Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles and glands on the skin become clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
It often causes a combination of whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples affecting the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders. Acne is most prevalent among teenagers, though it can affect people of all ages.
In female patients, treatments such as birth control pills or anti-androgens like spironolactone, can help regulate hormones that contribute to acne.
Including corticosteroids, both prescribed and anabolic, androgen hormones and certain psychiatric drugs.
Some studies suggest that consuming certain foods, including carbohydrate-rich high ‘GI’ foods and skimmed milk might worsen acne.
Can aggravate acne but doesn’t cause it directly.
A rarer subtype triggered by sunlight in older patients referred to as ‘solar comedones’
‘Acne mechanica’ can occur at sites where frequent rubbing or occlusion/trapping of the skin causes acne to appear from, for example, tight clothing, seat belts or bras
Closed clogged pores.
Open clogged pores.
Small red, tender bumps.
Pimples with pus at their tips.
Large, painful and inflamed lumps beneath the surface of the skin.
Painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin.
Hear some of the stories from our Acne patients
Optimised skin care involves adopting a daily regimen that helps keep the skin clean, balanced, and healthy. This typically includes:
Using gentle, non-comedogenic cleansers to remove excess oil, dirt, and makeup without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.
Regular exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. This can be done using chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or physical exfoliants with fine, gentle particles.
Keeping the skin hydrated with oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturisers to prevent dryness and irritation.
Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to protect the skin from harmful UV rays and prevent hyperpigmentation and scarring.
PCA Skin Peels are professional chemical peels that can improve the skin’s texture, tone, and clarity. These peels involve the application of a solution that exfoliates the top layers of the skin, promoting cell turnover and revealing fresher, healthier skin beneath.
Benefits of PCA Skin Peels for acne include:
Helping to control excess sebum production.
Removing debris and dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause breakouts.
Minimising redness and swelling associated with acne.
Smoothing rough skin and reducing the appearance of acne scars.
Topical treatments are medications applied directly to the skin to treat acne. Common topical treatments include:
Such as tretinoin, adapalene or combination products such as Epiduo© or Treclin©
Such as clindamycin and erythromycin, which kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.
Which kills bacteria, reduces oil production, and helps to clear blocked pores.
A beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin and helps to unclog pores.
Which has antibacterial properties and can help reduce inflammation and pigmentation.
Oral medications can be prescribed for more severe or persistent cases of acne.
These include:
Such as doxycycline, lymecycline, and erythromycin, which help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
Such as birth control pills or anti-androgens like spironolactone, which can help regulate hormones that contribute to acne, especially in women.
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1 Boucher Crescent,
BT12 6HU,
Belfast
89-91 Academy St, BT1 2LS, Belfast
Mon-Fri: 9am – 5:30pm
Sat: 9am – 1pm
Sun: CLOSED
Mon-Fri: 9am – 5:30pm
Sat: 9am – 1pm
Sun: CLOSED