What is Acne? 

Acne occurs when the pores of your skin become blocked with oil, dead skin or bacteria. Each pore of your skin is the opening to a follicle, this follicle is made up of hair and a sebaceous (oil) gland. The oil gland releases sebum (oil) which travels up the hair, out of the pore and onto your skin. 
 
There are several different grades of acne: blackheads, whiteheads, solar comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, cysts and acne vulgaris. 
 

 What causes Acne? 

 
DNA AND HORMONES 
For most people who suffer with acne, it tends to be inherited and if acne runs in your family, you may experience more severe acne than people without this family history. Excessive amounts of male hormones called androgens, stimulate the production of sebum in the sebaceous glands and an overproduction can lead to acne. 
 
BACTERIA AND HYGIENE 
Propionibacterium acnes (P.acne) is the name of the bacteria that lives on the skin and contributes to the infection of spots, when dead skin cells are not removed effectively and the correct products aren’t used, skin cells, sebum and hair can all clog the follicle plugs, this becomes infected with bacteria, causing inflammation and acne. 
 
MENSTRUATION AND PREGNANCY 
When your hormones fluctuate, especially in the first and second trimester of pregnancy, an increase of androgens cause the glands in the skin to grow and produce more sebum, leading to acne. 
 
COSMETICS 
Some cosmetic ingredients can clog the pores leading to breakouts, there are also ingredients on the market than can strip the skin of its natural oils leading to compromised and inflamed skin. If your skin is oily and prone to acne, you should use non-comedogenic cosmetics. 
STRESS 
Mental and physical stress can affect hormones in the body, which may lead to more acne in both sexes but particularly in females. Stress is a burden in everybody’s lives, learning how to manage and limit stress will lead to a healthier state of mind. 
 
DIET 
A high-glycaemic diet, as well as not enough omega-3 fats, antioxidants and zinc in the diet may lead to acne symptoms. 
 
FRICTION 
This type of acne breakout can happen when the skin is rubbed, squeezed or stretched. This is generally caused by skin being touched too much, as bacteria on the hands and under the nails can build up on the skin. 
 
MEDICAL ILLNESS AND MEDICATIONS 
Acne may feature in many endocrine disorders including PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and some medications that irritate the skin can cause a reaction or acne-like eruptions. 
 
 
It is essential that an accurate assessment and diagnosis is reached in the early stages. If not treated successfully, additional repercussions, associated with damaged skin, pigmentation and scarring, can add further distress. 
Often traditional ways of treating acne can prove disappointing and sufferers try treatment after treatment and cream after cream, in an attempt to eradicate the problem. This can sometimes increase problems, over stripping the skin, irritating it further and exacerbating symptoms. 
 
 

How can I treat my Acne? 

Acne is a complex skin disorder, not only of secretions but also because of the texture and colour issues that are long-lasting. It is only after careful assessment and a planned program of treatments and home care support, that a positive result can be achieved. 
 
Our acne programs are extremely successful, here at Face the Future we utilise lots of different treatment protocols to help all the different stages of acne. We are proud of the results we achieve and the difference it makes to our clients lives. 

Treatments available to treat acne 

Skincare specialists 

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