Did you know that one in six adults currently have acne? You may have thought that the skin concern only affects young people, but this isn’t true.
Dealing with acne can feel like a never-ending battle. It can be frustrating, disheartening and even painful! But with the right treatments, it’s possible to effectively manage the concern and regain confidence in your skin.
At So Medical Aesthetics, we regularly advise clients who want to take control of their acne. In this blog, Nurse Sophie will delve into the causes of the skin concern, and the most effective treatments for reducing it.
What Is Acne?
Defined by the NHS, ‘Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point. It causes spots, oily skin and sometimes skin that’s hot or painful to touch’. It occurs when sebum – an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands – combines with dead skin cells and blocked hair follicles to create an ideal environment for bacterial growth. This leads to the development of pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.
What Causes Acne?
Acne affects over 80% of people at some point in their lives. However, its causes vary from person to person. For some, hormones can contribute to the development of acne. For others, stress can lead to breakouts.
- Hormonal Acne – During puberty, the surge in androgen – the sex hormone – causes the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more oil. This can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. But it’s not just puberty; hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause can also cause acne.
- Genetics – Ever heard of the term, ‘It runs in the family’? Acne can too. If one or both of your parents experienced acne during their lifetime, there’s a high chance you might as well.
- Diet – The research is still relatively underdeveloped, but foods high in refined carbohydrates, sugars and dairy can increase the likelihood of acne. High-glycemic foods trigger insulin spikes, which can lead to the overproduction of oil. Likewise, the hormones in milk can cause inflammation.
- Stress – The mind-skin connection is well-established, with stress being a common cause of acne. When life gets overwhelming, our bodies release cortisol. This can trigger the overproduction of sebum, resulting in acne breakouts.
- Poor Skincare – Our skincare routines can also cause acne. Products rich in heavy oils can clog pores and worsen breakouts, whilst over-exfoliation can aggravate the skin and strip it of its protective barrier.
What Are The Best Treatments For Acne?
When it comes to treating acne, there’s no one-size fits all solution. The best treatment depends on the severity of your breakout, your skin type and other factors such as your lifestyle. However, some treatments are effective for everyone.
In our Colchester aesthetics clinic, Nurse Sophie provides ZO Skincare, Skinade and the ZO 3 Step Peel as tried and tested treatments for acne.
Medical Skincare For Acne
Medical skincare for acne is a game-changer, especially when it comes to tackling stubborn breakouts. Unlike highstreet alternatives, dermatologically tested products are packed with active ingredients that perform specific functions to improve the skin. For acne, the most effective actives include –
- Salicylic Acid – Exfoliates the skin and helps unclog pores.
- Retinoids – Derived from vitamin A, retinoids help reduce inflammation and promote skin cell turnover.
- Alpha-Hydroxy Acids – Helps smooth and soften the surface of the skin.
At So Medical Aesthetics, we recommend ZO Skin Health – a pharmaceutical skincare brand founded by the renowned Dr. Zein Obagi.
Skinade Clear
Skinade Clear is a two-step skincare solution that targets acne from within. It combines a drinkable supplement with a slow delivery capsule to regulate hormonal imbalances, reduce inflammation and regulate excess oil production. The treatment for acne combines vitamin A with zinc and omega-3 fatty acids to improve skin clarity and reduce the severity of breakouts.
ZO 3 Step Peel
Not all facials are suitable for acne-prone skin, but the ZO 3 Step Peel is tailored for it! This medical-grade treatment exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs pores and reduces inflammation. Specifically, it involves 3 steps –
- Exfoliation – A blend of acids are applied to the skin to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
- Stimulation – Retinol cream is applied to stimulate new skin cell growth and collagen production.
- Calming – A calming cream is applied to reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.
The ZO 3 Step Peel not only helps clear existing acne, but also improves the overall health of your skin to curb future breakouts.
Polynucleotides For Acne Scarring
If it’s acne scarring you’re struggling with, Polynucleotides are one of the most promising treatments. A type of regenerative medicine favoured for their ability to induce bio-regeneration within the skin, they stimulate fibroblast cells to increase cell renewal. This leads to a brighter, even-textured skin tone with noticeable improvements in the reduction of scarring.
Acne Skin Consultations With So Medical Aesthetics
At So Medical Aesthetics, we understand that acne can be a challenging condition to manage. That’s why we offer personalised consultations to help you find the best treatments for your specific needs. Whether you opt for medical skincare, supplements like Skinade, advanced peels or cutting-edge treatments for scarring, we can help you regain confidence in your skin.
To learn more about our varied treatments for acne, schedule a consultation at our Colchester clinic with Nurse Sophie.