Beauty | Acne - Causes, Cures and Questions answered!

Recently, my skin has been prone to spots. No matter what I do I get them. As one clears up another is on its way. It has been so frustrating. Someone suggested I may have Acne. Now this caught me by surprise. I can't have Acne I thought to my self only teenagers get that. But it made sense after reading online. Now this isn't a self diagnosis. My doctor has actually confirmed this. I already have eczema, dry and sensitive skin and you want me to add Acne to the list.
I had some question that I needed answered and luckily for me I found a Dermatologist willing to help.

 Dr Tabi Leslie BSc(Hons) FRCP (London)

Consultant Dermatologist and Member of the British Association of Dermatologists

Harley Street, London

What causes Acne?

There are a number of reasons why people develop acne. It can present with open or closed pores due to trapping of sebum from sweat glands associated with hair follicles. These can become inflamed if the sebum is trapped by oily skin, overproduction of sebum driven by testosterone during puberty in boys and girls, in women with polycystic ovarian disease or those with a family history of acne. Once the sebum collects under the skin the bacteria proprionoibacterium acnes which colonizes normal skin proliferates causing infection and inflammatory change leaduing to pustules, papules and in severe cases nodules which can lead to permanent scarring. 

What are the best treatments for it?

Treatment is directed at the severity of the acne. For early mild changes, over the counter benzoyl peroxide lotions are available used in conjunction with an antibacterial soap substitute. If this is not helpul then the GP may prescribe a topical antibiotic, retinoid or combination therapy with benzoyl peroxide. If systemic treatment is required then an oral tetracycline or other antibiotic can also be prescribed. In young women the anti-testosterone oral contraceptive pills such as dianette or yasmin can be used especially in those with hormonal changes due to polycystic ovarian disease. In those resistant to 2-6 months of oral antibiotics, N-lite laser treatment can be tried. An oral vitamin A drug known as roaccutane can be prescribed only by a dermatologist in severe cases or where scarring is occuring or the patient is psychologically affected. However it requires close clinical, blood and psychological monitoring. It is known to affect liver function, lipids and cause mood swings which may in some unusual cases has been thought by some to lead to suicide. 

What is the one mistake you see people with Acne make?

People with acne often do not deal with it early enough using topical agents and often believe treat$ent is not necessary and some think they will 'grow out of it'. However if there is a risk of scarring early treatment can prevent permanent marks. 

Does wearing make up worsen Acne?

If the make up is oily and blocks the pores this can lead to acne or worsen pre-existing spots. 

Once the Acne is gone, what are the chances of it returning?

The risk of recurrence depends on the cause of acne and how it was treated. Roaccutane usually causes a permanent clearance. 

How do you clear up the marks left by Acne? 

The acne and any causes must be treated which will lead to reduction and clearing of any marks. Permanent scars may require cosmetic techniques such as dermabrasion, peels, laser or injection.