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| WHAT IS ACNE? |
Acne is a common skin condition that results in the appearance of spots on the skin; usually found on the face but also commonly found on the neck, chest and back.
There are different types of spots that may be present depending on the severity of the acne: blackheads, whiteheads, pustules and nodules.
| WHO IS MOST AT RISK? |
Acne is most often found in teenagers but can also be seen in adolescents. It is estimated that approximately 80% of teenagers will have some degree of acne between the ages of 13 and 18.
Adult acne has also been increasing over the past decade and this can be caused by a number of reasons. It is thought that the main reason is because of increased levels of daily stress. High levels of stress can lead to an increase in sebum production – see what causes it below. Acne can also be affected by a woman’s menstrual cycle and being overweight.
| WHAT CAUSES IT? |
Acne is caused by a change in the level of the testosterone hormone in the blood. This hormone controls the production of sebum, which is the oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands in the skin. At the same time the dead skin cells that line the opening of the hair follicles are not shed properly causing them to become blocked.
During puberty changes in the skin also encourage bacteria to grow on the skin, this can also become trapped in the hair follicles and causes deeper infections and spots.
TRUE OR FALSE?
- True! Acne can be hereditary
- True! Acne can be caused by certain drugs (e.g. oral contraceptives, anti-epileptic medicines, steroids)
- False! Eating greasy foods and chocolate can always cause and worsen Acne. (Although you should try to maintain a balanced diet and avoid any foods that you feel do worsen your skin.)
- False! Acne is caused by poor hygiene (but not washing your face or removing makeup can cause bacteria to multiply on the skin and cause other skin problems)
| TREATMENT |
There are many options of treatment depending on the severity of the acne; these include the following:
| PREVENT AND REPAIR |
The best starting point is to follow a simple skincare regime of Cleanse, Tone and Moisturise with products specially tailored for blemished and oily prone skins. Always remember the followings:
Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser and always remove your makeup at the end of the day
Try not to touch your face too much as this will contribute to the amount of bacteria you have on your skin
Wash your hands before touching your face i.e. to apply your makeup
Do not squeeze spots – it makes them worse; instead apply spot gel.
By following Dr Nick Lowe’s Anti Blemish skincare regime you can treat existing blemishes and help prevent further breakouts.
Cleanse your skin with Purifying Foaming Cleanser morning and night to gently remove make-up, impurities and dead skin cells
Follow up with alcohol free Sebum Control Cleanser to the oily parts of your face to remove the last traces of oil and prepare the skin for cream
Apply Oil Control Day Cream morning and evening to leave the skin treated, balanced and healthy looking
Use Spot Gel on any spot or skin breakouts. Can be used on the affected spots 3-4 times per day.
| PRESCRIPTION TREATMENTS |
Topical treatments applied directly to the skin
Oral antibiotics
Oral contraceptive pills
Isotretinoin capsules
These treatments will be prescribed by a doctor after a diagnosis of acne.
| RELEVANT LINKS: |
British Association of Dermatologists website.