Acne
At Identity+ Aesthetics, we specialise in treating and preventing acne grades 1 to 4. We delve into the complexities of acne treatment, understanding the concern from both a physical and emotional standpoint.
With science and care, we offer hope to those navigating the complex world of skin health. We are experts in treating acne, making everyone feel valued, understood, and empowered to embrace their skin's potential.
Acne comes in grades 1 to 5.
- Grade 1 (Mild): Generally associated with Open Comedones (blackheads), Closed Comedones (whiteheads), Papules (very few red bumps).
- Grade 2 (Moderate): More Comedones plus numerous Papules. Pustules (pus filled bumps) on specifically the face.
- Grade 3 (Moderately Severe): Usually associated with many Papules and Pustules with occasional inflamed Nodules (hard lumps under the skin) appearing often on the back and chest in addition to the face. When untreated, scarring can occur.
- Grade 4 (Severe): Painful and inflamed Pustules and Nodules extending to more areas of the body. More likely to cause scarring.
- Grade 5 (Very Severe/Nodulocystic): Highly inflamed and extensive acne with numerous large Nodules and Cysts (deep, pus-filled lesions). Highly scarring. Generally requiring medical intervention.
These blemishes, such as blackheads and whiteheads, as well as more pronounced Cysts, are a shared experience for many.
Yet, their persistent presence can overshadow one's self-image, leading to feelings of self-consciousness and, at times, a sense of isolation.
The emotional strain of grappling with these skin issues can be profound, yet it often remains unspoken.
Skin imperfections, often dismissed as mere spots, encompass a broader spectrum, including whiteheads and blackheads. These marks indicate a complicated skin issue. It can manifest in various forms, such as small blocked pores or larger lumps and Cysts.
These blemishes mainly show up in areas with lots of oil glands, like the face, back, and chest. They're not just on the surface of the skin. Beyond the physical appearance, they can carry emotional weight, impacting self-esteem and confidence. Regular habits, like washing your face with the right products, can play a pivotal role in managing these skin concerns.
Delving beneath the skin's surface, we find a complex network of hair follicles intertwined with sebaceous glands. These glands make sebum, a natural oil that keeps our skin moisturised and supple.
However, various factors including hormonal changes, stress, and medications can stimulate these glands to induce excess sebaceous activity. When too much oil mixes with dead skin, it blocks pores and provides an ideal environment for bacteria to proliferate and the formation of acne symptoms.
Concerns Associated with Acne:
Comedones & Enlarged Pores
Open Comedones (Blackheads) The characteristic black hue of these comedones isn't a sign of embedded dirt or grime. Instead, it's the result of oxidation reactions when the trapped oil and skin cells are exposed to the air.
Closed Open (Whiteheads) are pores that are completely sealed with a thin layer of skin, unlike blackheads. This seal stops oxidation, causing small, light-colored bumps that may feel slightly raised.
Congested Skin
Congested skin refers to a complexion that appears dull, uneven, oily and with occasional pustules. It's the result of accumulated impurities, such as dead skin cells, sebum (oil), and daily exposure to the environment, clogging the skin's pores. Congestion can spread on the face, particularly on the forehead, nose, and chin. This is different from regular acne, which only occurs in specific areas.
Papules & Pustules
Papules are small red, solid, and inflamed bumps on the skin that do not contain pus.
Pustules are infected papules that have accumulated pus, white or yellow, from bacterial activity.
Both are a result of from pores becoming clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
Nodules & Cysts
Nodules are firm painful lumps that feel deep in the skin that can be visible on the surface.
Cysts however are softer masses of accumulated pus appearing yellow and white. Rupture of cysts can cause more cysts to develop in the area and become scar inducing.
Nodulocystic cysts are severe, pus-filled, deep, and inflamed hard bumps combining the characteristics of nodules and cysts. These are painful on contact and are highly prone to scarring the skin.
All are caused from the build up of bacteria feeding off the oil and dead skin cells trapped under the surface skin.
Common Causes:
Hormonal Fluctuations
Hormonal imbalances are a significant factor especially during transformative life stages like puberty, menopause, or pregnancy, the body undergoes significant hormonal shifts. Additionally, conditions including Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Hirsutism that increase testosterone production and the resulting dihydrotestosterone.
These changes often lead to increased sebaceous activity thus increasing bacterial proliferation and leading to the formation of acne.
Stress
Elevated stress levels have impacts on hormonal activity, especially with testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, as this triggers the skin's sebaceous activity thus increasing bacterial proliferation and the formation of acne.
Medications
Our body's response to medications can sometimes manifest on the skin. Medications, including lithium, anabolic steroids, corticosteroids, Vitamin B1, B6, B12, and D2 supplements, anticonvulsants/antiseizure medications, EGFRIs, immunosuppressants, and various birth control pills, can influence the skin's sebaceous activity thus increasing bacterial proliferation and the formation of acne.
Dietary Factors
Certain foods, like dairy and high glycemic index foods, may make skin problems worse, according to some studies. These foods can trigger insulin spikes, which in turn might influence oil production and inflammation in some individuals. Dietary allergies and intolerances also can trigger acne flareups.
Residual Makeup & Harsh Skin Care
Frequent use of makeup, especially comedogenic types, without thorough removal can clog pores and start or worsen ance
Oil-removing skincare and cleansers can compromise the skin's natural barrier and dehydrates the skin which the body begins to compensate through increasing the production of oil to protect the barrier however this excess oil will contribute to the manifestation of acne. Using moisturisers can start to heal the compromised skin barrier.
Environmental Factors
Prolonged exposure to humid, hot climates can simulate oil production causing excessive skin turnover and for pores to remain open and active for longer.
Air pollutants can also induce acne flare ups.
Treatments at Identity+ Aesthetics
DermaQuest's Chemical Peels & Resurfacers
DermaQuest's professional medical range of resurfacers, Chemical Peels, and Skincare targets acne though utilising plant stem cells, helpful peptides, vitamins, and importantly Salicylic Acid - an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial compound that soothes inflammation whilst also contributing to the breakdown of dead skin cells. DermaQuest's specialised acne products treats the existing acne, and controls sebaceous activity thus reducing the future proliferation of acne-causing bacteria.
Medical Grade Skincare
We offer a tailored range of medical grade products enriched with active ingredients that can target most skin concerns for all skin types.
We are dedicated to providing an all-inclusive space where treatments are performed without animosity.
Our services involve products from industry-leading suppliers used by our expert practitioners to provide the most comfortable experience while maximising outcomes uniquely tailored to every client's needs.
We strive to boost comfort, confidence, and self-expression with your body no matter who you are!
Schedule a Consultation
Any treatment can be daunting and invasive, especially around those you're unfamiliar with in a new place.
No query is too silly to ask, we're always happy to explain any details and chat at your own pace anytime.
Our consultations involve a small deposit applied only upon arranging treatments, otherwise, they are free to book and access.
Let us know of any assistance you need and we'll do our best to help.
FAQs
on Acne
For any further queries or to schedule a consultation, reach out to Identity+ Aesthetics. We're here to assist you every step of the way.