Acne is a common skin concern that affects many people at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, the journey doesn’t always end when the breakouts clear up—acne can also leave behind scars that are difficult to treat. At Mel’s Skin Clinic, we are dedicated to helping you manage both acne and acne scarring effectively. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about acne and its treatments, so you can achieve clear, healthy skin.

Understanding Acne: Causes and Triggers

What Causes Acne?

Acne develops due to four main factors:

1. Excess oil (sebum) production: The skin naturally produces oil, but overproduction can lead to clogged pores.
2. Clogged hair follicles: Oil and dead skin cells can accumulate in hair follicles, creating blockages.
3. Bacteria: When pores are clogged, bacteria (specifically Cutibacterium acnes) can thrive, leading to infection.
4. Inflammation: Infected pores become inflamed, causing redness and pain.

Acne typically appears on areas of the skin that have more oil glands, such as the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders.

What Triggers Acne?

Several factors can exacerbate acne:

• Hormonal Changes: Hormones like androgens increase oil production, especially during puberty. Hormonal imbalances related to conditions like PCOS or menopause can also trigger acne.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as those containing corticosteroids, testosterone, or lithium, can worsen breakouts.
• Diet: Some studies suggest that high-glycemic foods, certain dairy products, and fast food may aggravate acne.
• Stress: Stress can trigger hormonal changes, such as increased cortisol, leading to more oil production and acne flare-ups.

What Doesn’t Cause Acne?

There are common myths about acne causes:

• Dirt: Acne is not caused by dirt. Over-washing or scrubbing the skin too harshly can actually make acne worse.
• Chocolate and Greasy Foods: While diet affects skin health, chocolate and greasy foods are not directly responsible for causing acne.
• Cosmetics: Using non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) cosmetics and removing makeup properly won’t cause acne.

Types of Acne and Their Treatments

Acne comes in various forms, each requiring a different approach to treatment:

1. Whiteheads (Non-inflammatory): Closed pores that appear as small, white bumps.
   Treatment: Use over-the-counter products containing sulphur, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide. Topical retinoids can also help by promoting cell turnover.
2. Blackheads (Non-inflammatory): Open pores that appear black due to oxidation.
   Treatment: Similar to whiteheads, blackheads can be treated with sulphur, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids.
3. Papules (Inflammatory): Small, red, inflamed bumps without pus, caused by bacteria entering clogged pores.
   Treatment: Benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, antibiotics, and hormonal treatments (like birth control for women) can help. Consultation with a dermatologist is advised.
4. Pustules (Inflammatory): Red, inflamed bumps filled with pus, often found in clusters.
   Treatment: Similar to papules, these can be treated with benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, antibiotics, and hormonal treatments. Avoid popping them to prevent spreading bacteria.
5. Nodules (Inflammatory): Large, painful bumps deep under the skin, caused by deep-seated infection.
   Treatment: Prescription-strength treatments, including benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, retinoids, or hormonal treatments, are usually required. In severe cases, draining or chemical peels might be necessary, under the care of a dermatologist.
6. Cysts (Inflammatory): Large, pus-filled bumps deep under the skin, painful and prone to scarring.
   Treatment: Cystic acne often requires stronger treatments such as isotretinoin, antibiotics, retinoids, hormonal treatments, or procedures like steroid injections or draining by a professional.

Understanding Acne Scarring

What Causes Acne Scarring?

Scarring occurs when the skin attempts to heal from severe acne, especially from cysts and nodules. Inflammation damages the skin tissue, leading to scars.

Types of Acne Scarring and Treatments

1. Atrophic Scars: Indented scars due to loss of tissue.
   • Ice Pick Scars: Deep, narrow scars that resemble puncture wounds.
   • Boxcar Scars: Broad, rectangular depressions with sharp edges.
   • Rolling Scars: Wave-like depressions caused by tethered tissue beneath the skin.
2. Treatment Options: Treatments include dermal fillers, microneedling, chemical peels, and laser therapy to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture.
3. Hypertrophic Scars: Raised scars that form from excess tissue.
   Treatment Options: These can be treated with steroid injections, laser therapy, or silicone sheets to flatten the scars.

Preventing Acne Scarring

To prevent scarring, it’s crucial to treat acne early and avoid picking or squeezing pimples, which can worsen inflammation and lead to scarring. Maintaining a consistent skincare routine with gentle cleansing and using non-comedogenic products can help keep acne under control.

Acne and Scarring Treatments at Mel’s Skin Clinic

At Mel’s Skin Clinic, we offer a range of treatments tailored to your specific skin needs:

• Chemical Peels: These exfoliate the skin, removing dead cells and promoting the growth of new, healthy skin.
• Acnelan Peel: A specialised treatment designed for acne-prone skin to reduce breakouts and improve skin clarity.
• Facials: Customised facials help manage oily buildup and soothe irritated skin, promoting a healthy, glowing complexion.

Book Your Treatment Today

If you’re struggling with acne or acne scarring, our team at Mel’s Skin Clinic is here to help. Visit Mel’s Skin Clinic in Brackenfell or contact us on our website to book a consultation with one of our skincare experts today and take the first step towards healthier, more beautiful skin.