Acne
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What is acne?
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.
Why do I have acne?
Certain factors can exacerbate or trigger acne, such as:
Hormonal changes
In female patients, treatments such as birth control pills or anti-androgens like spironolactone, can help regulate hormones that contribute to acne.
Certain medications
Including corticosteroids, both prescribed and anabolic, androgen hormones and certain psychiatric drugs.
Diet
Some studies suggest that consuming certain foods, including carbohydrate-rich high ‘GI’ foods and skimmed milk might worsen acne.
Stress
Can aggravate acne but doesn’t cause it directly.
Sunlight
A rarer subtype triggered by sunlight in older patients referred to as ‘solar comedones’
Friction, heat, occlusion
‘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
Symptoms of acne
The symptoms of acne can vary, but typically include:
- Whiteheads– Closed clogged pores.
- Blackheads-Open clogged pores.
- Papules– Small red, tender bumps.
- Pustules– Pimples with pus at their tips.
- Nodules– Large, painful and inflamed lumps beneath the surface of the skin.
- Cystic Lesions– Painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin.
Treatment Options
Effective acne treatment reduces oil production, speeds up skin cell turnover, and reduces inflammation. Treatment plans will be tailored to the individual and will include all or some of the following:
Optimised skin care
Optimized skin care involves adopting a daily regimen that helps keep the skin clean, balanced, and healthy. This typically includes:
Cleansing
Using gentle, non-comedogenic cleansers to remove excess oil, dirt, and makeup without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.
Exfoliating
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.
Moisturising
Keeping the skin hydrated with oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturisers to prevent dryness and irritation.
Sun Protection
Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to protect the skin from harmful UV rays and prevent hyperpigmentation and scarring.
PCA Skin Peels
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:
Reducing Oil Production
Helping to control excess sebum production.
Unclogging Pores
Removing debris and dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause breakouts.
Reducing Inflammation
Minimising redness and swelling associated with acne.
Improving Skin Texture
Smoothing rough skin and reducing the appearance of acne scars.
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments are medications applied directly to the skin to treat acne. Common topical treatments include:
Retinoids
Such as tretinoin, adapalene or combination products such as Epiduo© or Treclin©
Topical Antibiotics
Such as clindamycin and erythromycin, which kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Which kills bacteria, reduces oil production, and helps to clear blocked pores.
Salicylic Acid
A beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin and helps to unclog pores.
Azelaic Acid
Which has antibacterial properties and can help reduce inflammation and pigmentation.
Oral Medications
Oral medications can be prescribed for more severe or persistent cases of acne. These include:
Oral Antibiotics
Such as doxycycline, lymecycline, and erythromycin, which help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
Hormonal Treatments
Such as birth control pills or anti-androgens like spironolactone, which can help regulate hormones that contribute to acne, especially in women.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin (formerly known as Accutane) is a powerful oral medication used for severe, cystic, or treatment-resistant acne. It works by:
Reducing Sebum Production
Drastically lowering the amount of oil produced by the sebaceous glands.
Preventing Clogged Pores
Promoting normal shedding of dead skin cells to prevent pore blockage.
Reducing Inflammation
Minimising redness and swelling.
Killing Bacteria
Reducing the number of acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
