All about Acne

It can be quite common to get the odd spot but acne is when you have multiple reoccurring spots across face, back and/or chest. Acne can also be a mixture of different types of spots. Below is a diagram of the different types of spots. They are categorised into non inflammatory and inflammatory.

There are 4 main reasons why spots occur - Excessive oil production, build up of dead skin cells, bacteria or inflammation.

Inflammatory Acne

Our hormones contribute to how much oil (sebum) we produce. During times of hormone surges think puberty, pregnancy or menopause, we can produce excess oil and our cell turnover hasn't increased to compensate and then find we have acne, due the build up which traps this oil in the pores.

When we produce excess oil, the acnes bacteria which is normally present in our skin, feasts on all the oil and multiplies. Our body then send white blood cells to destroy the bacteria. Once destroyed these cells remain in the pores and create 'pus'. This is inflammation which will eventually be re-absorbed back into the body.

What exactly is Inflammatory Acne?

Nodules and Cysts can be painful as they are a lot deeper into your skin and they need specialist care so that scarring and pigment marks are not left. In this instance you are better to seek professional/medical help through a skin specialist - dermatologist. Whilst you are waiting for help - good skin care routine will help. The goal is to reduce oil production, increase skin cell turnover, control bacteria and reduce inflammation.

Non-inflammatory acne

Whiteheads (closed comedones - are not the spots we are tempted to squeeze - that's the pustules) and blackheads (also known as comedones) are clogged pores. This is when oil has been blocked in the pore - when it has contact with the air it turns blacks, called a blackhead and when it is under the skin and no contact with air is made, its called a whitehead. They are small white bumps on the skin These can be treated with skin care products and can be removed by a qualified beauty therapist.

Having acne is tough and if you come to me at Wildflowers Beauty I will treat you with sensitivity and respect. Acne can really affect your mood and day to day life, whether male or female. I will treat your concerns seriously. I will be able to look at your current routine and offer products and facial services to help you. Please note, I will care for your welfare and I may recommend that you speak to your GP or dermatologist as part of your treatment to get the results you want.