Acne

Before and after home care for acne treatment. Some redness has occurred in association with the treatment
Before and after acne treatment

What causes acne?

Acne is caused by:

  • Blocked follicles.
  • Growth of bacteria P.acnes

Comedones are caused by sebaceous glands becoming clogged with sebum (oil) and dead skin cells, under these conditions the P.acnes bacteria can cause inflammation leading to inflammatory lesions around the comedone which causes redness.

Inflammation may result in scarring or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Hormones contribute to acne

* puberty and menstrual cycles may contribute to the formation of  acne. Androgens cause follicular glands to grow larger and make more sebum.

* Use of anabolic steroids have the same effect

* Testosterone, DHT, DHEAs and IGF1 have been linked to acne

Genetics contribute to acne

AT HOME TREATMENT FOR ACNE

Benzoyl Peroxide

A common over the counter preparation. First line treatment for acne

Topical Retinoids

Including tretinoin (retin A), Adapalene (Differin)

Topical Antibiotics

eg duac, eryacne, can also be anti-inflammatory

Oral antibiotics 

eg doxycycline, minocycline

Oral Contraceptive Pill

The oral Contraceptive Pill, especially those with antiandrogens have been associated with a reduction in acne.

Oral Anti-androgen

Spironolactone, in low doses, can have an anti-androgenic effect

Oral retinoids

eg isotretinoin (Roaccutane)

Anti inflammatory

Niacinamide (vit B3) has antiinflammatory properties

IN CLINIC TREATMENT FOR ACNE

Extractions

Better to leave these to a professional to avoid overpicking causing scarring

Microdermabrasion / peels

Unblocks the follicles

Blue and Red LED

Appointments should be at least twice weekly

Laser/ IPL

ACNE SCARRING

THE MANSE