Maturation Arrest Acne

Maturation Arrest Acne–Pebbly Pimples Below the Skin’s Surface

Do you ever draw your lower lip over your bottom teeth to inspect your skin while it’s taut and see tiny white pimples under the skin’s surface? Those tiny bumps can look like studded beads or small pebbles stuck just under the skin. They are not visible from far away but when you pull your skin taut they become visible.

You’re not alone. This is a more common skin condition than you think called Maturation Arrest Acne.

Types of Acne

Acne can be separated into two basic categories – non inflammatory and inflammatory. While some people have only one type of acne, most people have a combination of both types.

Blackheads and whiteheads are viewed as non-inflammatory acne because they’re clogged pores that don’t allow bacteria to get inside and thrive. This is the category Maturation Acne falls under.

Inflammatory acne consists of clogged pores that have become infected with bacteria and generally have more of a raised appearance. Additionally, they are often red and and could be topped off with a whitehead.

What Is Maturation Arrest Acne?

Maturation Arrest Acne (non-inflamed acne) happens when oil and dead skin cells accumulate inside the pore and create a blockage. The blockage also stops bacteria from getting in. Hence, why there is no inflammation.

Without inflammation, the body is unable to discard the accumulated oil and cells from the pores; the acne doesn’t heal and results in many “pebbles” under your skin.

Another characteristic of non-inflammatory acne is a dull sluggish appearance.

This type of acne can be present under someone’s skin for years, hence the reason it often takes longer to clear.

Reasons Why This May Happen

Maturation Arrest occurs because the skin becomes full of obstructions that are never discharged. It is generally caused by using the wrong products over a long period of time. Products that are very dehydrating or that have pore clogging ingredients can exacerbate congestion.

Additionally, the following also contribute to maturation arrest acne:

• Hormone imbalances
• Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency
• Pore clogging ingredients in skin care & makeup
• Tobacco user (lack of oxygen to the skin)
• Inflammatory diet
• Extreme exercise and excessive sweating

How Do I Get Rid of the Bumpy Texture on My Face?

Clearing this type of acne takes TIME. You must be diligent and consistent with home care and professional treatments and extractions.

Other things to keep in mind are your diet. Here are a few foods to avoid when experiencing Maturation Arrest Acne, or if you are in the process of clearing it up:

• Salty foods
• Seafood
• Seaweed
• Dairy products
• Organ Meats
• Peanuts

This next tip might not seem like skincare advice, but it’s one of the most important aspects of self-care which goes hand in hand with our skin health as well. 

Get enough rest and reduce your stress.

Stress stimulates the adrenal gland and in the acne-prone individual, the adrenal gland promotes oil production which leads to clogged pores.

Maturation Arrest is one of the most difficult and unique kinds of acne, as it is non-inflamed and exists primarily underneath the surface of the skin. Therefore, to truly treat this type of acne you need commitment and patience along with a specialist or master esthetician to construct an individualized plan for clearing your skin.

We help our clients clear maturation arrest acne by completing a series of professional peels in combination with a customized home care plan. Exfoliating the skin to help release trapped debris, oil and bacteria and our clinical extractions are critical to unclogging the pores. Our clear-skin program will have your acne under control in about three to four months, depending on your type of acne. However, non-inflamed acne can often take up to six months to fully clear.

For home care, we love A Plus Refining Serum and Clarify Serum 10 or Clarify Serum 15 to eat away the dead skin cells and open up these pesky, pebbly underground problems.

If you struggle with a skin condition that sounds like Maturation Arrest Acne we can help you. We are experts at getting all forms of acne under control with customized acne treatments, professional grade home care solutions and lifestyle modifications.

Schedule your appointment today!

Cheers to clear!

Rene