What is Acne?

Acne is a common dermatological condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. This blockage can lead to various types of blemishes, including whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and deeper cysts or nodules. Acne is most prevalent on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders, where sebaceous glands are most active. While often considered a teenage affliction due to hormonal changes during puberty, acne can affect individuals of all ages. If you are affected by acne and looking for an acne clinic near you then consider booking an appointment at CLNQ.

Types of Acne

Whiteheads (Closed Comedones):

• These are small, flesh-colored or white bumps that form when a pore becomes clogged and closed but bulges out from the skin.

Blackheads (Open Comedones):

• Blackheads are open at the surface of the skin and filled with excess oil and dead skin cells. They appear black due to oxidation of the material in the pore.

Papules:

• These are small, red, tender bumps caused by inflammation or infection in the hair follicles.

Pustules:

• Pustules are similar to papules but are filled with pus. They appear as red circles with a white or yellow center.

Nodules:

• These are large, solid, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin. Nodules form deep within the skin and can result in severe scarring.

Cystic Lesions:

• These are painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the skin’s surface. Cystic acne can cause significant scarring and is considered the most severe form of acne.

What Age Does Acne Start?

Acne typically begins during puberty, often starting between the ages of 10 and 13. This is due to an increase in hormones called androgens, which cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more oil. However, acne can start at any age, including in infants (neonatal acne) and adults. Adult acne can occur well into the 30s, 40s, and even 50s.

Do You Grow Out of Having Acne?

While many people outgrow acne by their early 20s, some continue to experience it well into adulthood. Adult acne, especially in women, can be influenced by hormonal changes related to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. For some individuals, acne can persist as a chronic condition requiring ongoing treatment.

When Should I Get Help for Acne?

You should seek professional help for acne if:

• Over-the-counter treatments haven’t improved your skin after several months.
• Your acne is severe or widespread.
• You have cystic acne, which can cause deep, painful, and long-lasting scars.
• Acne is affecting your self-esteem and causing emotional distress.
• You notice dark spots or scarring even after acne has cleared.

Early intervention can prevent severe scarring and improve skin appearance and health. Book an appointment with our team of therapists and doctors at CLNQ Acne Clinic Manchester and Cheshire.

What Causes Acne?

The primary causes of acne include:

• Excess Oil Production: Sebaceous glands produce too much oil.
• Hair Follicles Clogged by Oil and Dead Skin Cells: This can lead to blockages.
• Bacteria: Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) can cause inflammation.
• Inflammation: Blocked follicles can become inflamed and swollen.

Other contributing factors include:

• Hormonal Changes: Androgens increase during puberty, pregnancy, or with oral contraceptives.
• Certain Medications: Drugs containing corticosteroids, androgens, or lithium.
• Diet: Some studies suggest that dairy products and high glycemic foods may worsen acne.
• Stress: Can exacerbate acne by increasing oil production.

Does Eating Certain Things Cause Acne?

While diet alone isn’t the sole cause of acne, certain foods can trigger or worsen it for some people. High glycemic index foods (such as sugary snacks, white bread, and processed foods) and dairy products have been linked to increased acne breakouts. It’s believed that these foods can cause hormonal fluctuations and inflammation that contribute to acne.

How Can I Look After My Acne to Prevent Acne?

1. Maintain a Regular Cleansing Routine: Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities.
2. Avoid Harsh Scrubbing: Scrubbing can irritate the skin and worsen acne.
3. Don’t Pop or Squeeze Pimples: This can lead to scarring and infection.
4. Use Non-Comedogenic Products: These products won’t clog your pores.
5. Manage Stress: Stress can increase hormone levels that exacerbate acne.
6. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help maintain healthy skin.
7. Avoid Touching Your Face: This can transfer bacteria and oils from your hands to your face.

What Skin Care is Good for Acne?

• Gentle Cleansers: Use mild, sulfate-free cleansers that don’t strip the skin of natural oils.
• Oil-Free Moisturisers: Look for non-comedogenic moisturisers that hydrate without clogging pores.
• Sunscreen: Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, non-comedogenic sunscreens protect skin from harmful UV rays without clogging pores.

What Creams are Good for Acne?

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Reduces bacteria and helps clear blocked pores.
• Salicylic Acid: A beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin and helps keep pores clear.
• Topical Retinoids: Such as tretinoin and adapalene, which promote cell turnover and prevent clogged pores.
• Antibiotic Creams: Like clindamycin, which reduce bacteria and inflammation.

What Medications Can Treat Acne?

1. Topical Retinoids: (e.g., tretinoin, adapalene) help unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
2. Topical Antibiotics: (e.g., clindamycin) reduce bacteria and inflammation.
3. Oral Antibiotics: (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline) for moderate to severe acne to reduce bacteria and inflammation.
4. Oral Contraceptives: For women, certain birth control pills can help regulate hormones that cause acne.
5. Isotretinoin: A powerful oral retinoid for severe acne that doesn’t respond to other treatments.

What Light Therapy is Good for Acne?

• Blue Light Therapy: Kills P. acnes bacteria, reducing inflammation and acne lesions.
• Red Light Therapy: Penetrates deeper into the skin to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Combination Light Therapy: Utilizes both blue and red light for a comprehensive approach to treating acne.

What Treatments Does an Acne Clinic Offer?

• Chemical Peels: Use acids to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores.
• Microdermabrasion: Removes dead skin cells and can help improve skin texture.
• Laser and Light Therapies: Target acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.
• Extraction Procedures: Safely remove whiteheads and blackheads.
• Prescription Medications: Tailored treatments including topical and oral medications.
• Topical Treatments: Specialized creams and gels suited to individual skin types and acne severity.

What Does a Skin Scanner Show in Acne?

A skin scanner provides detailed insights into:

• Pore Size and Blockages: Identifies areas with clogged pores.
• Sebum Production: Indicates oiliness of the skin.
• Skin Texture and Hydration: Shows overall skin health and areas needing attention.
• Sun Damage: Reveals underlying damage not visible to the naked eye.

Can Hydrafacial Help Acne?

Hydrafacial is available in our clinic in Manchester and yes, Hydrafacial can be beneficial for acne-prone skin by:

• Deep Cleansing: Removes impurities, dead skin cells, and excess oil.
• Exfoliation: Gently exfoliates the skin to clear pores.
• Hydration: Infuses the skin with moisturising serums to keep it hydrated and healthy.
• Antioxidants and Peptides: Promote skin health and healing.

How Can I Treat Active Acne with Obagi or ZO Skin Products?

Obagi offers a range of products specifically formulated for acne treatment. Our team of skin therapist will be able to provide in depth analysis and guidance on the right products for you.

• Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. System: Includes a foaming cleanser, pore therapy solution, and therapeutic lotion with benzoyl peroxide to reduce bacteria and clear pores.
• Obagi Tretinoin Cream: Helps with cell turnover and reduces inflammation.
• Obagi Professional-C Serum: Provides antioxidant protection and aids in skin repair and healing.

What Peels are Good for Acne?

1. Salicylic Acid Peels: Ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, these peels help unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
2. Glycolic Acid Peels: An alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin and helps improve texture and tone.
3. Jessner’s Peel: A combination of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol that provides deep exfoliation and helps treat acne.
4. TCA Peels: Trichloroacetic acid peels are effective for more severe acne and can improve the appearance of acne scars.

How Much is a Consultation at an Acne Clinic?

We offer a complimentary consultation with our skin therapists who will provide some initial advice and guidance. We also have specialist acne doctors who can offer more medical treatments for your concerns. The consultations with the acne doctors start from £100.