Acne is a common skin condition characterised by red pimples on the face or body. It affects nearly 20% of adults worldwide and can cause a great deal of embarrassment as well as permanent scarring. We reveal what causes acne and offer expert guidance on the best ways to tackle it.
What causes acne?
When dead skin cells and oils block the hair follicles it creates a breeding ground for bacteria and acne can develop. You can find out more about types of acne here.
There are a number of causes for acne prone skin, including:
- Over-production of natural skin oils
- Makeup, skin and hair care products
- Poor, or inappropriate diet
- Poor sleep patterns
- Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy or menopause, taking hormones for transgender therapy or using oral contraceptives
- Quitting smoking – though don’t let that put you off!
- Medications such as steroids.
Acne and makeup
Alongside other lifestyle factors such as poor diet, one of the most common non-physiological causes of acne on the face and breakouts on the cheeks is makeup.
Follow these tips to help reduce acne:
- Avoid products that contain fragrances and dyes which can irritate sensitive skin.
- Avoid products with alcohol which can dehydrate the skin and cause it to produce excess oil.
- Stay clear of makeup containing acrylics which may block your pores.
- Opt for products that don’t contain parabens which can upset our endocrine system (glands that regulate the activity of our cells and organs) and cause hormonal flare-ups.
- Avoid makeup containing silicones that can clog pores and dry skin.
- Opt for cosmetic products that are labelled “non-comedogenic” which are less likely to clog pores.
- Always apply makeup with clean hands and wash brushes regularly.
- Remove your makeup with a gentle cleanser and try not to go to bed in your makeup.
There are likely to be a number of factors that contribute towards the causes of your acne. To increase your chances of tackling acne successfully it is important to seek professional advice from a skin practitioner. Our team at Destination Skin can advise on the best course of treatment and lifestyle changes for you.
Here are some effective treatments for treating acne and acne scarring.
- Skin peels: These remove dead cells from the skin’s surface reducing open pores, blemishes and fine lines immediately.
- Obagi Radiance Peel: A salicylic acid based peel which targets deeply-clogged pores to brighten, decongest and cleanse the skin.
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments: These help promote collagen production in your skin helping to heal spots and make the skin look fresher and clearer.
- Dermaroller and Electronic DermaStamp treatments (microneedling): A highly effective treatment for skin scarring, these help regenerate scarred skin and improve skin texture and appearance.
Additional tips on managing acne
As mentioned, there are a number of reasons why people suffer from acne, so a visit to a trained skin practitioner is a must. Here are some other tips you can try to help you manage acne.
- Certain foods cause acne and pimples, so eat a balanced diet, cut down on coffee, nuts, dairy and sugars and drink plenty of water.
- Make sure you are using the right makeup and beauty products for your skin type.
- Try to reduce any stresses in your life.
- Take plenty of regular exercise.
- If you are taking an oral contraceptive, consider an alternative.
- Wash your sheets, pillowcases, towels and makeup utensils regularly and thoroughly.
- Avoid squeezing your spots and touching your face with dirty hands.
We hope this has started you on the journey to managing and treating your acne. Our team of expert skin practitioners are waiting to help you enjoy smoother, clearer skin so why not contact them today to find out more about the treatments we offer to tackle acne.