Acne Treatment
Acne is caused when the pores of your skin become blocked with bacteria, oil or dead skin. Each pore on your skin leads to a hair follicle and sebaceous (oil) gland. Oil glands release sebum (oil) which travel up the hair through the pore and onto the surface of your skin. Poor hygiene doesn’t cause acne, however, cleansing your skin daily and exfoliating weekly can prevent pores from becoming blocked.
What are the causes of acne?
Puberty and hormonal changes the most common factors. Also, stress can be a cause, as can the skincare products you are using, or it could simply be down to genetics. Women are much more likely to suffer from acne due to hormones – this includes pregnancy, during your period, or if you suffer from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
At Delight Clinic we understand that acne can have a negative impact on your life and can be damaging to your self-confidence. Treating acne is often a long journey that can take its toll, but our aim is to get you to a place where you’re happy with the way your skin looks. Our team of medical professionals are experienced and knowledgeable and will work with you to find the best possible solution for you. Our skin experts are passionate about improving and controlling your symptoms so you can live your life without worrying about your skin. We’re here for you every step of the way.
Acne is classified into three different types:
Mild – You will see whiteheads and blackheads.
Moderate – You will see whiteheads, blackheads, papules and pustules. (A papule is a small red bump, a pustule is a small bump on the skin that contain fluid or pus).
Severe – Many large, often painful papules and pustules, as well as nodules or cysts. Scarring may also be present.
Can all types of acne be treated?
Yes, we help clients with all types of acne. The treatment solutions we offer will depend on the grade. But even if you’re thinking your acne may be too severe to treat, we have expert doctors who are able to recommend highly effective treatments and prescribe medication if required.
Some common and effective treatments for acne:
Topical Treatments:
- Benzoyl Peroxide: A topical antibacterial agent that helps to kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.
- Retinoids: Derived from vitamin A, they promote skin cell turnover, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation. Examples include tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene.
- Topical Antibiotics: Such as clindamycin or erythromycin, which can help control bacterial growth on the skin’s surface.
- Azelaic Acid: A gentle exfoliant and antibacterial agent that can be effective for mild to moderate acne.
Oral Medications:
- Oral Antibiotics: Like doxycycline, minocycline, or tetracycline, which can be prescribed for moderate to severe inflammatory acne to reduce bacteria and inflammation.
- Oral Contraceptives: For females, certain birth control pills containing estrogen and progestin can help regulate hormones that contribute to acne.
- Anti-Androgen Agents: Medications that block androgen hormones, which can be useful in managing hormonal acne in females.
Isotretinoin (Accutane):
- Reserved for severe, cystic, or resistant acne, isotretinoin is a powerful oral medication derived from vitamin A. It can reduce oil production, prevent clogging of pores, and provide long-term improvement in many cases. However, it comes with potential side effects and requires close monitoring by a healthcare provider.
Light and Laser Therapies:
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): Can target bacteria, reduce inflammation, and help with redness and pigmentation associated with acne.
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): Combines a topical photosensitizing agent and light to target and destroy acne-causing bacteria.
- Laser Therapy: Certain lasers can help improve acne scars and reduce active acne lesions.
Chemical Peels:
- Superficial chemical peels containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) can exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and improve acne.
Extraction:
- Performed by a dermatologist or licensed esthetician, manual extraction can remove blackheads and whiteheads to alleviate acne.
Lifestyle and Skincare Habits:
- Regularly washing the face with a gentle cleanser and avoiding harsh scrubbing.
- Using non-comedogenic skincare products.
- Avoiding picking or squeezing acne lesions, as it can worsen scarring and inflammation.
- Managing stress, as stress can aggravate acne.
The most appropriate acne treatment for an individual should be determined by a healthcare professional based on the type and severity of acne, medical history, and any underlying factors contributing to the condition. Dermatologists are well-equipped to diagnose and provide personalized acne treatment plans to achieve the best results and minimize side effects.
What is the first step to beginning treatment?
After you have made your initial enquiry, we will ask you about your previous medical history and any other treatments you have tried. We will examine your acne to look at the type of lesions, oiliness and inflammation, the acne grade and if you have any scarring on the skin. You will have plenty of time to ask any questions and we will talk through your expectations.
Acne Treatment – Frequently Asked Questions
Peels: Azelan Peel, Salicylic Peel, Ferulic Peel, Green Peel, Jessner Peel, Retinol Peel, Black Peel. Q-Switch Laser- Carbon Peel RF-Micro needling (For Acne Scars)
Our aim is to improve and control your symptoms as best we can. It can sometimes take a long time to clear so we will work with you continually to find the best course of treatment. We also see some clients who see amazing results in just a few weeks.
Your doctor will assess your skin during your initial consultation to recommend the right treatment. This could include a series of treatments such as salicylic, pyruvic, or isolaze peel. It could also include antibiotic tablets or hormonal therapies (the combined oral contraceptive pill for women can often be effective to treat severe acne).
This will appear as a large number of papules and pustules on your face and possibly your chest and/or back. The nodules and cysts will be painful and you will be at risk of scarring, therefore it is essential that you seek medical advice.
During teenage years, it can often go away on its own. However adult acne is much less likely to clear. But this will always vary person to person and you should always be aware of the risk of scarring, so if you are concerned, always seek medical advice.
Some skin-friendly food choices include: Whole grains, Legumes, Unprocessed fruits like apricots, blueberries, tomatoes and red grapes. Unprocessed vegetables like carrots, avocado, sweet potato, beetroot, spinach and other dark green and leafy vegetables, Food containing mineral zinc, vitamins A and E and chemicals called antioxidants. Quinoa, Turkey, Fish, Oat milk, Pumpkin seeds.
Acne scars can be stubborn and seemingly permanent, but there are proven effective treatments available to diminish the appearance of acne scarring. The best treatment for your skin will depend on the type of acne scarring you have. Before you undergo any treatment, a dermatologist or skin expert should assess your acne scars and select the most appropriate treatment for you.
Usually, your reddish or brownish acne marks that are left behind after pimples clear up, and will fade with no need for treatment. However, picking or squeezing acne can increase the risk for scarring.
Some scarring may heal, depending on the severity. There are three types of scarring, ice pick scars (small deep holes), rolling scars (uneven skin) and boxcar scars (craters in the skin). Find out more about our treatment of acne scarring. At Delight Clinic we work with the highest grade lasers to offer effective treatment of acne scars and your doctor may recommend Micro needling or Laser Resurfacing.