Acne: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Nov 13, 2024 Acne

 

Acne is a common skin condition that primarily affects people aged 11 to 30. According to the NHS, approximately 95% of individuals in this age range experience acne at some point. In some cases, it can persist into adulthood, with around 3% of adults over 35 still affected.

 

What causes acne?

 

Acne occurs when small openings in the skin, known as hair follicles, become blocked.

Each hair follicle is connected to a sebaceous gland, which produces an oily substance called sebum. Sebum helps keep hair and skin moisturised and prevents them from drying out.

In people with acne, the sebaceous glands produce excessive sebum. This excess oil mixes with dead skin cells, blocking the hair follicles and forming blackheads and whiteheads.

Acne is common during puberty due to increased testosterone levels, which stimulate the glands to produce more sebum. Genetics also play a role—if your parents had acne, you are more likely to develop it as well.

Adult acne is more common in women than in men. Hormonal changes related to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome are contributing factors.

What are the symptoms of acne? 

Acne is often characterised by oily skin, whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed spots. It commonly affects three areas of the body: the face, back, and chest. Nearly everyone with acne experiences it on their face, while over half have it on their back, and only 15% develop acne on their chest.

 

Characteristics of Acne Spot Types: 

• Blackheads: Small, dark spots often mistaken for dirt, but their colour comes from the pigmentation of the hair follicle’s inner lining.

• Whiteheads: Firm spots, similar in appearance to blackheads.

• Pustules: Small, red, and sore spots.

• Papules: Red spots with a white centre caused by a build-up of pus.

• Nodules: Large, hard, and painful spots beneath the skin.

• Cysts: Large, pus-filled bumps that can cause scarring and often require antibiotic treatment.

 

Expert Tips and OTC Products for Managing Acne:

• Clean the affected area no more than twice a day. 

• Use lukewarm water when washing your face; very hot or cold water can make acne worse

• Opt for mild, pH-balanced cleansers like SebaMed Liquid Face & Body Wash to help reduce inflammation.

• Follow cleansing with a light moisturiser, such as SebaMed Clear Face Care Gel, which is specifically formulated for impure and acne-prone skin.

• Avoid scratching or squeezing blackheads to prevent permanent scarring.

• Remove makeup before bed to keep your skin clear.

• Exercise regularly, as it can help improve acne. Make sure to shower as soon as possible afterward to prevent sweat from irritating your skin.

• Avoid oil-based makeup, skincare, and sun care products, as they can clog pores. For sunscreen, we recommend La Roche-Posay SPF50+, a water-based cream that is less likely to block pores.

 

How can acne be controlled with prescription treatment? 

The treatment for acne varies based on its severity. If you have only a few blackheads, our pharmacist can recommend over-the-counter cleansers, creams, and gels to help manage them.

However, if your acne is moderate to severe or doesn’t improve with initial treatments, prescription medication may be necessary to control the symptoms. In such cases, your GP may suggest one or more of the following options:

 

Topical Acne Treatments

• Differin Gel/Cream: Contains adapalene, a type of retinoid that helps reduce inflammation and the formation of blackheads and whiteheads.

• Epiduo Gel: Combines adapalene and benzoyl peroxide, making it effective for treating moderate to severe acne by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria.

• Akleif Cream: Contains trifarotene, a retinoid that targets acne by promoting cell turnover.

• Finacea Gel: Contains azelaic acid, which helps renew skin cells and has antibacterial properties.

• Skinoren 20% Cream: Contains azelaic acid to promote skin cell renewal and combat acne-causing bacteria.

 

Antibiotic Treatments for Acne

• Lymecycline Capsules: An oral antibiotic from the tetracycline family, used to reduce acne by targeting inflammation and bacterial growth.

• Zindaclin 1% Gel: Contains clindamycin, an antibiotic that inhibits bacterial growth on the skin.

• Duac Gel: A combination of clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide, used for mild to moderate acne by preventing bacterial growth and reducing inflammation.

• Dalacin-T Topical Lotion: Contains clindamycin, used to treat acne by targeting bacteria and reducing inflammation.

• Aknemycin Plus: Combines erythromycin, an antibiotic that kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces irritation, with tretinoin, which promotes the removal of dead skin cells.

• Doxycycline: An oral antibiotic effective for treating moderate to severe inflammatory acne by reducing bacteria and inflammation.

 

We’re here to simplify your health

 

Managing acne effectively requires understanding its causes and symptoms, as well as choosing the right treatment. For mild cases, over-the-counter products and lifestyle adjustments can make a difference. For more persistent or severe acne, consulting a GP for prescription options is the next step.