ACNE

Understanding your skin

Acne

It is estimated that nearly 90% of us experience acne at some point in our lives. Whether it is mild or severe and persistent, it can have a substantial impact on our lives.

Although acne is most often associated with teenagers, it is increasing among adults, including people who did not experience symptoms when they were younger.

Contributing factors

Skin cell production: Acne-prone skin can produce four to five times more skin cells than normal skin.

Oil production: Hormonal changes can lead to excessive oil production. Sebum helps lubricate the skin's protective barrier, prevents it from drying out and keeps it healthy, soft and supple. It is therefore important to maintain the skin's balance rather than stripping away this protective layer.

Acne-causing bacteria: Cutibacterium acnes (formerly known as P. acnes) can thrive in acne-prone skin because of the increased presence of sebum.

Inflammation: Excess sebum and skin cells can block the hair follicle or pore. The resulting plug creates conditions in which bacteria can thrive, leaving the follicle inflamed and irritated. Calming and soothing products should be prioritised in your homecare routine.

What you can do

• Ditch make-up wipes and avoid trying to dry out your skin.
• Avoid products containing pore-clogging ingredients such as lanolin and mineral oil. Look for oil-free, oil-absorbing products containing ingredients such as clay and mandelic acid.
• Avoid skin-stripping ingredients such as alcohol, commonly found in astringent toners. These can encourage the skin to produce more oil and fuel further breakouts.
• Avoid artificial fragrances and colours, which can further irritate breakout-prone skin.
• Look for ingredients such as salicylic acid and niacinamide (vitamin B3), which help prevent dead skin cells and bacteria from accumulating.
• Clean phones, pillowcases and make-up brushes regularly.
• Do not pick or squeeze breakouts at home, as this can lead to further breakouts, scarring and redness.
• Consider changing to a good-quality mineral make-up.
• Follow a thorough skincare routine, moisturise and wear SPF daily. Dehydration and environmental stress can trigger more sebum production and make existing breakouts look worse. Even if your skin seems oily, an oil-free moisturiser with SPF can help protect and balance it.

What we can do

We may recommend a combination of advanced facials and LED light therapy, mesotherapy, carbon laser peels and microneedling for scarring and post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Using the correct homecare routine is essential to achieving results. Suitable options may include the Dermalogica Active Clearing, UltraCalming and Clear Start ranges, along with Hypo21.