Acne is a very common skin condition characterised by comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and pus-filled spots (pustules).
It usually starts at puberty and varies in severity. It ranges from a few spots on the face, neck, back, and chest to a more significant problem that may cause scarring and impact on self-confidence. For the majority, it tends to resolve by the late teens or early twenties, but it can persist for longer in some people. The late cosmetic effects of adolescent acne with scarring can persist.
Acne can develop for the first time in people in their late twenties or even in their thirties. It can run in families, but most cases are sporadic and occur for unknown reasons. Acne flares can occur with hormones (androgens in puberty and in women in mid-life), medications, certain diets with a lot of carbohydrates, and is exacerbated by some oily cosmetics and by stress.
The skin follicles become plugged with excess oil and dead skin cells, which can become inflamed and infected, causing pimples and bumps with later scars.
Acne scars are a worrisome condition, especially for teenagers and young adults, and occur on the face or back when the more serious acne nodules and cysts have burst and damaged the adjacent skin, leading to the scarring. The scars can look different and have specific names such as ‘ice pick’, ‘rolling’ and ‘box car’.
There is much you can do at home as self-treatment to reduce the effects of acne, but many adolescents and young adults require prescription medical treatments, and in clinic acne scar treatments with intense pulsed light (IPL) or medical injections.
We aim our dermatology treatment of acne at 1) controlling the acne, 2) prevention of new spots, 3) avoiding or reducing skin scarring and other complications of acne, 4) making scars look less noticeable.
If you are considering Acne treatment, you can see our prices for consultation and treatment with our Consultant Dermatology Dr Jennifer Crawley. She is both Adult and Paediatric Dermatologist.
You do not need to stop wearing makeup altogether, but you should try to use makeup that does not block your pores (noncomedogenic). If you notice that the use of a particular brand of makeup causes or exacerbates your acne then you should try other brands.
There is no single answer for any one person as it depends on several factors such as age, gender, and length of the condition. Treatments can involve topical creams or gels containing retinoid or benzoyl peroxide, oral antibiotics or hormone-blocking pills.
Most patients who have suffered from acne usually develop scars, we have treatments available at Clinica London for acne scars.
Acne is commonly linked to the hormonal change during puberty, but it can start or return during adulthood. Certain hormones cause grease-production glands next to hair follicles in the skin to produce an increased amount of oil, known as abnormal sebum
This changes the activity of usually harmless skin bacteria known as P. acnes to become aggressive, resulting in inflammation and pus. These hormones also thicken the inner lining of the hair follicle blocking the pores. Cleaning your skin will not help to remove this blockage, unfortunately.
If your acne is mild and not aggressive then you can speak to your pharmacist for advice on medicines or products that will help treat your condition. If these medicines are not controlling your acne or you are unhappy then you should book an appointment with your local GP.
In the meantime, do not pick or burst your spots and give any treatments some time to take effect, they can usually take up to three months to work
Telephone: 020 7935 7990
International Callers : +44 20 7935 7990
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