What is acne?
Acne is a disease that affects the skin’s oil glands. The pores in your skin connect to oil glands under the skin. These glands make an oily substance called sebum. The pores connect to the glands by a canal called a follicle. Inside the follicles, oil carries dead skin cells to the surface of the skin. A thin hair also grows through the follicle and out to the skin. When the follicle of a skin gland clogs up, a pimple grows.
There are many types of pimples which we will all have experienced to a degree at some time in our lives. Whiteheads are pimples that stay under the surface of the skin. Blackheads are pimples which rise to the skin’s surface and look black (the black colour is not from dirt). Papules are small pink bumps that can be tender. Pustules are red at the bottom and have pus on top. Nodules are large, painful, solid pimples that are deep in the skin and Cysts are deep, pain, pus-filled pimples which can often cause scars.
Most pimples are found on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders. Acne is not a serious health threat, but it can cause scars and make someone’s life a complete misery.Severe acne sufferers may become depressed as their confidence becomes affected and for this reason, it is important to deliver the right treatment quickly.
Acne is the most common skin disease. People of all races and ages get acne. But it is most common in teenagers and young adults. An estimated 80 per cent of all people between the ages of 11 and 30 have acne outbreaks at some point. Some people in their forties and fifties still get acne.
What causes acne?
The cause of acne is still currently unknown, but some doctors think certain factors might be a significant cause:
- The hormone increase in teenage years (this can cause the oil glands to plug up more often)
- Hormone changes during in pregnancy
- Starting or stopping birth control pills
- Heredity (if your parents had acne, you might get it too)
- Some types of medicine
- Certain types of make up; particularly oily types
There are many myths surrounding the root cause of acne, such as having dirty skin, being stressed and eating greasy foods. There has been no evidence to show stress and dirt causes acne; and greasy foods are very rarely the cause.
How can I combat acne?
At Fresh Laser and Aesthetics we have a range of effective treatments to rapidly improve acne, we are aiming to heal the spots, prevent new spots from forming, prevent and reduce scarring and show patients how to conceal their spots without aggravating them.
A good skin care system is essential and ideally should be recommended by a nurse or a dermatologist. We recommend the Clenziderm system by Obagi® which contains a cleanser, a pore therapy lotion and a therapeutic treatment lotion. This prescribed skin care penetrates the skin at a cellular level to get to the root of the problem. Vast improvements can be seen in a matter of weeks. Depending on the severity of the acne we may also recommend a course light to medium skin peel such as the Blue Radiance Peel by Obagi® to kickstart your treatment.
lease note as Obagi® Clenziderm is a prescribed skin care system, it is only available directly from our Macclesfield clinic. Please call us to arrange a consultation.
Glo minerals is a mineral based makeup packed with an advanced blend of antioxidants and vitamins to help improve your skin and leave it looking radiant. Perfect for sensitive skin types and those with acne or rosacea, it contains Vitamin and Green Tea extracts which assist in improving texture and tone. It's recommended for use after laser and chemical procedures due to its anti-inflammatory ingredients. Protects against harmful UV rays with SPF 25. Not only does it provide excellent coverage, it also helps to calm the skin. Browse the extensive range of Glominerals makeup and take advantage of free delivery.
Scarring
Early treatment of acne is the best way to prevent scarring, however, there are a vast range of options available to patients wanting to deal with scarring, ranging from chemical peels and laser treatment to skin needling treatments such as the EDS (E dermastamp) and topical creams containing an ingredient called Tretinoin. These treatments in a course of a combination of treatments can make a huge difference, even to the appearance of deep scars and dark pigmentation.
- Try not to touch your skin. People who squeeze, pinch or pick their pimples can get scars or dark spots on their skin.
- Shave carefully. If you shave, you can try both electric and safety razors to see which works best. With safety razors, use a sharp blade. Also, it helps to soften your beard with soap and water before putting on shaving cream. Shave lightly and only when you have to.
- Stay out of the sun and wear a clinic recommended Factor 50 such as Heliocare. Many acne medicines can make people more susceptible to sunburn. Being in the sun a lot can also make skin age prematurely and increase the risk of skin cancer. Many patients believe a Factor 50 will make their skin more oily and make their spots worse, however, this is not the case. Check our range of sun screen products for complete sun protection.
A good quality, clinic recommended brand of SPF will provide UVA and UVB protection and actually improve the condition of the skin!
Above all, don’t suffer in silence. Don’t be too embarrassed to talk to your GP, a close friend or use an online forum to share ideas and treatments with other sufferers. For confidential help and advice on dealing with acne and any other skin conditions contact us at the Fresh Laser & Aesthetics clinic by phone or appointment.