Pros: Cheap and effective
Pros: Water base, Absorbs excess oil, kills bacteria and does not cause excessive dryness to the skin, Proven to reduce bacteria by 94%| Causes Hormones |
Androgens are hormones which promote male characteristics such as facial hair growth and deepening of the voice. At puberty there is an increase of these hormones in both men and women causing an enlargement of the sebaceous glands in the skin. The increased sebum production from these glands at puberty also contributes to the clogging of the hair follicles. Acne can be a hereditary condition in some people. People of all ages can get Acne. Some adult women experience mild to moderate Acne due to hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, their menstrual cycles, or starting or stopping the contraceptive pill Acne can also occur in some women who have a condition that affects the ovaries called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). . Acne is mainly a hormonal or hereditary condition, however there are some drugs which have the unfortunate side effect of causing Acne. STEROIDS This type of medication is often prescribed for conditions such as arthritis and chronic inflammatory diseases. It is not usually a severe type of Acne, however, using steroids is associated with many other serious health risks e.g., liver damage, fragile bones and high blood pressure. The spots tend to be numerous, small and not very inflamed. Body builders who take steroids may also be prone to this type of Acne. FAMILY HISTORY Acne can run in some families. This may be due to genetic factors which are still being investigated. |
| Treatment Options |
Your Doctor should be consulted if the Acne is severe, persistent and/or painful. Your Doctor may prescribe medication to help relieve the symptoms of Acne. THE PILL The oral contraceptive pill (OCP) controls a woman's hormonal cycle. Some types of the pill can help to improve Acne in women because the female hormone oestrogen in the pill counteracts the acne-producing effect of androgens (male hormones). Oestrogen helps to restrict the amount of sebum which flows from the oil producing glands in the skin. Other types of contraceptive pill can worsen Acne so it is important to let your Doctor know if you are prone to Acne. Common OCPs are Mercilon and Diane 35. PIMPLES AND BLIND PIMPLES: Try to keep the skin clean and free from oily build-up by using a medicated face wash in the morning and evening. Using a mild astringent on the skin after cleansing will help to restore the acid/alkaline balance of the skin and constrict open pores which can become clogged with debris. It is best to use a light water-based moisturiser as a thicker, oil-based cream may block the pores and promote the formation of more pimples. Most treatments applied to the skin (topical) are available from your Pharmacy and contain benzoyl peroxide. Your Doctor may also prescribe topical retinoic acid or its derivatives (a vitamin A treatment) or topical antimicrobial agents. These include benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics and azelaic acid. Topical treatment should be applied to the whole of the affected areas of skin and not just to the spots. Continue treatment as acne improves to help keep the spots under control. These treatments can cause skin irritation or dryness in some cases. Ask your Pharmacist for advice about side effects. Medicated cover-sticks are available which contain an antibacterial compound to help conceal the pimple while helping it to heal. Squeezing and picking at pimples does not help the skin to heal and can lead to scarring. Regular, gentle exfoliation with a suitable product will help to keep the skin clean and free of blackheads which can develop into Acne. BLACKHEADS: This requires regular, deep cleansing treatments to remove the blackheads. Wash the skin morning and night with a cleansing gel or foam. Regular, gentle exfoliation with a suitable product will help remove any oily build-up and penetrate the hair follicles to clean out any debris which may accumulate to form blackheads. Using a mild astringent toner helps to refine the follicles and tightens open pores on the skin. A light, water-based moisturiser will help to minimise the production of natural oils on the skin and if applied to damp skin, may help more oil-free moisture to be absorbed. A clay-based mask can be used twice a week to gently draw impurities out and improve the appearance of the skin. CLOSED BLACKHEADS AND MILIA: It is not advisable to attempt to remove this type of blackhead at home as the skin surface needs to be pierced with a sterile needle to remove the contents. A Beauty Therapist is trained in the most effective techniques which help to reduce the risk of scarring. The same regular beauty routine that is suggested for blackheads can be followed. CYSTS: This type of Acne often requires medical attention and prescription drugs e.g., antibiotics. It is best to keep the skin clean and free of oil build-up by following the above guidelines for pimple management. Do not attempt to remove or squeeze a cyst as it can be very painful and may result in scarring. ACNE SCARS: Severe acne often causes scarring that is difficult to treat. With time the scars tend to improve. Topical retinoids used long-term may be helpful. There are a number of techniques which can help to reduce the visible signs of scarring. A Beauty Therapist will often use techniques such as a glycolic peels and special creams to help soften the scar tissue and improve the texture of the skin. A cosmetic surgeon can also offer a number of options to improve the appearance of scarring e.g., dermabrasion, laser resurfacing or collagen injections. Vitamins A, E and zinc may help to improve scarring. These nutrients can be taken internally and moisturising creams are available which contain vitamins A and E. |
| Definition |
There are many different types of Acne. The most common type is Acne Vulgaris. |
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ACNE VULGARIS: is the most common form of Acne which includes several types of lesions that can appear at the same time. Mild to moderate cases of Acne vulgaris can produce blackheads, whiteheads, papules and pustules. Each lesion usually last less than two weeks but the deeper papules and nodules may persist for months. It is a condition that mainly affects adolescents but may persist or even become more severe in adulthood. Acne vulgaris may occur on the face, chest, back and sometimes even more extensively. Severe cases of Acne vulgaris involve deep rooted inflammatory lesions that form cysts and nodules which are painful and produce scarring. Nodules are large, painful, hard bumps under the skin's surface. Scarring is common and more likely to occur if the nodule is squeezed. Cysts look similar to nodules, but are pus-filled, and are usually 5mm or more across. Cysts can be painful and scarring is more likely to occur with squeezing which may cause a deeper infection and more painful. Dermatologists have specific treatments for managing nodules and cysts. ACNE ROSACEA: is an inflammatory skin condition that appears as a red rash which is normally confined to the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. The redness is often accompanied by bumps, pimples, and skin blemishes. Blood vessels may also become more visible on the skin. Left untreated, it can cause swelling of the nose and the growth of excess tissue, a condition called rhinophyma. Treatment is often different for rosacea than for Acne vulgaris, and it is important to consult your Doctor for an accurate diagnosis. ACNE COSMETICA: The prolonged use of cosmetics, especially those containing isopropyl myristate and greasy ingredients such as lanolin, can be responsible for this type of Acne. Various cleansing creams, foundations, blushers and moisturisers may contain chemicals which can aggravate Acne. These products do not physically block the ducts but induce the formation of blackheads which progress into pimples. Acne Cosmetica appears mainly on the chin and cheeks. It is a mild form of Acne with little chance of scarring. The management is simple. Discover which cosmetic is causing the Acne and stop using it. Some cosmetic products use the description 'non-comedo genic' or 'non-acnegenic'. This means the products have been tested and shown not to worsen Acne. INFANTILE/BABY ACNE: is sometimes seen in newborn babies. It is a mild form of acne that resolves without treatment within a few months. This type of Acne is usually caused by hormonal changes that occurred as the fetus was developing. ACNE IN PREGNANCY: may occur due to hormonal changes. Pregnancy can cause Acne to improve in some women and worsen in others. In early pregnancy, Acne is more likely to worsen and gradually improve as the pregnancy progresses. This may be due to elevating levels of oestrogen. ACNE EXCORIEE: This condition is usually found in young girls, beginning in adolescence. The girl may find a pimple and start scratching at it viciously. The skin is damaged by the fingernails and is not able to heal due to persistent scratching, which leaves a broad, shallow scar. This should not be confused with an unconscious nervous habit. SEVERE ACNE: cases are rare, however, when it does occur, severe Acne can cause great hardship. Severe Acne can be disfiguring and, like all forms of acne, can have psychological effects on the person experiencing it. Types of severe Acne include: Acne conglobata: This is the most severe form of Acne vulgaris and is more common in males. Large lesions occur, which are sometimes interconnected, along with widespread blackheads. It can cause severe damage to the skin, and disfiguring scarring. It is found on the face, chest, back, buttocks, upper arms, and thighs. Acne fulminans: This is an abrupt onset of Acne conglobata. Symptoms include severe nodules and cysts that are often ulcerated. As with acne conglobata, extreme, disfiguring scarring is common. Acne fulminans includes causes a fever and aching of the joints. Gram-Negative Folliculitis: This condition is a bacterial infection characterised by pustules and cysts, possibly occurring as a complication of long-term antibiotic treatment of Acne vulgaris. It is a rare condition. Pyoderma Faciale: This type of severe facial acne affects only females, usually between 20 to 40 years of age. It causes painful large nodules, pustules and sores which may leave scarring. It begins abruptly, and may occur in a woman with no history of Acne. It is confined to the face, and usually does not last longer than one year. |
| Treatment Options |
In cases where Acne persists into adulthood and appears to be triggered by the hormonal cycle, your Doctor may prescribe medication to help balance the hormonal activity. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to treat severe Acne and oestrogen-based oral contraceptives are prescribed for some women to help control the amount of oil flow to the skin. Picking and squeezing of pimples and blackheads should be avoided as this can cause the skin to rupture, spreading the inflammation and increasing the risk of scarring. |
| Pharmacist's Advice |
1) Ask your Pharmacist or beauty consultant for advice about regular skin treatments to remove and reduce the occurrence of blackheads and pimples. Proper cleansing techniques can reduce the risk of scarring. 2) Follow the diet hints. 3) Your Pharmacist or beauty consultant can instruct you on how to use the cleansing and exfoliation treatments to keep the skin clean. 4) It is best to avoid using thick, oil-based creams and cosmetics if your skin is prone to Acne to help avoid clogging of the follicles which can cause Acne. Water-based products may be more suitable. 5) If your skin is sensitive, avoid using highly perfumed soaps and cosmetics. Some products use the description 'non-comedogenic' or 'non-acnegenic'. This means the products have been tested and shown not to worsen Acne. Ask your Pharmacist or beauty consultant to recommend the most suitable products for your skin. 6) Consider some nutritional supplements if the diet is inadequate. Your Pharmacist can advise you about supplements which may help to improve the skin. |
| Vitamins/minerals/herbs |
Vitamins may be of assistance if dietary intake is inadequate. - Zinc supplementation has been shown to improve Acne in some cases. - Zinc combined with Vitamin B3 (also known as nicotinamide, niacin or nicotinic acid) and Folic acid helps to manage Acne. - Vitamin A, as a supplement or in skin preparations, plays an important role in the treatment of Acne. Vitamin A is not suitable for pregnant women. - Calendula is used widely as a soothing ingredient in skin preparations. It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and wound-healing properties. - Sarsaparilla and Gotu kola, taken orally, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help to improve Acne. - Tea tree oil has been shown to be an effective treatment in skin preparations for Acne. |
