What causes acne and how can you treat it?

What causes acne & how can you treat it?

Is your skin prone to enlarged pores, blackheads, spots and breakouts?

In most cases, it’s possible to combat acne and take control of your skin health.

Find out about the types of acne, the causes and treatment options.

Is your skin prone to enlarged pores, blackheads, spots and breakouts? Acne affects millions of individuals worldwide, but despite being one of the most common skin conditions, we recognise that it can take a toll on your self-confidence and overall well-being.

The good news is that, in most cases, it’s possible to combat acne and take control of your skin health.

As well as understanding the causes of acne and exploring available treatment options, it’s important to recognise the impact stress can have on acne development and discover effective stress management techniques.

What is acne?

Rather than a single, definitive condition, acne is best described as a ‘category’ of skin complaints that includes pus-filled pustules (pimples), blackheads and whiteheads (both known as ‘comedones’).

In severe cases, acne can even cause cysts and nodules to form under the skin. These are hard, painful lumps and knots that don’t usually have a whitehead or blackhead at the centre. These larger lumps can last for weeks or even months, and usually need professional intervention.

Acne can appear anywhere on the body, but is most common on the face, back, and chest. It can also result in scars that give the skin a pitted, uneven appearance.

There are three broad types of acne:

• Comedonal acne predominantly comprises blackheads and whiteheads with some pustules (bumps with a pus-filled tip) and papules (solid, inflamed bumps without a pus-filled tip). This is often referred to as “mild acne”.

• Papular, pustular, and non-scarring inflammatory acne is when you experience whiteheads and blackheads, as well as a greater number of pustules and papules. If you have this type of “moderate acne”, you may occasionally develop nodules or cysts, but only a few will be present.

• Cystic acne and scarring acne results in a greater number of whiteheads, blackheads, pustules and papules, as well as nodules and cysts. This is the type of acne most likely to cause permanent scarring and is classed as “severe”.

What are the causes of acne? Unravelling the mystery behind your skin

We all have what’s known as C. acnes bacteria living on our skin. Acne occurs when your skin’s pores become blocked by dead skin cells, hair and sebum (an oil that keeps your skin supple and hydrated), resulting in the C. acnes bacteria getting trapped within the blockage. This causes infection, inflammation and pain, leading to the symptoms described in the section above.

But why do some people have clear, acne-free skin, while so many of us struggle with varying degrees of acne, from mild to severe?

And why is it that acne is most common in early adulthood, affecting 85% of 12 to 24-year-olds (the NHS puts the figure as high as 95%!), but that 25% of women in their 40s and 12% of men still struggle with acne too?

These are some of the common causes:

• Hormonal fluctuations

Your journey to unblemished skin begins by understanding the role of hormones in acne development. Hormonal changes, especially during puberty, can trigger the skin's sebaceous glands to produce excess oil (sebum). When this oil combines with dead skin cells, it clogs your hair follicles, leading to the formation of acne lesions.

As our hormones change throughout our lives, acne outbreaks can come and go. It’s common to see skin changes during pregnancy or the menopause, for example.

• Excessive sebum production

If you've been wondering why your skin is oilier than others', it may be due to factors like genetics and hormonal imbalances. Your body's sebaceous glands might be producing an excessive amount of oil, which, as we’ve seen above, can clog your pores and contribute to the development of acne.

• Genetics

While there’s no specific gene that causes acne, it does seem to run in families, suggesting that our genetics influence how likely we are to develop acne-related skin conditions. Indeed, it seems that some people have immune systems that are better at minimising C. acnes bacteria on the skin, thereby being genetically protected against acne.

Evidence suggests that if both of your parents suffered from acne, you have a much higher chance of developing it too. Equally, if adult acne runs in your family, this may be something you have to deal with.

• Follicular Hyperkeratinisation

If you've noticed stubborn blackheads or whiteheads, it may be due to impaired and rapidly abnormal shedding of dead skin cells – a condition known as Follicular Hyperkeratinisation. This condition leads to the accumulation of dead skin cells within the hair follicles and is described as “one of the crucial events in the development of acne”.

• Diet

Your diet can play a role in acne development, although the relationship is complex and varies from person to person. Some individuals may find that consuming high-glycaemic foods, dairy products, or foods rich in saturated fats worsens their acne symptoms.

For many people though, even a great diet and drinking plenty of water isn’t enough to prevent acne.

• Stress

There is a relatively new medical discipline called “Psychodermatology”, which focuses on the interaction between the human mind and our skin.

While stress doesn’t directly cause acne, it can make outbreaks worse. There are several reasons for this. When you’re stressed, your body releases so-called “fight or flight” hormones such as cortisol and androgens. These hormones increase your skin’s oil production. Stress can also slow down the skin’s ability to heal and compromise your immune system, creating conditions where acne is able to thrive if it’s already present. In addition, when we’re stressed, it’s harder to stay on top of healthy habits, which can have a knock-on affect on our physical health, include the health of our skin.

Treatment options for your journey to acne-free skin

Because there are so many factors that influence whether we develop acne and how severe it is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. You’re probably aware of this if you’re someone who suffers from acne.

It’s often necessary to try different treatment options and even combinations of treatments, and to seek professional advice from a doctor or dermatologist, to find what suits your skin.

To give you an overview, treatment options for acne include:

• Topical treatments

You don't have to face acne alone. Over the counter and prescription topical creams, gels, and lotions containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids can help you unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and prevent acne formation.

• Oral medications

In more severe cases, seeking professional help is essential. Dermatologists may prescribe oral medications, such as antibiotics or hormonal contraceptives (for women), to address underlying causes and reduce inflammation.

• Lifestyle modifications

 Your daily habits play a crucial role in managing acne. Practicing good hygiene, avoiding excessive face touching, and using non-comedogenic skincare products – i.e., skincare products that won’t clog or block your pores! - can significantly improve your skin health.

• Stress management

Your journey to acne-free skin is not only about external treatments but also about addressing internal factors. As mentioned above, stress is known to trigger or worsen acne symptoms. By incorporating stress-reducing activities into your routine, such as exercise, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and prioritising adequate sleep, you can manage stress levels and promote skin health.

• Professional procedures

Your skin may benefit from advanced dermatological procedures. This is something that we’re able to help with at Medikaur.

The Zo® Skin Health Red Carpet Peel, for example, is a powerful medical peel that contains high performance active ingredients that are proven to improve the symptoms of acne. We offer other light or medium skin peels too.

Each peel can be delivered in conjunction with the Zo® Acne Prevention and Treatment Program and Skin Health Products, which are designed to unclog and tighten pores; treat blackheads, pimples and cysts; and control sebum production.

Dermaplaning can help to prevent future outbreaks of acne by removing dead skin cells, reducing oil production, and eliminating acne-causing bacteria. Skin needling, meanwhile, is effective at improving the appearance of acne scars. However, these treatments are not recommended for use on active acne.

Profhilo is a cutting-edge injectable treatment that stimulates collagen and elastin production, while plumping and moisturising your skin. It is an excellent choice for improving the appearance of acne scars.

As with all aesthetics treatments, it’s important to have a consultation, so you can choose the right treatment for your current and future needs.

Your journey to clear healthy skin starts now

Acne is a complex condition influenced by many factors, but you’re not alone in your struggle. By understanding the causes of acne and exploring treatment options tailored to your needs, you can take control of your skin health and regain your self-confidence.

Remember to personalise your approach, whether it's through topical treatments, oral medications, professional procedures, or lifestyle modifications. With the right treatments for your individual needs, you can embark on a journey towards the radiant skin you deserve.

Do you have acne-prone skin? Book a consultation to discuss the treatments that can help you reach your goal of clear, healthy skin.