Acne is a common skin condition often first appearing in the teenage years. Acne will affect the majority of people at some point in their lives. It causes spots to occur on the face, and other parts of the body, such as the back and chest. Acne spots can vary in size and type. From surface blackheads and whiteheads, which are often mild, non obtrusive, and easily treated, to deep seated, inflamed, pus-filled pustules and cysts. These spots are much more difficult to treat, can sometimes be painful, and also lead to scarring.

 

In cases of severe acne, where you may have a large number of large papules/pustules on your chest, back or face, your GP may want to refer you to a consultant dermatologist. In most moderate cases of acne, a course of antibiotic tablets combined with some topical acne treatments can often help relieve the symptoms of acne. Often acne treatment can take at least 2-3 months before you begin to notice any improvements. It’s always important to be patient and persistent with a recommended treatment, even if there is no immediate effect. Your acne will not improve over night, and your skin requires time to heal itself and repair.

Good body hygiene and keeping your skin clean from impurities is important, however spots may still occur, so don’t be disheartened. Your skin is subject to large variety of external impurities, ranging from pollution in the air to chemicals found in everyday products. For this reason, you should always try to wash your acne prone areas twice a day with a mild, oil free soap or cleanser (Be careful - over washing can aggravate your skin further). Massage your product of choice gently, in small circular motions, as scrubbing too hard can irritate the skin and cause acne breakouts. For dry skin, we recommend you use a non-comedogenic, oil free moisturiser.

Acne Vulgaris, commonly referred to as Acne, is caused by the blockage of tiny hair follicles on the surface of your skin. Sebaceous glands attached to your hair follicles produce a natural oily substance, sebum, which keeps your hair looking and feeling healthy. The sebum lubricates your hair preventing it from drying out. Acne is caused because of these glands producing too much sebum The excess oil mixes with dead skin cells and blocks the hair follicle creating a spot. If the blocked follicle is close to the surface of the skin it will bulge outwards, creating a whitehead. Alternatively, the blocked hair follicle can be open to the skin, creating what is commonly known as a blackhead. Sometimes harmless bacteria found on the skin can then infect the blocked follicles, often resulting in more aggressive and inflamed papules, pustules, nodules or cysts.