Acne

The Importance of Early Acne Management: Prevention and Treatment 

What Causes Acne? 

Acne develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Several factors contribute to this, including: 

• Hormonal Fluctuations: Androgens (male hormones) increase oil production in the skin, often causing acne in adolescents and adults. 

• Genetics: Family history can increase the likelihood of developing acne. 

• Diet: High-fat, processed foods and dairy may contribute to acne in some individuals. 

• Environmental Factors: Pollution, humidity, and certain cosmetics can worsen acne. 

Acne Treatment Options at Skin Renewal 

At Skin Renewal, we offer a range of treatments to manage acne effectively. Our treatments target each patient's needs, from mild to severe acne. We believe in the power of combination treatments to achieve optimal results. While individual treatments can target specific skin concerns, they often fall short of addressing the root causes and multifaceted nature of skin conditions. Our combination treatment solutions utilise a holistic approach, blending advanced therapies like laser treatments, chemical peels, and skin rejuvenation techniques to target different layers of the skin simultaneously. This method ensures a more comprehensive and effective outcome, promoting long-lasting results by treating the skin from every angle rather than relying on a single treatment modality.

• Superficial Chemical Peels: Exfoliates the skin and removes dead cells, unclogging pores. 

• Limelight™: Targets pigmentation caused by acne and reduces redness. 

• Laser Genesis®: Stimulates collagen production and reduces acne scars. 

• Carboxytherapy: Improves circulation, promoting skin healing. 

• PDT with Red and Blue Light: Blue light kills acne-causing bacteria, while red light reduces inflammation. 

• Contact YAG: Treats deep acne lesions and scars. 

Preventing and Managing Acne 

Prevention is always better than cure. While acne can be persistent, there are steps you can take to minimise its occurrence: 

• Avoid Sun Exposure: Overexposure to the sun can worsen acne and cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). 

• Use Hypoallergenic Cosmetics: Opt for breathable, oil-free makeup to avoid clogging pores. 

• Gentle Cleansing: Wash your face with unscented, oil-free cleansers in the morning and evening. 

• Avoid Scrubbing: Scrubbing inflamed skin can worsen acne by spreading bacteria. 

• Resist Picking at Acne: Picking or squeezing acne lesions increases the risk of scarring. 

• Shaving for Men: Use a new razor blade every time to minimise infection risk. 

• Avoid Alcohol-based Aftershaves: Instead, use herbal alternatives like lavender or tea tree oil. 

• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eliminate high-fat and processed foods, focus on whole, natural foods, and drink plenty of water. 

Acne in Adolescents and Adults 

Acne typically affects 80-95% of adolescents due to hormonal changes during puberty. However, many adults also experience acne, especially women. Adult acne can be linked to hormonal fluctuations related to menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. 

Hormonal Acne in Women: Women may experience hormonal acne during their menstrual cycle or due to conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), which increases androgen levels, leading to more severe acne. 

The Science Behind Acne 

Acne arises from the interaction of four main factors: 

1. Blocked Pores: Dead skin cells block the hair follicles, leading to comedones (blackheads or whiteheads). 

2. Excess Oil Production: Androgens increase sebum (oil) production, which clogs pores. 

3. Bacteria Proliferation: Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) thrives in blocked pores, causing inflammation. 

4. Inflammation: The body's immune response to the bacteria leads to redness, swelling, and sometimes cysts. 

Treating Acne Scarring 

If scarring remains after acne treatment, the focus will shift to improving skin texture and reducing scarring. Treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, or laser therapy can help reduce acne scars and restore smooth skin. 

Holistic Approach to Acne Management 

At Skin Renewal, we take a holistic, doctor-led approach to acne treatment, incorporating nutritional advice, lifestyle changes, and supplements to complement our medical treatments. We may recommend testing for conditions such as low stomach acid, which can impact skin health by reducing the absorption of essential nutrients like zinc, magnesium, and iron. 

Nutritional Support for Acne: 

• Vitamins A and E are essential for reducing inflammation and promoting skin healing. 

• Zinc: A potent anti-inflammatory that helps kill acne-causing bacteria. 

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These are found in fish oil and help reduce overall inflammation in the skin. 

If you're struggling with acne, book a consultation with one of our experienced aesthetic doctors today to receive a personalised treatment plan that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of your acne.