Managing Your Acne

Acne is something all of us will experience at one time or another and in varying degrees. Whilst it isn’t life threatening, it can be embarrassing and affect your self-esteem to the point of depression. However you don’t have to deal with it.

Why do I get acne?

Acne isn’t caused by eating too much chocolate or because you’re dirty (although washing your face certainly does help!)
Your sebaceous glands produce sebum on your skin to keep it supple and moisturised. Androgens (which are a hormone) in your body however causes these glands to produce more sebum than necessary. Bacteria that normally live on the surface of our skin multiply in the follicles. The presence of bacteria attracts white blood cells to the follicle. These white blood cells produce an enzyme that damages the wall of the follicle, allowing the contents of the follicle to enter the skin. This process causes an inflammatory response, which is what you can see as red spots on your face.

Acne, particularly if it is severe, isn’t just present on the face but can be found on the chest, back and shoulders.

Treating Acne

Most of the time acne can be controlled simply with a cleansing routine. A medicated face wash used morning and night will keep the oil and the bacteria down. Also a facial scrub is useful for sloughing off the dead cells that make skin look dull.

A spot cream will also help control and get rid of blemishes on the skin.

However if your acne is more than the odd blemish, or general over the counter washes aren’t clearing it up, it’s probable you have a more severe type of acne.

It is important you go to your doctor to get it sorted out. You will probably be referred to a dermatologist. They will assess your skin and you will probably be prescribed some antibiotics such as tetracycline to help clear your skin from the inside and also you may be provided with a prescription cream.

If you are a female you may also be prescribed a contraceptive pill to help manage your acne.

If your acne is very severe you’ll probably be prescribed Accutane, which is a powerful drug made from a form of Vitamin A.

Whatever you’re prescribed you should see improvement in your skin and it is important you get it seen to sooner rather than later as severe acne can scar.

Tips

• Always take your makeup off at night
• If you have to wear makeup make sure that it is noncomedogenic (this means it won’t clog pores)
• Never pick or squeeze your spots.
• If you have to squeeze then ensure your fingers are clean and the spot has a yellow top
• Only wash your face twice a day- washing too much will dry out your skin and make your skin produce more oil to compensate
• Tea Tree oil is useful because of its antibacterial properties
• Give any new products you try at least 3 months to start working before trying an alternative