ACNE
WHAT IS ACNE?
Acne is a condition involving hair follicles and sebaceous glands of the skin. When trapped sebum gets infected, it can become inflamed and result in swelling, redness, and pain. This can be unsightly and if left untreated can further lead to permanent damage and scarring.
Acne is a common skin condition arising from clogged hair follicles under the skin, often due to a mix of sebum and dead skin cells. This blockage results in lesions like pimples or zits, affecting skin clarity and health.
DEVELOPMENT OF ACNE
Overactive sebum production
Unregulated skin cell turnover resulting in skin debris trapped within pores
Bacterial colonisation
Localised inflammation
CAUSES OF ACNE
Genetic predisposition
Hormonal fluctuations
Poor skin hygiene
Inappropriate use of comedogenic skin products
Lifestyle - stress, diet, and poor sleep habits amongst others
SEQUELAE
Severe or poorly-controlled acne may result in long term skin problems such as persistent redness, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring. These will require specialised treatments on a case-by-case basis.
HOW DO I TREAT MY ACNE?
There are many effective treatments for acne.
These include:
Topical medications | Oral medications | Energy-based devices
Depending on the type and severity of your acne, your doctor will discuss the appropriate treatments for you.
TREATMENTS
TOPICAL MEDICATIONS
Antibacterial creams reduce bacteria responsible for inflammation.
Retinoid creams regulate skin cell turnover, reduce sebum production, and reduce bacteria-mediated immune response and inflammation.
Keratolytic agents gently exfoliate the skin and reduce clogging of the pores
Oral antibiotics reduce bacteria responsible for inflammation
Isotretinoin, an oral retinoid, regulates skin cell turnover, reduces sebum production, and reduces bacteria-mediated immune response and inflammation
