Understanding Acne: Causes and Management

Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It develops when the hair follicles and sebaceous glands become clogged with sebum (an oily substance produced by the skin) and dead skin cells. This can result in the formation of different types of lesions, including blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and cysts. Blackheads and whiteheads are non-inflammatory lesions that occur when the clogged pore remains open or closed, respectively. Pimples, on the other hand, are inflammatory lesions that occur when the clogged pore becomes infected with bacteria and inflamed. Cysts are large, painful, and deep lesions that can result in scarring. In this week’s blog, we’ll provide some valuable tips and tricks to help you better understand your skin and take control of your acne once and for all.

 

Causes of Acne

 

Hormones

Hormones play a significant role in the development of acne, especially during adolescence when the body undergoes significant hormonal changes. Androgens, which are male hormones present in both males and females, stimulate the sebaceous glands in the skin to produce sebum, an oily substance that helps to lubricate and protect the skin. Excess sebum production can clog the hair follicles, leading to the formation of acne. During puberty, there is an increase in the production of androgens, which can result in an overproduction of sebum. Women may experience acne during their menstrual cycle due to changes in hormone levels, and some women may develop acne during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Menopause can also trigger acne due to changes in hormone levels.

 

Stress

When the body experiences stress, it releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can increase inflammation and sebum production in the skin. This increase in sebum production can lead to clogged pores and the development of acne. For those who are prone to acne, stress can contribute to the severity and frequency of breakouts.

 

Diet

Research suggests that certain foods may trigger acne breakouts in some people.  Foods with a high glycaemic index, such as white bread, pasta, and sugary snacks, may contribute to acne development by increasing insulin levels in the body. High insulin levels can lead to increased sebum production, inflammation, and clogged pores.

 

Bacteria

When sebum and dead skin cells clog the pores, it creates an environment in which bacteria can thrive. Bacteria produces enzymes that break down sebum into free fatty acids, which can irritate the skin and lead to inflammation. This inflammation can then lead to the development of acne lesions such as pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.

 

Management of Acne

 

Skincare

Maintaining a consistent skincare routine is a crucial part of preventing acne. A good skincare routine helps to remove excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells from the skin. To maintain a consistent skincare routine, it is important to choose products that contain skin-loving ingredients.

Medik8 is a popular skincare brand that offers a range of clean, vegan products that are designed to help clear and prevent acne. Their products are formulated without parabens, phthalates, and fragrances, making them suitable for even the most sensitive skin. One of the key benefits of using Medik8 products is that they contain effective ingredients such as salicylic acid and niacinamide that target the root causes of acne, including excess oil production and the build-up of dead skin cells.

Shop here: https://lapeau.com.au/medik8/

 

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep can help to manage acne. However, although diet may play a role in acne development, it is important to note that not all individuals will be affected by the same foods. It may be helpful to keep a food diary to identify any patterns between diet and acne breakouts.

 

Professional Treatments

Professional facial treatments can be highly beneficial for individuals with acne-prone skin. These treatments involve deep cleansing, exfoliation, and targeted treatments that are tailored to the individual’s skin type and concerns. Facial treatments can also provide relaxation and stress relief, which can be important since stress can exacerbate acne. Additionally, visiting a skincare professional can provide personalised advice on how to care for acne-prone skin and prevent future breakouts. Overall, professional facial treatments can be a valuable addition to an acne-management routine and can help individuals achieve clearer, healthier skin.

See our facial treatments here: https://lapeau.com.au/facials-brisbane/

 

We hope these tips were helpful! Feel free to call us or come into the clinic if you have any further questions.

P: (07) 3207 4100⁠
W: https://lapeau.com.au/
A: Suite 12/120 Birkdale Road, Birkdale⁠