ACNE AND SKINCARE – THE DO’S AND DON’TS Dr Mathobela, a leading specialist dermatologist and OXY’s resident skincare expert Acne is a chronic skin disorder that is caused by at least one of the following four factors – increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization (leading to occlusion of the hair follicle), bacterial colonization and inflammation. Another factor that has been found to play a major role in acne formation is an [...]

THE IMPACT OF HORMONES ON ACNE Dr Mathobela, a leading specialist dermatologist and OXY’s resident skincare expert   Acne and its causes   Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit, evidenced by seborrhoea (oily skin) in most patients, comedones (which can be open or closed), papules and pustules and sometimes nodules. At times, it can also be complicated by scarring.   The causes of acne include follicular [...]

SPORT, EXERCISE AND ACNE How best to care for your skin when active. Dr Mathobela, a leading specialist dermatologist and OXY’s resident skincare expert Taking part in sport or exercise activities are very worthwhile and beneficial for acne sufferers. Physical activity lessens inflammation in the skin by reducing the body’s production of inflammatory cytokines, whilst decreasing stress. It also helps with hormonal imbalances, reduces circulating blood sugar levels, and increases [...]

FAQS – ASKED BY YOU Our consumers are at the heart of all that we do. You asked, and we listened! Below, please find some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) we have received from our OXY consumers either directly or via our social media channels and website. We put them to Dr Mathobela, a leading specialist dermatologist and OXY’s resident skincare expert, for her professional feedback. Q: Please [...]

A CLOSER LOOK AT ACNE, ITS TYPES AND TREATMENTS As discussed, many times, acne is an inflammatory condition that affects the pilosebaceous unit (relating to hair and the sebaceous glands). Whilst its cause is often genetics, we also know that inflammation or hyperkeratinisation (a disorder of the cells lining the inside of a hair follicle that may lead to a blocked pore) and an over production of sebum by the [...]

ACNE AND DIET How to treat and what to eat! Dr Mathobela, a leading specialist dermatologist and OXY’s resident skincare expert Acne vulgaris is one of the most common dermatologic conditions worldwide, characterised by the development of non-inflammatory lesions (comedones) and inflammatory lesions (papules, pustules, or cysts) on the face, neck, trunk, and/or arms. It is seen most frequently in adolescents and young adults with a prevalence rate of up [...]

ACNE – NOT JUST A TEENAGE CONDITION    One of the most common dermatological conditions, acne can be a chronic condition with a tendency for frequent recurrences and relapses. It is an ailment of the pilosebaceous unit presenting with noninflammatory (open and closed comedones) and inflammatory lesions (papules, pustules, nodules and cysts). Although most common in teenagers (prevalence of 70 to 87%), acne can also affect both children and adults [...]

AN EFFECTIVE SKIN CARE ROUTINE – ESSENTIAL FOR HEALTHY SKIN Cleanse. Tone. Moisturise. Treat. A good skin care routine is essential for healthy skin and can also help to both treat and assist with mild acne care. An effective skin care routine can also supplement any treatments prescribed by your dermatologist.  Dr Mathobela, a leading specialist dermatologist and OXY’s resident skincare expert, outlines the four essential steps to maintain healthy [...]

BACK ACNE … What it is, how it is caused, and how best to treat it! Dr Mathobela, a leading specialist dermatologist and OXY’s resident skincare expert helps to shed some light on back acne and offers some recommendations and suggestions on what to avoid and how best to treat it. Back acne, commonly referred to as ‘bacne’, forms part of what is known as truncal acne (i.e. acne affecting [...]

DEALING WITH MASKNE … What it is and how best to treat it The world over, acne is one of the most common reasons for a visit to the dermatologist’s office. However, since the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic, dermatologists have seen a significant increase in the number of patients seeking their guidance on acne related matters, often in patients who have never suffered from acne before. There has [...]