What is acne?
Acne is a skin condition affecting the hair follicle and sebaceous gland, in which there is expansion and blockage of the follicle and inflammation.
Who gets acne?
Acne affects males and females of all races and ethnicities. It is prevalent in adolescents and young adults, with 85% of teenagers affected. It can also occur in children and adults of all ages.
What causes acne?
Acne is due to a combination of factors, which can be a combination of:
-Genetic predisposition/family history
-Hormonal influence: puberty changes, polycystic ovarian syndrome
-Distension and occlusion of the hair follicles: makeup products
-Acne bacteria (P. acnes): everyone has this bacterium on their skin, but some people have a more inflammatory response to it
-Inflammation: diet high in dairy products and high GI (sugar)food
What is the treatment for acne
We offer a tailored approach to your acne depending on the cause and type of acne involved.
At home treatments options include:
- Salicylic acid, LHA (carproloyl salicylic acid): These work as an anti-inflammatory, keratolytic and comedolytic (unblocks the pore). Azelaic acid can be used as an alternative, which is also good for rosacea. This works well for comedonal acne (whiteheads/blackheads), acne vulgaris.
- Benzoyl peroxidase: This works as keratolytic and antibacterial. This works well for acne vulgaris, but it can irritate some skin types.
- Topical antibiotics: This requires a prescription. ClindaTech (Clindamycin solution). Works well for infected, irritated acne.
- Oral antibiotics: This requires a prescription. Doxycycline or minocycline can be used for 3~6 months, this is recommended for severe acne.
- Topical retinoid: This requires a prescription. Differin (adapalene), Epiduo (benzoyl peroxide+ adapalene), acnetac (clindamycin tretinoin) Retinoid reduces sebum production and acts as a keratolytic. This treatment works well for acne vulgaris
- Oral contraceptive: This requires a prescription. Yaz or Estelle; great option for hormonal acne
- Antiandrogen therapy: This requires a prescription. Spironolactone works well for PCOS. I am waiting for Winlevi to be approved in Australia. Please ask me about during next visit!
- Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spot after acne pops): treated topically with niacinamide, vitamin C, Azelaic acid, cysteamine cream, retinoid cream, arbutin, kojic acid
- Keloid scar: treated with silicon tapes or creams
In clinic treatment options
- LED therapy: twice a week for 6~8 weeks. Blue light reduces P.Acne bacteria. Whilst red light reduces inflammation and promotes healing.
- Lumixa skin normaliser: weekly for 5 weeks, more effective at reducing inflammation than regular LED.
- Chemical peel: forthnightly for 3~4 times. Higher concentration of salicylic acid is used under medical supervision
- Scar treatment with laser, radiofrequency needling, TCA cross, microneedling
Product recommendation
There are so many acne products on the market, and it can be hard to choose the right one. a tailored skin care plan will ensure you are using the right products for your individual concerns.
Additional information: When applying sunscreen or make up, please check labels for “non-comedogenic” product. These products do not block pores and will reduce the likelihood of acne reoccurrence.