Acne Facts

• Acne occurs when tiny holes on the surface of the skin become clogged. These tiny holes are called pores.

• Each pore opens to a follicle. A follicle contains a hair and an oil gland. The oil released by the gland helps remove old skin cells and keeps your skin soft.

• When glands produce too much oil the pores can become blocked. Dirt, bacteria and cells build up. The blockage is called a plug or comedone.

• If the top of the plug is white, it's called a whitehead.

• If the top of the plug is dark, it's called a blackhead.

• If the plug breaks open, swelling and red bumps occur.

• Acne that is deep in your skin can cause hard, painful cysts. This is called cystic acne.

• Acne tends to run in families.

Acne triggers

• Hormonal changes related to puberty, menstrual periods, pregnancy, birth control pills, or stress

• Greasy or oily cosmetic and hair products

• Certain drugs (such as steroids, testosterone, estrogen, and phenytoin)

• High levels of humidity and sweating

Acne Treatments need to:

• Reduce bacteria

• Reduce  inflammation

• Reduce Oil production (sebum)

• Normalise keratinocyte turnover

We're fortunate to have a wide choice of medicated acne skincare products for this condition.

In addition to good skincare products, lasers, IPL, blue LED light and chemical peels can help too. In severe cases the patient may require oral antibiotics such as minocycline or doxycycline.

Topical skincare to reduce oil, bacteria and clogging of skin

Acne Cleansers

You need to choose exfoliating ingredients like AHAs (Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Azaleic acid) or BHAs (Salicylic acid) to help remove dirt, oil and impurities, as well as helping to unclog pores. Dead skin cells will be sloughed away, allowing topical products to penetrate the epidermis more effectively when the superficial epidermis is removed.

I have listed some of the tried and tested acne products:

Jan Marini Bioglycolic Facial Cleanser

Cleanser which contains glycolic acid for follicular cleansing and as a resurfacing agent. Suitable for all skin types.

DermaTx Clarify Cleanser 

Cleanser which contains 2% Salicylic Acid . A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) with keratolytic activity to help open clogged sebaceous follicles. It helps dissolve the top layers of the stratum corneum cells and remove impurities, improving the look and feel of the skin. Also antiseptic and fungicidal.

NeoStrata Clarifying Facial Cleanser - PHA 4

A gentle exfoliating cleanser which contains Gluconolactone (a PHA) and also triclosan to help reduce potentially problematic bacteria on the skin. Ideal for acne sensitive skin types.

 

Topical Treatment Products for Acne:

Jan Marini Bioglycolic Bioclear Lotion

Contains Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid and Azelaic Acid. Glycolic acid resurfaces, while Salicylic Acid purges the skin of bacteria and clears out the pores. Azelaic Acid helps clear blemishes, while reducing redness, chronic inflammation and uneven pigmentation.

iS Clinical Active Serum 

Contains glycolic, salicylic and citric acids. Salicylic acid and capryloyl salicylic acid combat blemishes; glycolic and lactic acids treat fine lines, wrinkles, and roughness; and the addition of kojic acid fights imperfections and prevents hyperpigmentation.

Medik8 Blemish SOS

Contains Salicylic Acid, Azelaic Acid & Niacinamide (B5) which has anti-inflammatory properties and helps regulates the production of sebum

If you're looking for a more natural way to treat your acne, you might consider trying the Papulex Range, which contains nicotinamide (vitamin B), Anti-Bacterial Adhesive substance (ABA): helps to reduce the proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes (P.acnes) & Zinc PCA has a sebum regulating action.

 

Potent Night Time Treatments:

Retinol

PCA Skin Intensive Clarity Treatment, 0.5% Pure Retinol

Retinol helps stimulate cell regeneration helping to minimise the appearance of pore size, while correcting blemishes and blotchiness often associated with problematic skin.

 

Moisturisers for Problematic skin

Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Serum

Oil-free, moisture-enhancing gel. Contains Hyaluronic acid & vitamin B5 to help with tissue repair and replenish nutrients.

iS Clinical Hydra-cool Serum

Contains Hyaluronic Acid (hydrating) and botanical extracts with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties to help soothe and calm irritated skin & Plant glycosides help minimize discoloration. Excellent oil-free hydrator for acneic skin.

Medik8 Balance Moisturiser + Glycolic Acid Activator

Provides hydration, contains anti-inflammatory properties and encourages cell regeneration and repair. 

NeoStrata Sheer Hydration SPF 35

This oil-free, non greasy lotion is formulated with 4% PHA (gluconolactone), vitamin E, antioxidants and multiple skin conditioners. It also contains asebiol, an ingredient blend that helps control oil. Ideal for acne/ sensitive skin types.

 

Sunscreens for oily /Blemish prone skin:

Your skin should be protected for UV rays on a daily basis anyway, but you're recommended to apply a sunscreen daily when using products that contain Alpha Hydroxy acids (AHAs) or Retinol.

Heliocare Advanced SPF 50 Sunscreen Gel

Ideal for all skin types and particularly suitable for oily and spot-prone skin.

 

If you need any help or advice regarding the above products then please call us on 0116 251 4848 or email [email protected].