I need help with acne

Treatments by Dr. Kate Aesthetics, Cockfosters, North London

Acne is primarily caused by the following factors:

Excess Sebum Production: Sebum is an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. When the body produces too much sebum, it can mix with dead skin cells and clog the hair follicles, leading to acne breakouts.
Clogged Pores: When the hair follicles get clogged with excess sebum and dead skin cells, it creates an environment where bacteria can thrive. This can result in inflammation and the formation of different types of acne lesions, such as pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.
Bacteria: The skin naturally contains bacteria, including Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). When hair follicles are clogged, these bacteria can multiply rapidly, leading to inflammation and acne development.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, commonly seen during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or certain medical conditions, can increase sebum production and contribute to acne formation.
Genetics: Acne can run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition to the condition.
Certain Medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids or lithium, can trigger acne breakouts as a side effect.
Diet: Although the link between diet and acne is not fully understood, some studies suggest that certain foods, particularly those with a high glycemic index or dairy products, may influence acne development in some individuals.
Stress: Chronic stress can affect hormone levels and may exacerbate acne.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to pollutants and certain chemicals can irritate the skin and worsen acne in some people.

It’s important to note that while these factors can contribute to acne, not everyone will experience the same triggers or severity of breakouts. Acne can be a complex condition, and its management often requires a personalised approach, taking into consideration individual skin type, lifestyle, and medical history.

How can I treat my acne?

Treatments available to you

Medical Grade Skincare

Skin Boosters

Medical Micro-Needling

Chemical Peels

WOW Fusion Facial

LED Phototherapy

Morpheus8

FAQs

What is acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that causes pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads to form on the face, chest, and back. It is caused by a combination of factors, including excess oil production, clogged pores, and bacteria.

Who can get acne?

Anyone can get acne, but it is most common in teenagers and young adults. Acne is also more common in people with oily skin and a family history of acne.

What are the different types of acne?

There are two main types of acne:

Inflammatory acne: This type of acne causes pimples, papules, pustules, and nodules.
Non-inflammatory acne: This type of acne causes blackheads and whiteheads.

What are the causes of acne?

Acne is caused by a combination of factors, including:

Excess oil production: The sebaceous glands in the skin produce oil, which helps to keep the skin hydrated. However, too much oil production can clog pores and lead to acne.
Clogged pores: When dead skin cells and oil build up in the pores, it can create a plug. This plug can trap bacteria inside the pore, which can lead to inflammation and acne.
Bacteria: Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is a type of bacteria that is normally found on the skin. However, when P. acnes bacteria multiply inside clogged pores, it can lead to inflammation and acne.

What can I do to reduce the appearance of acne scars?

There are a number of treatments available to reduce the appearance of acne scars, including microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser therapy. These treatments can help to smooth the skin and reduce the visibility of scars.