It is a skin condition that we associate with teenagers, but it can affect anybody, at any age! It is the most common skin disorder, with 85% of people having acne at some point in their lives. People can struggle through their lives with it and end up with anxiety and depression due to depletion of their self-confidence.
In this article, we explain the background to Acne, tips on how to treat it and how we treat it:
Background
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples.
Acne can be persistent. The pimples and bumps heal slowly, and when one begins to go away, others seem to crop up. Depending on its severity, acne can cause emotional distress and scar the skin. The earlier you start treatment, the lower your risk of such problems.
Acne signs vary depending on the severity of your condition:
- Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)
- Blackheads (open plugged pores)
- Small red, tender bumps (papules)
- Pimples (pustules), which are papules with pus at their tips
- Large, solid, painful lumps under the skin (nodules)
- Painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin (cystic lesions)
Acne typically appears on your face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders because these areas of skin have the most oil (sebaceous) glands. Hair follicles are connected to oil glands.
The follicle wall may bulge and produce a whitehead. Or the plug may be open to the surface and darken, causing a blackhead. A blackhead may look like dirt stuck in pores. Actually, the pore is congested with bacteria and oil, which turns brown when it’s exposed to the air.
Pimples are raised red spots with a white centre that develop when blocked hair follicles become inflamed or infected with bacteria. Blockages and inflammation deep inside hair follicles produce cyst like lumps beneath the surface of your skin. Other pores in your skin, which are the openings of the sweat glands, aren’t usually involved in acne.
Top Tips
- Don’t touch your face
Your hands are not always clean, and the bacteria on them can cause irritation and pimples. - Don’t pop, squeeze or pick pimples
This will prevent scaring and spreading germs across your body.
- Generally, wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser
Washing too frequently and scrubbing can irritate the skin and aggravate acne.
- Use non-pore clogging products such as skin care and make-up.
- Avoid Alcohol based products
They strip off the skin’s natural moisture, causing it to compensate with increased oil production - Clean your makeup brushes and sponges
This will prevent bacteria and dirt building up by washing them in lukewarm water with a gentle cleanser or shampoo.
- Keep your smartphone clean
Germs from your hands, will end on your cheek and jawline while you chat, which could lean to pimples. - Remove your makeup before going to bed
Make your nightly skincare routine part of your bedtime routine, this will help clogging up your pores and keeps your pillowcases clean.
- Make sure your pillowcase is clean
Regular washing prevents bacteria from spreading. - Take note of what triggers your acne
Triggers can include certain foods, facial products, stress etc. Keep a symptom diary to make you make links over a period of time.
How we treat Acne
Here at City Aesthetics, we use cosmeceutical skin care ranges (either prescription or non prescription). Our preferred skin care is either ZO Skin Health or AlumierMD, as their acne products are formulated with both adult and teen acne in mind. The treatment is customised and flexible as everyone’s skin is different. The treatment will be fully explained on how and when to use each product. Your routine will always start with a cleanser, an oil control product and during the day we recommend that you wear a sunscreen.
We also advise on feeding your body with the correct nutrients and supplements which will help you to regulate your hormones.
Be patient as Acne will not disappear overnight, if any treatment, says it will they are wrong! Acne treatments generally take time to work because some pimples, exist deep within the skin. On average a good treatment plan will take 6 – 8 weeks however some people will see results sooner. The results will depend on the severity of your acne and your skin type. All we say is, be patient and you will end up loving your skin.
To arrange your free consultation, please call 01244 342768.
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