WHAT IS IT? WHAT ARE THE CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS?
Acne can affect all skin types and all ages and may be caused by a combination of genetics, hormone changes, and health and environmental factors.
Acne can form when:
- Androgen (male) hormones stimulate excess sebum (or oil) production
- Excess oil, dry skin and debris combine and become trapped in the pore
- Acne bacteria live naturally on healthy skin but proliferates when pores become blocked. The damage caused by this bacteria, and the associated inflammation, can make the tissues more susceptible to other bacteria (such as staphylococcus aureus).
Acne can be categorised into different grades:
Grade 1: Mild blackheads and papules
Grade 2: Moderate blackheads, pustules and papules
Grade 3: Moderate to severe inflammation, blackheads, pustules and papules
Grade 4: Severe inflammation, blackheads, pustules and papules
TREATMENT SOLUTIONS
MICRODERMABRASION
Microdermabrasion is an effective method that assists in the removal of dead and dry skin cells from the surface of the skin, reducing pore blockage that leads to acne. It is especially effective for the removal of blackheads. Microdermabrasion can also help with the penetration and absorption of active acne skincare products.
CHEMICAL PEELS
A more in-depth acne treatment option, Chemical Peels exfoliate and refine the skin by using active ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids (fruit acids), beta-hydroxy acids and enzymes to penetrate deeper into the skin surface. Beta-hydroxy acid peels, also known as salicylic acid peels, are a good option for those with acne, as they target oil and help reduce inflammation associated with acne.
SKIN NEEDLING
Skin Needling is a regenerating treatment that works by stimulating the production and distribution of collagen. This is achieved by using multiple needles in various sizes to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, triggering the body’s natural wound healing response. The result is an overall improvement in the appearance of the skin, with wrinkles and lines smoothed, acne reduced, and scarring minimised.