What is acne?

“Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder characterised by breakouts, congestion, and redness. The sebaceous follicles can get congested with excess oil and dead skin causing blockages or blackheads.”

What does it look like?

Three main patterns of breakouts:

1. "Congested with blackheads, uneven skin texture and the odd breakout"
2. "Inflamed papules and pustular breakouts"
3. "Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation with the occasional breakout"
   

Victoria recommends:

“Formulas containing Salicylic Acid to clear pore congestion and reduce inflammation. Microbiome balancing technology to reduce breakout causing bacteria and Niacinamide to reduce post-breakout marks.”

What is perioral dermatitis?

“Perioral Dermatitis is a dry, inflamed rash like condition affecting the area around the mouth. Dermatitis is a general term that describes a common skin irritation, which can be itchy, dry skin or a rash.”

What does it look like?

“Redness and rash like ‘spots’, skin is typically dry and itchy. Only affects area around the mouth.”

Victoria recommends:

"Medical advice may be needed, and oral antibiotics are often prescribed. From a daily skin care point of view, keep your regimen simple. Avoid actives such as Retinol and hydroxy acids and focus on barrier supporting ingredients."

How to spot the difference?

ACNE

"Acne manifests across the mid-face in younger people and typically affects the chin and jawline area in adult women. Skin maybe oily and congested with blackheads and breakouts are inflamed."

PERIORAL DERMATITIS 

"Perioral Dermatitis affects the area around the mouth (top lip, sides of mouth and chin). The skin is red and irritated with a dry, rash like appearance. Any breakouts will be tiny rash like spots."