Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide, regardless of age or gender. Whether you’re a teenager navigating the challenges of adolescence, an adult dealing with persistent breakouts, or a Woman tackling Menopause, we are here to provide you with valuable information, practical tips, and effective solutions to help you achieve clear and healthy skin.
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This leads to the formation of various types of blemishes, including whiteheads, blackheads, inflamed spots and cysts. Hormonal changes, genetics, certain medications, and lifestyle factors can all contribute to the development of acne.
At Sophia Wyatt Skin Clinic in Send, we understand the physical and emotional impact that acne can have on individuals. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge and equip you with the tools you need to combat acne and regain your confidence.
Establishing a proper skincare routine is crucial for managing acne and promoting healthy skin. Here are some essential steps to include in your daily regimen:
Acne is a disorder of the skin’s sebaceous glands that affects over 80% of the population aged 14-30. It is one of the most common skin conditions in teenagers and young adults, but it can occur at any stage of a person’s life – even into late adulthood. There are several varieties of acne and your doctor will be able to tell you which type you have after examining your skin. It often shows up as whiteheads, blackheads or inflamed spots, and can appear anywhere on the face, scalp and body.
There are numerous factors that can cause acne and there are certain aspects that can trigger or aggravate it including; genes, hormones, products, air pollution, stress, certain drugs and conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, also ingrown hair. Most of the biological reactions that trigger acne occur beneath the skin, not on the surface. However, it is still important to use products suited to your skin type, helping to relieve potential clogging of pores and to avert pimple-causing bacteria.
Acne can manifest in different forms, each requiring a tailored approach for effective treatment. Common types of acne include:
Deep, pus-filled lumps that can cause scarring.
Closed clogged pores beneath the skin’s surface.
Open clogged pores with darkened plugs due to oxidation.
Red bumps with a white or yellow centre filled with pus.
Large, painful lumps beneath the skin’s surface.
Small, raised bumps that are usually tender.
Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to help you manage and reduce acne breakouts. The most effective treatments may vary depending on the severity and type of acne. Some common approaches include:
Facial Peels: Glycolic Peels in particular, those that contain Salicylic Acid which is also anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory are perfect for acne. We stock Cliniccare and MediMD peels also Targeted Facials and Lynton has recently launched a Tri-Acid Fruit Peel which contains Salicylic Acid and is specially formulated for use with IPL treatments.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light & Laser: Lynton’s medical grade IPL can achieve remarkable results. The gentle heating of the skin promotes fibroblast activity and stimulates collagen which may reduce mild acne scarring and accelerate the healing process. Broadband light sources such as the LUMINA offer shorter wavelengths for optimum surface bacterial destruction, whilst also getting to the deep-seated bacteria existing in pustules and papules and targeting the sebaceous glands themselves.
Dermalux LED Phototherapy: Dermalux LED phototherapy is a very effective non contact treatment. Dermalux is a world-leading and trusted British brand for professional LED Phototherapy and here at Sophia Wyatt Skin Clinic we are proud to be the only clinic in the area with the Dermalux TriWave – THE most powerful LED in the world! Dermalux instantly energise skin cells to revitalise a dull and tired complexion the Blue light also kills bacteria and the Near Infrared Heals the damaged skin. A course of treatment offers long-lasting results, stimulating the skin’s natural rejuvenation and repair processes to promote healthy looking skin, accelerate cell renewal and resolve a range of skin concerns.
Homecare Products: Cleansers that bind to debris and remove it without pushing it further into the pores are the best to use. It is also important to consider a cleanser that thoroughly removes any dirt and pollution from the environment but doesn’t strip the skin of it’s natural oils.
The Cliniccare Cleanser prevents blockage and is designed specifically to achieve this.
The Cliniccare PURE Range targets Sensitive Acne Prone skin.
Makeup: Products that are best to use are oil-free or water-based. Choose products that are labelled as being ‘non-comedogenic’. Mineral make-up is a great option for the skin as it is natural, has very few chemicals and lets your skin breathe.
Supplements: This is a grey area, where some people swear by supplements and others don’t. It is known that vitamin A can be very good for acne (Roaccutane is a chemical form of vitamin A). A popular skin supplement option is a product called ‘Skin Accumax’ by the Advanced Nutrition Programme, but there are many others. Be aware that supplements don’t make up for a bad diet or lifestyle. You should always have a healthy diet first and foremost and drinking enough water is always the best way to remove all toxins!
Active acne refers to the presence of inflamed and visibly active acne lesions on the skin. It includes acne lesions such as papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts that are currently in the process of developing, growing, or healing. These lesions are typically red, swollen, and may contain pus or be painful to the touch. Treatment for active acne is limited due to the risk of causing further infection and trauma. Non invasive, calming treatments are the best option. Products such as HYPO21 will fight bacteria and aid healing and Dermalux LED will help calm, regulate sebum production and heal.
Although commonly considered to be a problem of adolescence, 25% of those affected by acne in their teens will go on to develop permanent scars. The effects on personal appearance caused by acne and acne scarring can cause significant psychological, social and occupational problems.
Scarring is a skin complaint that deserves an entire post of it’s own but in brief there are several treatments that will improve skin texture and effectively remove the typical pitted scarring caused by acne, hyperpigmentation and built up scarring caused by trauma, medical treatments such as surgery, acne and cosmetic treatments such as Microblading.
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