So many of us assume that as we get older, we will no longer get spots. Sadly, this is wrong. I hear many clients at their skin consultation say, I’m not a teenager, why am I getting constant spots? Do I have acne?
The truth is, it is very common to see acne persist into adulthood for so many reasons which I will cover in this blog. Let’s dive in….
What is acne?
Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point. I know, it’s rubbish! At first, acne can be mistaken as a rash due to the area being inflamed. The small holes in your skin are called pours, they can become blocked by bacteria, oil, dead skin cells and dirt. If this happens a spot may occur. If you continue to get spots which are often hot or painful to touch you may have a type of acne. Acne is mainly found on the face however can be on the chest and back.
What causes it?
Adult acne is caused by bacteria, stress, excess skin oil, diet, hormone changes such as pregnancy and menstruation and smoking. All these things can trigger acne. It can also be triggered but not washing your face with a cleaner.
What are the symptoms?
Small red, tender bumps which are painful to touch. Blackheads, (open plugged pores) and whiteheads (closed plugged pores) Large, solid, painful lumps underneath the surface of the skin.
How can I treat acne and start to get clear skin?
So, if you have asked yourself, why do I have painful spots underneath my skin? why do I continue to get spots? the chances are you have a stage of acne… however it can be treated!
First of all, if you are currently layering up the foundation to try to cover your acne, remember to wash your face thoroughly with a good cleanser and warm water, twice a day. Also, I’d highly recommend a mineral foundation, this will allow your skin to breathe and not cause bacteria. Jane Iredale is a great makeup brand which is full of key vitamins (fully stocked at Christchurch Derma Spa)
Many people will go to the doctors and possibly be prescribed Roaccutane. Roaccutane works by decreasing sebum production in the skin which is blocking acne-causing chemicals. However, for many patients and skin experts, this is the very last resort due to the poor reputation of extreme side effects which include dry, fragile skin, muscle ache and increased risk of liver inflammation.
Here at Christchurch Derma Spa, after examining what stage of acne you have, I will then work with you on a 2-step treatment plan.
Step 1: Skin Treatment. Depending on what stage of acne you have, I would recommend Diamond Microdermabrasion. This deeply exfoliating treatment removes any excess oil and clogged pores. For more severe acne, a Pure Chemical Peel which has an anti-inframammary will give you BIG results.
Step 2: Skincare products are absolute KEY, why would you take the time and money to have skin treatments done but not use the correct skincare products?
To really treat acne, you need to be committed to using the correct skincare products for your skin, not products that you start using because your friend is! Everyone’s skin is different. Skincare products to treat acne must have anti-inflammatory in. They can be prescribed to you at your skin consultation.
Where can I go for Microdermabrasion or a Chemical Peel near me? And where can I purchase skincare products for acne?
Christchurch Derma Spa is a skin clinic in Christchurch, Dorset offering bespoke skin treatments such as Deep Cleanse Facials, Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion and Skin Tightening.
Book in your expert skin consultation today…
Would you like a free ultimate skincare guide?
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Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells.
It often causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples, and usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders. It is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages.
Effective treatments are available, but acne can be persistent. The pimples and bumps heal slowly, and when one begins to go away, others seem to crop up.
Depending on its severity, acne can cause emotional distress and scar the skin. The earlier you start treatment, the lower your risk of such problems.
Acne signs and symptoms vary depending on the severity of your condition:
- Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)
- Blackheads (open plugged pores)
- Small red, tender bumps (papules)
- Pimples (pustules), which are papules with pus at their tips
- Large, solid, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin (nodules)
- Painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin (cystic lesions)
It most commonly develops on the:
- Face – this affects almost everyone with acne
- Back – this affects more than half of people with acne
- Chest – this affects about 15% of people with acne
Why do I have it?
Acne is most commonly linked to the changes in hormone levels during puberty but can start at any age.
Certain hormones cause the grease-producing glands next to hair follicles in the skin to produce larger amounts of oil (abnormal sebum). This abnormal sebum changes the activity of a usually harmless skin bacterium called P. acnes, which becomes more aggressive and causes inflammation and pus.
The hormones also thicken the inner lining of the hair follicle, causing blockage of the pores. Cleaning the skin does not help to remove this blockage.
Other possible causes:
Acne is known to run in families. If both your mother and father had it, it’s likely that you will too. Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, can also lead to episodes of acne in women. There is no evidence that diet, poor hygiene or sexual activity are contributory factors.
