Eight out of ten people develop acne. It may not be a life threatening condition but it can become an obsession. Acne sufferers can experience enormous psychological effects and may even contemplate suicide. So what causes acne? There are sebaceous glands just underneath the surface of the skin. These glands produce natural oils, known as sebum, which should keep the skin supple and healthy. However, if there is over production of sebum, the skin starts to look greasy and acne can develop.

Typically, acne sufferers have blackheads and pimples. These result when pores (the opening of the glands) become blocked by trapped oil and dead skin cells. In these conditions the germ, acne bacillus, thrives, causing infected spots and inflammation.

For some, this will lead to a few blackheads and the odd spot. Others find that they have severe inflammation with their face, arms, back, neck and chest affected. Generally the diagnosis is clear, although occasionally other skin conditions, such as rosacea may be mistaken for acne.

Acne can be caused by many factors. Hormones, for example, can cause an increase in sebum production, particularly during puberty, increased androgen levels may over stimulate the sebaceous glands.

Some women also find that hormonal changes cause acne to flare up just prior to their period. Most unfairly, this condition also appears to run in families. It seems that some people are genetically programmed to over-produce sebum.

Unfortunately, acne does not always disappear of its own accord. Although many people grow out of it in their late teens and early twenties, others do not. Indeed some people continue to suffer from acne in their twenties right through to their fifties.

The good news is that acne is generally controllable. Lifestyle changes alone can reduce symptoms. Research shows that eating chocolates, sweets and cakes does not cause spots. However, having a healthy and balanced diet, with plenty of vitamins, will improve health generally and this will be reflected in your skin. It is also a good idea to limit the intake of caffeine and reduce smoking. These stimulate the adrenal glands and interfere with the skins natural processes.

Where possible avoid stress, since this only makes things worse. Relaxation techniques, such as yoga, can also be very effective. Needless to say picking spots is not a good idea. This can help to spread the inflammation and cause scarring.

If you have acne it is easy to fall into the trap of washing too frequently. This can disturb the natural oiliness of the skin and may even cause more sebum to be secreted from the sebaceous glands. Moreover, excess cleaning can damage the waterproof layer of the skin. The advice is that skin should be cleaned twice a day. Any flannels, sponges or towels need to be kept clean to reduce the amount of bacteria they contain.

With persistent symptoms go and see your doctor. There are a wide number of treatments available from antibiotics to ultraviolet light. If the condition is severe you may be referred to a skin specialist. In general, the aim is to unplug the blocked pores, kill any germs and reduce inflammation.

It normally takes two months for any improvement to be visible and it may be three to six months before the acne is managed effectively. The commonest reason for a treatment to fail is because people give up too early. It takes time for the inflammation to reduce and for the new skin cells to grow.

Once you have received appropriate medical help it is a good idea to go to a beauty therapist who specialises in skin conditions. She will be able to advise you on how to keep your skin clean and if needed, offer suitable products and treatments.

Cathioderme, for example, is a highly effective treatment that your beauty therapist should be able to offer. Gentle galvanic and high frequency massage helps to deep cleanse and rehydrate the lower skin layers. It eliminates the harmful impurities that can clog and inflame the skin. Another treatment that can help acne is the Active Vitamin Facial.

No-one dies of acne. However, we all know how miserable we can feel when our looks seem to let us down. If you do have acne, and it bothers you, then now is the time to sort it out.

For additional information please contact:

The Acne Support Group
1st Floor
Howard House
The Runway
South Ruislip
Middx
HA4 6SE

Tel 020 8841 4747

or contact us at the salon for further information.

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Lodge Avenue, Elstree, Herts WD6 3NA
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