Acne

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What does acne vulgaris look like?

This skin condition is characterised by the appearance of spots across an area of skin that can range from fairly small to expansive. Though most commonly occurring on the face, spots can also develop on the chest and back. Initially, these spots tend to be small, red and often tender. There are six main types of spots, which are blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. Acne symptoms tend to be easily recognisable and characteristic.

What causes acne vulgaris?

Male sex hormones called androgens are associated with the development of acne because they increase sebum production in the sebaceous glands of the skin. Though sebum itself is not a bad thing, too much of the substance can cause the skin to become greasy, leading to spots. Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during puberty and pregnancy, can lead to acne.

Other causes that are less common include Cushing's syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Some oral contraceptives are also associated with skin problems as they contain the hormone progestogen. Certain cosmetic products, especially those that are particularly greasy, can also contribute. Some medications, such as steroid creams, can also have a negative effect on skin condition.

Can I do anything to prevent acne?

Though there is no definitive way to prevent acne vulgaris, there are things you can do to minimise the chance of it developing, especially if you know you are particularly susceptible to outbreaks. Regularly washing your skin is vital, especially after exercise, as doing so reduces the risk of your pores becoming clogged. This doesn't mean that you should wash too much, as this can actually be counterproductive as doing so can dry out your skin.

Some skin products are nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic, which means they are designed to prevent pores from clogging. You should look out for these kinds of products when shopping for items such as make-up or facial creams. If you wear make-up then you should ensure to remove it before sleeping. Try to avoid touching your face more than is necessary.

What kind of skin treatments are there?

There are a number of treatment options open to those who are experiencing acne symptoms. These can take the form of topical treatments or prescription medications. Depending on the severity of your acne, you can choose the option that is best suited to you. In the first instance, people usually try a single over the counter treatment or a combination of these treatments to see if this will be effective. These treatments usually take the form of a lotion or a cream and contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxyl acids or sulphur. You can also use our range of prescription treatments, which have been clinically proven to reduce the amount of spots caused by acne.