Of course, we often associate acne with our teenage years and early 20s, when our hormones are changing and we become prone to breakouts or cystic acne. In fact, around 80% of teens suffer from spots at some point during these years.
But acne can still affect us at other times in our lives, particularly if we have a poor diet, are stressed, or have naturally oily skin. Excess sebum is one of the biggest contributors to acne.
The best way to cure acne is to find and deal with the root cause – but if the reason is out of your control, there are things you can do to manage and reduce your acne, such as treating it with medication, topical creams, a healthy diet and a good skincare regime.
Yes, genetics can play a role in determining how likely you are to have acne. But just because it can run in families, doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed. Acne is more usually a combination of genetic, hormonal and environmental factors.
While there’s not much you can do about your genes, you can help to clear your acne by addressing the hormonal imbalance and pursuing a healthy lifestyle, along with the right treatments.
Itchy pimples can be particularly annoying, and resisting the urge to scratch them is difficult. The itch is due to bacteria becoming trapped inside the pores, which is what causes the redness and swelling. With cystic acne, it’s the same principle, except the infection goes deeper into the skin.
Itching is a common side effect of acne, and sometimes a symptom that a breakout may be on its way. Some patients opt for medical treatments to reduce itching and subsequent scarring.
Itchiness can also happen if your skin becomes excessively dry from using too many astringent cleansers. Gentle, non-oil-based cleaners and clarifying moisturisers are sometimes the best defence.
Acne scars happen when healthy tissue is damaged and replaced with fibrous tissue. Often the result of picking and squeezing spots, it can take some time for them to heal. For some, acne scars can become permanent.
Do acne scars go away on their own? Much like stretch marks, acne scars will usually fade in colour over time, but the pitted indentations can remain. There are various treatment options available for acne scars, including laser treatment, skin surgery, chemical peels and fillers.
If you prefer something simpler, you can try over-the-counter creams, aloe-based gels, or vitamin C serums – all of which have an anti-inflammatory effect that can help to heal and fade acne scars.
Many women experience bouts of acne during pregnancy. This is perfectly normal and the result of changing hormones in the body. For some, their skin will return to normal once the baby has been born. For others, the decline in estrogen after birth means the acne may hang around a few more months as the hormones re-balance.
+44 (0)7867 511458
