Acne usually starts at puberty as hormone levels begin to rise. Most commonly people suffer from mild acne with clogged pores leading to blackheads and whiteheads (comodones). Increased hormone production at puberty can lead to excess oil (sebum) being produced. This oil is often trapped at the surface of the skin by dead skin cells. When exposed to air, this blockage can turn black leading to blackheads. In other cases, the blockage remains just below the surface of the skin and develops into whiteheads. Moderate acne is when people develop inflammation leading to papules which are small bumps under the skin and pustules which are filled with yellow pus. For some people acne can be severe with many papules and pustules as well as nodules developing under the skin. Nodules are often at the back of the neck and can be painful. Severe acne is more likely to cause scarring than mild or moderate acne.
Maskne is a form of acne that is common at the moment due to people wearing face masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Skin can become inflamed and irritated due to friction between mask and the face which can damage the skin’s protective layer. The wearing of masks also creates a warm, moist environment which is ideal for bacteria growth.
Acne can be kept under control by following a regular skincare routine.
Double cleansing twice a day and help prevent dead skin cells from building up on the skin while also removing makeup. It is important to use a gentle cleanser as stripping oils from the skin can make your skin worse in the long run as it becomes more irritated and inflamed. There are a number of cleansers suitable for ance prone skin including La Roche-Posay Effaclar, Vichy Normaderm, Bioderma Sebium, Skinnerd Skin genius, Garnier Micellar Water and CeraVe Smoothing Cleaner. An active cleanser is one which contains exfoliating agents such as salicylic acid (BHA)
Toners can be used to minimise the appearance of pores and can help prevent blockages developing.
Acnaut is a good example of an active toner. Other toners include La Roche Posay Effaclar, Vichy Purete Thermale, Vichy Normaderm, Trilogy Mist Toner and Pestle & Mortar NMF.
Choosing a moisturiser to best suit you skin type is important.
A treatment moisturiser can be used to help control acne breakouts such as La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo
When flare ups are under control regular moisturising can help control overproduction of oils. Some good moisturisers for acne prone skin are La Roche Posay Effaclar H, Vichy Normaderm, Bioderma Sebium Hydra and CeraVe Moisturising lotion.Other ways to help control acne breakouts include regularly washing makeup brushes and pillowcases and removing makeup before exercise
Supplements can help promote healthy, clear skin. Vitamin A can help with natural exfoliation along with promoting skin healing and elasticity. B vitamins can help to balance hormones as well as improving skin hydration and brightness. Vitamin C help reduce inflammation and redness as well as helping production of collagen. Zinc and vitamin E work as antioxidants to protect skin as well as promoting skin healing.
For some people, medical treatment is necessary to treat their acne. This can involve prescription creams and washes such as retinoids, antimicrobials and antibiotics. Sometimes oral tablets are needed such as antibiotics, hormonal therapies or, in severe cases, oral isotretinoin.