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