Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is most common in girls between the ages of 14 and 17 and boys between the ages of 16 and 19, but it can persist into adult life.

Acne is very visible and tends to affect the self-esteem and confidence of those plagued by it. This article will help you understand acne, its primary causes, and how advances in modern treatments can treat and beat it.

Opulent Aesthetics believes that no one should suffer in silence with imperfect skin. We offer a range of treatments that will gradually cause acne to fade, leaving you with the beautiful and radiant skin that you deserve.

What is acne?

Acne is a skin condition that manifests itself in multiple ways. It is recognisable and characterised by blotchy red marks on the exterior of the skin, but it often appears as though there are spots underneath the skin because, unlike ordinary spots, you cannot pop them most of the time.

The most common ways that acne manifests itself are as follows:

• Blackheads and whiteheads (clogged pores)
• Papules (small red bumps)
• Pustules (pimples filled with pus)
• Nodules (large bumps beneath the skin)
• Cysts (severe lesions filled with pus)

As you can see, not everyone will experience acne in the same way or for the same reasons, but the condition is well understood and treatment is available.

What causes acne?

Acne is caused by several factors that work independently, but also in combination. Sometimes symptoms fade, only to return with a vengeance. This is called a ‘breakout’ and can be very stressful, which itself exacerbates the problem.

Here is a breakdown of what can lead to a breakout.

1. Excess sebum (oil production) – Your skin naturally produces sebum, an oil that helps your skin stay hydrated, but when this is produced in excess skin pores become clogged and it leads to an unsightly breakout.
   Sebum production can go into overdrive when hormone levels change, making puberty and menstrual cycles common periods for acne symptoms. Stress also plays a part.
2. Hormonal imbalances – if your body is producing too much or not enough hormones, this too can lead to acne breakouts, no matter your age. This is particularly the case with androgenic hormones, which are primarily for male development, but women produce them too.
3. Dead skin cells – When dead skin cells accumulate they block pores with bacteria trapped inside resulting in inflammation and this can cause a breakout. Exfoliating routinely can help prevent this.
4. Bacteria build-up – A particular strain of bacteria named ‘propionibacterium’ is recognised by the medical community to be a leading cause of inflammation and breakouts that are characterised by redness and swelling.
5. External factors – Things that come into contact with your skin build up to block pores, causing inflammation and breakouts. These can be things like pollutants, but also things you use to try and improve your skin like heavy face creams, etc. Diet and even sleep also play a role.

Isolating a precise cause for individual cases of acne can sometimes be challenging, but understanding these causes and how they interact can help you make lifestyle choices that will manage the condition and potentially prevent breakouts.

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Must read: Beauty Sleep, Are You Getting Yours?

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Simple tips to manage acne

1. A gentle cleanse goes a long way – Make sure to wash your face at least twice per day with a ‘non-comedogenic’ cleanser that will safely remove excess oil, dirt, bacteria, and makeup. Be gentle as scrubbing excessively can cause inflammation, making acne worse. Cleansing first thing in the morning and just before bed is optimum.
2.  Hydrate and moisturise – It is a common misconception that acne sufferers don’t need to moisturise. The mistaken belief arises from the logical fallacy that acne sufferers must have enough hydration owing to their elevated sebum levels, but cleansing to remove excess oil and then applying an oil-free moisturiser helps your skin stay hydrated without blocking your pores. Both of those elements lead to healthier skin.
3. Monitor your diet – Diet can play a role in acne breakouts and some ingredients are identified as key culprits. Monitor your intake of dairy, sugar-rich and refined carbohydrates to see if there is a causal link between consuming them and experiencing breakouts. On the other hand, a diet rich in antioxidants found in fresh fruit and vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids found in fresh fish, can help reduce inflammation and keep breakouts at bay.
4. Be selective about skin care products – Choose products that contain compounds like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids, as they can gradually reduce inflammation and acne. Also, choose skincare products labelled as non-comedogenic or oil-free.
5. Manage your stress levels – Stress is a leading contributor to inflammation and breakouts. They directly impact your hormone levels, particularly cortisol, which can worsen breakouts. It is important not to let stress overwhelm you, especially about your skin condition because that will create a vicious cycle.
   Engage in mindfulness practices like meditation, and yoga, and go for long walks in nature where you can practice being present. This will instil calmness, which in turn reduces inflammation levels. This simple habit is so effective that doctors in Japan prescribe it as medicine – it is called ‘forest bathing’.
6. Lifestyle choices – Exercise and sleep are also very important, but make sure to shower properly as excess sweat can also lead to blocked pores. Sleep helps regulate your hormones and reduces inflammation. Good quality sleep also impacts dietary decisions. You are much more likely to binge on sugary products after a poor night’s sleep, which can cause breakouts.

Professional treatment for acne

Opulent Aesthetics provides an array of treatments from its cosy studio in Purley that can gradually reduce acne scarring. All of our treatments are natural, non-invasive, and affordable.

Engaging in professional skincare treatment is more than a cost, it’s an investment in your well-being, confidence, and future. Here are some of the ways that Opulent Aesthetics can help you win your battle against acne.

1. Microneedling – This treatment involves using very fine needles to make small micro punctures in the top layer of your skin to trigger your body’s natural wound-healing response. It results in collagen production and rejuvenation leading to healthier skin with an even skin complexion. This reduces scarring from acne.
   
   
2. Skin peels – Applying a mild acidic formula that dissolves the outermost layer of your skin exposes younger and fresher skin that has fewer imperfections. It unclogs your skin’s pores, removing bacteria and excess oil. Skin peels reduce scarring and improve skin pigmentation.
   
   
3. Skin boosters – This procedure involves injectable formulas containing hyaluronic and amino acids to boost collagen and elastin production. They increase hydration and reduce inflammation. They work very well with microneedling treatments, which permit the skin booster formulas to be absorbed much deeper. They gradually and naturally improve your skin over time.
   
   
4. Laser therapy – This procedure uses concentrated forms of light to kill bacteria in your skin that cause acne. It can reduce inflammation and improve skin tone. Laser therapy is generally more expensive than the other treatments and unsuitable for those with sensitive skin.

When to see a dermatologist

If you have severe acne and have followed both the tips above and tried Opulent Aesthetic’s professional treatments like microneedling, skin peels, and skin boosters, but your condition persists, it may be worth speaking to a qualified dermatologist who may prescribe medication or recommend laser therapy.

Final thoughts

Visible skin conditions like acne can be debilitating. Their impact is more than skin deep, affecting self-confidence, self-worth, and self-image, all of which can make us shrink within ourselves to miss the opportunities that make life worthwhile.

No one should feel so self-conscious that they shy away from social events, finding love, or pursuing their dream job in fear of judgment. Opulent Aesthetics sees the beauty in everyone and our treatments help bring out the best in you.

Our cosy studio in Purley has everything science has to offer on treating acne and generally improving the quality of your skin, so if you have concerns or just want healthier, more vibrant skin, give Sadie a call today to explore your treatment options.

But, remember, you are already beautiful just the way you are.