of treatment are to heal existing lesions, stop new lesions from forming, prevent scarring, and minimize the psychological stress and embarrassment caused by this condition. The key to treating acne effectively is to raise the Oxygen pressure within the skin.

Dr Paul Herzog, who developed the formula for the Karin Herzog skin care line, was the first, and remains the only Doctor, to have successfully stabilised Oxygen In a cream format. When applied to the skin this formula raises Oxygen levels sufficiently to allow the skin to safely and effectively detox. Using NO preservatives this cream is reliable gentle and kind and so suitable to all skin types and works by delivering back to he skin what age and modern living strip from it on a daily basis.

During his research Dr Herzog was able to demonstrate that it is almost impossible for a well oxygenated tissue to become infected, since Oxygen destroys bacteria. In this way we know that every application of any of the Oxygen formulas within the Karin Herzog range will help destroy unwanted bacteria before it has a chance to multiply.

With every application the oxygen levels can be raised for up to 8 hours allowing for a deep cleanse of the tissues. After 8 hours this Oxygen has been used by the skin and so it is vitally important that anyone with a history of breakouts apply the cream to clean skin TWICE EVERY DAY!

Watch this space for more information on how Karin Herzog tackles acne, or see our dedicated acne website.

We’ve also put together a video to show you how best to use our products on your acne, including (because we know you will pick & squeeze) a guide to self extraction.

If you need help choosing the right Karin Herzog products for you, fill in our skin questionnaire, and we’ll get back to you with in-depth, personalised skincare advice.

Tags: acne, cleansing, karin herzog, oxygen, oxygen skincare, sebum, skincare