Skincare Case 117

Age: 26
Gender: Female
Fitzpatrick: 6
Skin type: Normal
Main concern: Lots of pimples, cysts, and hyperpigmentation after using Murad products
History: She received several facials with professional Murad products in one month. The skin became irritated and sensitive. She already had some occasional pimples here and there, but after receiving all those facials and using Murad professional and home care products, the pimples got worse and more numerous.

Homecare routine: The skin didn’t look good, so she started treating the pimple aggressively. She used topical Benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotic, gel cleanser twice a day, and vitamin C serum.

Findings: Papules, a few cysts, pustules, and some hyperpigmentation spots on the side of the cheeks and jaw lines.
Some of the pimples and possibly pustules were irritated, possibly due to manipulation or picking at them.

Skincare Exams Case 117-1
Skincare Exams Case 117-2
Case Discussion (Please click here)

The case involves a 26-year-old woman with Fitzpatrick skin type VI and normal skin type. Her main concern is an increase in pimples, cysts, and hyperpigmentation after using professional Murad products and receiving several facials within a month. She has been treating her skin aggressively with topical Benzoyl peroxide, a topical antibiotic, a gel cleanser twice a day, and a vitamin C serum. There are papules, cysts, pustules, and hyperpigmentation spots on the sides of her cheeks and jawlines, and some of the pimples and pustules are irritated, possibly due to manipulation or picking.

Causes

The sudden onset of pimples, cysts, and hyperpigmentation could be due to several factors. These include a possible reaction to the Murad skincare products, over-exfoliation from the frequent facials, a response to aggressive home treatments, or a combination of these factors.

What was Done Wrong

  1. Frequent Facials: Having numerous facials in a short period can cause skin irritation, especially if the products used are not suitable for the client’s skin type.
  2. Overuse of Products: The use of multiple aggressive products (topical Benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotic, gel cleanser twice daily, vitamin C serum) might have further irritated the skin and caused an overproduction of oil, leading to more breakouts.
  3. Possible Picking: Manipulating or picking at pimples can introduce bacteria, cause inflammation, and lead to scarring and hyperpigmentation.

Office and Home Treatment Options

Office treatments:

  1. Consultation with a dermatologist: If the skin condition has worsened significantly, a dermatologist should be consulted for treatment options like oral antibiotics, retinoids, or hormonal therapy.
  2. Professional treatments: Depending on the dermatologist’s advice, treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser therapy can help with acne and hyperpigmentation.

Home treatments:

  1. Gentle skincare: Switch to a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser and moisturizer. A non-comedogenic product won’t clog pores.
  2. Spot treatments: Use spot treatments like salicylic acid on individual pimples.
  3. Hydroquinone or other lightening creams: These can help with hyperpigmentation. Always follow the instructions on the product packaging and from the healthcare provider.

Preventions

  1. Gentle skincare: Use gentle, non-comedogenic products and avoid overwashing or over-exfoliating the skin.
  2. Regular routine: Maintain a regular skincare routine and avoid switching products too frequently.
  3. Avoid picking: Avoid manipulating or picking at pimples to prevent scarring and hyperpigmentation.
  4. Sunscreen: Use sunscreen regularly to prevent further hyperpigmentation.

Home Care Daily Routine

Morning:

  1. Cleanse with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser.
  2. Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
  3. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

Evening:

  1. Cleanse with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser.
  2. Apply a spot treatment on individual pimples, if necessary.
  3. Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer.

If there is no improvement in her condition, or if the condition worsens, she should consult with a dermatologist for further evaluation and treatment.