Question 1

How can I tell if I have acne and are there different types of them?

Accepted Answer

Acne is a condition of the hair follicle and oil gland unit (pilosebaceous unit) in the skin where overproduction of oil combined with dead skin cells cause the clogging of pores. The C acnes bacteria which lives on the skin then colonises these areas and all the while we have inflammation of varying degrees which can lead to spots being red and sore. The inflammation is also responsible for scarring left after the spots have gone.

Question 2

What are the factors that cause acne?

Accepted Answer

The two main causes of acne are genetics and hormones. If you have a family history of acne you will be more likely to also have some form of it.

Hormonal changes – mainly peaks in androgen (male) hormones will also contribute. This can be due to puberty, or additional hormones taken by men (often seen in body builders).

In females, normal fluctuations in hormones around the menstrual cycle can cause hormonal acne. Irregularities in the hormones due to conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can exacerbate this. If you have noticed worsening of acne, weight gain, excess hair growth and irregular and heavy periods it is worth talking to your doctor about this. Women also have hormonal changes related to starting and stopping hormonal contraception and at menopause when female hormones start to decline. Acne can occur with all of these changes.

In addition, stress causes fluctuations in our cortisol levels which can also trigger acne. Environment and lifestyle factors including the climate you live in, diet, exercise habits and the products used in your skincare routine can also significantly contribute to acne. Heavy, oily skincare products can exacerbate acne but using too many drying actives can also strip the skin barrier causing rebound oiliness and also worsening acne.

Question 3

How can medical grade skincare help treat my acne?

Accepted Answer

Medical grade and prescription skincare is tailored by your practitioner to meet your skin's needs and is able to help treat the type of acne you have at the exact level of the skin where it needs help. Beauty grade or over the counter skincare in contrast tends to work on the surface of the skin and therefore cannot deliver the same benefits, even if it contains the same ingredients. Medical grade formulations also combine ingredients to deliver the maximum improvement while minimising inflammation and thereby also reduce acne scarring.

Question 4

What are some changes I can make to my routine to minimise acne?

Accepted Answer

Start by pairing back to a gentle cleanser, oil-free moisturiser and a sunscreen of minimum SPF 30, removing any heavily oily and skin-irritating products and ensuring your products are non-comedogenic. Minimise usage of makeup and ensure consistency. If the skin does not improve or if you continue to have consistent spots and scarring, seek professional advice as this will treat your skin in a more targeted manner, minimising side effects and unnecessary expense from using the wrong products for your skin.

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