How we can help your Acne
Put quite simply- there is bucket loads of information out there on Acne. The internet, social media and magazines are awash with the latest advice on the best products and the hottest tips- but what information can you actually trust and what really works?! As dermatology specialists, we have written this simple guide to make it easier for you to choose the best acne treatments and advice. Our guide is trustworthy, reliable and evidence-based (i.e. the treatments and advice have been proven to work in previous studies). It has been written by registered health-care professionals- hence you can trust that we will always put patient safety and choice above commercial interests.
We hope this guide will help you understand what acne is, how to identify it and understand some of the treatment options available. There is also a great FAQ section at the end to answer some of the most puzzling acne questions that people ask us. There is also a section on our Top Tips for Acne. Please read the guide at your leisure and if you are still unsure of what treatment you may require, fill in a general questionnaire and attach some photos and we will suggest a treatment. Or you can book in for a telephone or video consultation with one of our friendly dermatology experts.
Pretty much everyone has had acne themselves or knows someone who has, and it affects most people between the ages of 11-30 but can also run into the 30s, 40s and 50s. Some people suffer short term bouts or ‘flares’ of acne and some people suffer more long term over a number of years.
Acne is a skin condition that has four major features:
1) Excessive grease on the skin
2) Presence of black-head and whiteheads,
3) Infection with acne bacteria
4) Production of inflammation
Acne can affect the face (forehead, cheeks, jawline), back, shoulders and less common areas such as the buttocks.
The magic question. If we could identify a clear single cause of acne then it would probably be much easier to treat. However, there are several factors which may lead to the development of acne:
Hormonal Factors e.g. puberty – during this period of our life we start to produce hormones such as testosterone (males) and androgens (females) and both of these can increase the greasy oil production in our skin that starts the acne process. This is why about 75% of woman will notice their acne worsening around the time of their period.
Genetics – people with persistent (stubborn!) acne will often have a family history of acne and will often inherit larger more active oil glands in their skin. Whilst we cant control who our parents are, do not worry, as there are PLENTY of treatments options available on our website to help you control your acne.
Cosmetics – Oil based treatment options can sometimes cause or worsen acne e.g. waxes and gels that contain petroleum jelly or lanolin.
Diet – Sugary foods may be associated with an increased risk of developing or worsening acne- so it may be wise to try to cut down on your treats (biscuits, ice cream, chocolate).
Stress – The evidence says there may be an association between stress and acne- and some people may also scratch and pick their acne as a result of stress- making it worse!
Medications and Medical Conditions e.g. Steroids (Creams and Tablets), Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
In a nutshell:
• Greasy skin
• Blackheads and Whiteheads (Comedones)
• Larger red inflamed spots with pus (Papules and Pustules)
• Scarring (In moderate to severe disease)
Acne can appear slightly differently in different people- most people will have greasy skin which usually affects the face but can also occur commonly on the back and chest. At the milder stage it can present as blackheads and whiteheads (little pimples under the surface of the skin from blocked pores). As acne progresses in severity it can lead to inflamed red spots (known as papules) and spots containing pus (pustules). The most severe forms of acne can include deep red painful large spots called cysts- these are best assessed by a consultant dermatologist in a hospital setting. In some cases acne may also lead to scarring which can either be atrophic (loss of tissue) or hypertrophic (increase of fibrous tissue) scars- there is more information below in the FAQs about acne scarring and how to manage it.
The vast majority of cases of acne are straightforward and easy to self-diagnose. The following categories help us break down the severity of the acne and help us select the correct treatments.
Mild
Mainly consists of non-inflamed blackheads and whiteheads (comedones) but may have a few little inflammatory red spots (papules)
Moderate
More widespread blackheads and whiteheads with a higher number of inflamed red spots (papules) some which may have small amounts of pus in them (pustules)
Severe
Widespread areas of inflamed papules, pustules and larger nodules and cysts- there may also be scarring of the skin.
NOTE: Don’t worry if you are unsure of what treatments to select or what type of acne you have. You can start a simple online questionnaire-based consultation, attach some photos, and we will let you know if the treatment you have selected is safe and appropriate- if not, we will recommend an alternative. If you’d prefer to talk over the phone, you can book in for a 20minute telephone or video consultation with one of our friendly dermatology specialists and we can recommend suitable treatments and advice.
Here are some of the treatment choices that we offer for acne in line with the latest clinical guidelines for dermatology in the UK (click on the product for more information and to start a consultation). Remember- treating acne and getting your skin under control does not happen overnight- we would recommend given treatments at least 3 months of consecutive use to see maximum benefits.
Mild
Differin ® Cream or Gel (Adapalene) – A retinoid that reduces the amount of grease and helps unblock pores.
Epiduo 0.1% ® (Adapalene combined with BPO (benzoyl peroxide)) – A retinoid plus the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action of BPO which reduces grease, redness and unblocks pores to help reduce blackheads and whiteheads, and larger papules and pustules.
Isotrex ® (Isotretinoin gel) – A retinoid that reduces the amount of grease and helps unblock pores to reduce blackheads and whiteheads.
Skinoren (Azelaic acid) 20% Cream – Antibacterial and reduces blackhead and whitehead formation – good for sensitive skin and those with darker skin where acne can lead to darkening (hyperpigmentation).
Acnecide Gel (Benzoyl peroxide) – Antibacterial and helps unblock pores and prevent formation of blackheads and whiteheads.
Moderate
Epiduo 0.1% ® (Adapalene combined with BPO (benzoyl peroxide)) – A retinoid plus the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action of BPO which reduces grease and unblocks pores to help reduce blackheads and whiteheads, and larger papules and pustules.
Treclin ® gel (clindamycin and tretinoin)– A retinoid plus a topical antibiotic which helps reduce grease, unblock pores and kill the acne bacteria.
Duac ® gel (clindamycin + BPO)– A topical antibiotic to help reduce the acne bacteria plus BPO which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects to reduce blackheads, whiteheads and larger papules and pustules.
Zineryt Lotion (Erythromycin and Zinc acetate)– A topical antibiotic that will reduce acne bacteria and zinc can help dry and tighten the skin to reduce grease, as well as having antibacterial properties.
Dalacin-T Lotion (Clindamycin)– A topical antibiotic that helps reduce the amount of acne bacteria living on the skin- this in turn lowers the number of red and irritating pimples and spots (papules and pustules) and is particularly good for greasy skin.
Zindaclin 1% Gel (Clindamycin)– A gel form of a topical antibiotic that is easy to apply and reduces the amount of acne bacteria on the skin- this in turn reduces redness, irritation, greasiness and number of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and spots.
Moderate to Severe
An effective choice for many is to combine oral antibiotics with an appropriate topical agent (cream or gel)- for example- Epiduo gel once daily+ Lymecycline 408mg capsules once daily. Oral antibiotics should not be used alone because they can worsen antibiotic resistance which can make acne worse in the long run.
Oral Antibiotics
Tetralysal (Lymecycline 408 mg) capsules – An oral antibiotic from the tetracycline class which has antibiotic and anti-inflammatory actions – helps to reduce the growth of acne bacteria and therefore reduces redness, inflammation, grease and number of acne spots.
Doxycycline 100 mg capsules – An oral antibiotic from the tetracycline class which has antibiotic and anti-inflammatory actions – helps to reduce the growth of acne bacteria and therefore reduces redness, inflammation, grease and number of acne spots.
Oxytetracycline 250mg tablets – An oral antibiotic from the tetracycline class which has antibiotic and anti-inflammatory actions – helps to reduce the growth of acne bacteria and therefore reduces redness, inflammation, grease and number of acne spots.
Minocycline 100mg mr capsules – An oral antibiotic from the tetracycline class which has antibiotic and anti-inflammatory actions – helps to reduce the growth of acne bacteria and therefore reduces redness, inflammation, grease and number of acne spots. Convenient once-daily dosage.
Clarithromycin 250mg tablets – An oral antibiotic from the macrolide class – helps to reduce the growth of acne bacteria and therefore reduces redness, inflammation, grease and number of acne spots. Better for light-sensitive skin than the tetracycline antibiotics listed above.
+ Topical Agents (Creams and Gels)
Epiduo 0.1% or 0.3% gel® (Adapalene combined with BPO (benzoyl peroxide)) – A retinoid plus the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action of BPO which reduces grease and unblocks pores to help reduce blackheads and whiteheads, and larger papules and pustules.
Acnecide Gel (Benzoyl peroxide) – Antibacterial and helps unblock pores and prevent formation of blackheads and whiteheads.
Differin ® Cream or Gel (Adapalene) – A retinoid that reduces the amount of grease and helps unblock pores.
Hormonal Treatments – Contraceptive Pills (Females Only)
These can be used alone or in combination with creams, gels and oral tablets/ capsules. They may be used for moderate to severe acne and are particularly good for inflamed acne (papules and pustules) or where a hormonal component is suspected to be a major factor. We offer 2 choices of combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs) that may be specifically better for acne than other more common COCPs that are prescribed in the UK. As with all medications, COCPs must be safe for the patient to use, therefore there are certain checks that need to take place before they can be prescribed safely. For example, before purchasing COCPs you must be able to provide us with an up-to-date blood pressure which can be obtained from your own purchased machine at home or from popping into a pharmacy or G.P to have it taken.
Dianette (Cyproterone Acetate/Ethinylestradiol) – Contains the anti-androgen Cyproterone which will help reduce greasy skin and improve overall symptoms of acne. It may also have a benefit of reducing excessive hair growth. Ethinylestradiol is a type of oestrogen (female sex hormone) that may help stabilise hormonal activity and acts as a contraceptive.
Eloine (Ethinylestradiol/ drospirenone) – A combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs) containing a lower dose estrogen that may help improve overall symptoms of acne.
Severe
We do not treat severe acne as this is best done by a consultant dermatologist who may decide to use specialist treatments such as oral Isotretinoin. If you feel you have severe acne it is best to see your GP who will be able to refer you to a dermatologist.
All acne types may also benefit from a daily Acne Cleanser and those with dry or sensitive skin may also benefit from an Acne Moisturiser- this is in addition to a separate acne cream or gel applied at night. Also don’t forget your suncream (SPF), especially during summer. For information on how and when to apply these (your skincare routine for acne) please see the FAQ’s below.
Our Favourite Cleansers:
– CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser
– Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
– Acnecide Daily Cleanser
– Acnecide Face Wash
– Quinoderm Antibacterial Facewash
Our Favourite Moisturisers:
– CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion
– Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion
Our Favourite SPF for Acne:
– Acnecide Moisturiser SPF30
– SunSense Sunsensitive Cream 100g SPF50+
– Eucerin Sun Gel Cream Oil Control Sun Cream SPF50
The treatments we offer for acne at DigiDerm are all medications that are ‘evidenced-based’ – this means that there have been robust clinical trials that have proven that these medications are safe and effective treatments. However, there are 1000’s other products and ingredients that some may find useful in treating and preventing their acne – although these may not have been through the same rigorous testing as prescription-only or pharmacy only medications- they may still be beneficial. These ingredients are often found in products such as cleansers, toners, moisturisers, scrubs, peels and masks.
As with all ingredients and medications, they may cause sensitivity and/or allergic reactions – so if you notice any adverse effects then stop using the product and contact a pharmacist or doctor for advice. If you have very mild acne you may wish to try some of the over-the-counter ingredients for a few weeks first before potentially moving on to stronger prescription-only medications.
Popular Ingredients to look out for in Acne Products:
AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)
Glycolic, Lactic, Tartaric, Citric, Malic, Mandelic Acids
These are water soluble acids that may have a mild exfoliating effect (peeling) which can help new healthier skin cells emerge. They can also help with darkening (hyperpigmentation) and mild scarring in acne. They are also good for fine lines and wrinkles, and evening out skin-tone.
BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids)
Salicylic Acid, Citric Acis
These are fat (oil) soluble acids that can penetrate the skin and reduce grease, remove dead skin cells and reduce clogging of the pores in acne.
Nicotinamide/ Niacinamide
A water-soluble form of vitamin B3 – may reduce inflammation and repair damaged skin in acne.
Retinoids
Retinol, Retinaldehyde, Retinyl Palmitate- Weaker non-prescription strength forms of retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives) that help reduce the ‘stickiness’ of skin cells – this helps keep pores unblocked and prevents the build up of sebum (grease). They may also have good effects at reducing darkening (hyperpigmentation) and fine lines and wrinkles.
Tea Tree Oil
A natural ingredient that has antiseptic properties and may reduce the overall symptoms of acne.
Zinc
Has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties which will help reduce redness & greasiness of acne prone skin.
Sulphur
Has antiseptic and keratolytic properties which help reduce acne bacteria and unblock pores.
Isotretinoin (Roaccutane)
This is an oral medication (tablet/ capsule) that is prescription only and prescribed by consultant dermatologists for severe forms of acne. We do not currently provide prescriptions for Isotretinoin at DigiDerm. It is a Vitamin A derived drug that is very effective in severe Acne and is usually tried after other prescription treatments have been used and have not sufficiently improved the patient’s acne. It can have some unpleasant side effects including headaches, dry skin and lips- and will require blood tests during treatment. As it is a potent retinoid it can damage an unborn baby and therefore patients will require adequate contraception and a discussion of the risks versus benefits of treatment. You can request a referral from your G.P to a consultant dermatologist if you believe you may be suitable for oral Isotretinoin. We do not do referrals for Isotretinoin at DigiDerm currently.
Spironolactone
An oral medication (tablet/ capsule) that is classed as a diuretic (water tablet) but which can sometimes have a role in acne especially in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Due to the need for blood tests and other factors, spironolactone tends to only be prescribed by specialist consultant dermatologists in the hospital setting. We do not offer prescriptions for spironolactone at DigiDerm currently.
Laser and Light
There are several commercially available ‘do-it-at-home’ light and laser therapies for acne available, but so far there is not a large enough evidence base for these types of treatments to be included in UK clinical dermatology guidelines. They may be a handy alternative for acne sufferers who do not like creams or tablets or want to try an alternative and may provide some benefit. Laser therapy such as laser resurfacing can also be used for acne scarring and this is best done by a trained consultant dermatologist (see FAQs below for more info on scarring).
Chemical Peels
A type of exfoliative treatment whereby the skin is cleansed and then a chemical solution is applied to the skin for several minutes and then washed off. A few days later the skin will shed (minor peeling) hopefully revealing healthier less acne-prone skin. Superficial chemical peels may be particularly useful for those with many whiteheads and blackheads and milder forms of acne. You can get medical and clinic grade peel and we would advise you do your research and make sure it is a trained professional who is doing the procedure.
- When choosing any acne products you need to avoid any oil-based or comedogenic (whitehead and blackhead forming) preparations. Avoid the greasy thick creams because they will only make your already greasy skin, more greasy! Look for water (aqua) based- creams instead.
- Avoid bars of Soap and use a proper cleansing product once or twice daily. Make sure this is non-alkaline (skin pH neutral or slightly acidic)- this is because the skin is naturally slightly acidic so if you use an alkaline product this will disturb its natural balance and irritate the skin. A couple of good cleansers are CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser and Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.
- Always remove make-up at the end of the day as otherwise this may block your pores and cause a build-up of grease and pus-filled spots (pustules). Avoid face wipes if possible as they can cause irritation.
- Stop picking, popping and scratching! If you do this persistently it greatly increases your risk of acne scarring and skin darkening (hyperpigmentation).
- When you have treated your acne and got it under control, it is important to stay on top of it with a regular good daily skin regime and regular use of treatments and medications. However, using antibiotics (either topical or oral) continuously for longer than 3months at a time may lead to worsening acne through development of antibiotic resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
We would love to give you a clear-cut answer for this one, but the jury is still out on this. There is some newish evidence that eating foods with a low glycaemic index as opposed to a high glycaemic index may improve acne. There is also some weaker evidence to suggest that dairy products may worsen acne, however it is important to note that currently there are limited clinical trials to support this idea. It is thought that these foods can lead to sugar spikes and the release of hormones such as insulin and androgen -which can act to increase sebum and worsen acne.
Low glycaemic index foods that may benefit acne:
Vegetables (Peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, lettuce)
Wholegrain foods
Fish, Olive Oil, Garlic (Mediterranean style diet)
Fruits (e.g. Strawberries, apples, pears)
Beans and Legumes (e.g. Chickpeas, beans (dried or boiled), legumes.)
Dark chocolate with more than 70% cocoa (this is better than milk chocolate!)
Nuts (e.g. Cashews, peanuts.)
High glycaemic index foods to avoid which may worsen acne:
Sweets, chocolate and biscuits
Most fast foods
Sugary fizzy drinks
White bread
We would recommend a balanced diet overall, but people may recognise that certain foods can worsen their acne- therefore it makes sense to try to reduce or cut these foods out completely from your diet. Another idea is to keep a daily food diary for 2-3 months which may help you identify specific food triggers for your acne. Some people with acne may also have an eating disorder and if you feel that you are struggling with this then please let someone know and seek some help from your G.P.
Here at DigiDerm we are big fans of keeping it simple. We find that this means people are more likely to get into the habit of a consistent routine. If you have a consistent, simple daily routine, you are more likely to see quicker and better results. Acne doesn’t get cured overnight. It can take anywhere from 3-6-9 months to see maximum improvement, although some people may see quite significant improvement in a matter of weeks. There is no ‘one-size fits all’ routine as people may have different skin types (e.g. oily, sensitive, dry). Most people with acne will have some degree of oily skin so therefore we would recommend:
Morning
Cleansing with an aqueous based cleanser (see treatments section above)
Apply Prescription or other acne treatment cream (If appropriate)
Moisturising with a water-based product (especially if you have dry skin or skin irritated from you prescription strength acne treatment)
Apply SPF / Sunscreen
Apply make-up last (although make-up is best avoided whilst undergoing acne treatment!)
Afternoon
Remove Makeup using an oil-free makeup remover
Cleansing with an aqueous based cleanser (see treatments section above)
Apply Prescription or other acne treatment cream (If appropriate)
Moisturising with a water-based product (especially if you have dry skin or skin irritated from you prescription strength acne treatment)
Most people can wear makeup without it worsening their acne or interfering with acne treatment. However, if you think you makeup is a problem then stop using it and try something else. Read the labels on the products you are using and choose makeups that are water-based, free from oil or labelled as ‘non-comedogenic’. This will avoid the makeup occluding your skin and blocking pores, which could potentially cause acne (‘acne cosmetica’) or worsening your existing acne. Remove your makeup before going to bed with a water-based cleanser.
To avoid skin irritation, apply makeup gently with a ‘feather-light touch’ using brushes. To avoid increasing the bacterial load of acne on your skin wash your makeup brushes weekly and do not share them with others. Acne cosmetica (where your makeup is causing your acne) can cause lots of whiteheads and papules (pimples) to appear on your face and it can sometimes take months to appear. If you are in doubt if you have acne cosmetica and would like some advice, then feel free to book a telephone consultation with one of our friendly dermatology specialists.
Acne is not caused by having a ‘dirty’ face or being ‘unhygienic’- however, having a good cleansing routine will help improve acne. We would recommend cleansing the face at least once per day with an acne wash as this will help remove any excess grease, cosmetics and other substances that may block the skin pores. See the treatment section for some options for cleansers.
Consultant dermatologists are the best people to deal with very severe or complex forms of acne. This includes patients with significant scarring, those with moderate acne who are not responding to treatments, and those with associated severe psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression. We do not currently refer patients to consultant dermatologists- this would be best done via your G.P.
Acne is a chronic (long-term) disease which means that for most people it will last longer than a few weeks. Most cases will clear up by the time people reach their late teens or early 20’s, however about 20% of women and 10% of men will still have acne after the age of 25. A smaller group of people may have acne that lasts into their 30’s and 40’s. The good news is with early and consistent treatment many people can bring their acne under control, so it is almost unnoticeable.
It is unusual for the skin to completely return to normal, however, with early intervention and the right mix of treatments then you can see significant improvements. About half of smaller scars may improve naturally within a few months to a year. Those with more severe, deeper acne lesions and those who are constantly squeezing or picking their spots (stop!) are more likely to have more pronounced acne scarring that is more difficult to correct. Broadly speaking there are two different types of acne scars: Atrophic scars (depressed scars) and Hypertrophic (elevated scars).
We would not recommend patients to start having treatment for scarring whilst they still have ongoing acne because this can cause the acne to flare. For minor elevated scars which often effect the shoulders, chest and jaw- there is the option to treat with a silicone gel such as Dermatix Silicone Scar Gel or Kelo-Cote Scar Gel. Another option could be the careful short-term application of a potent topical steroid cream such as Betnovate Cream- however it is important this is only applied to the scar tissue itself and not the surrounding skin. Other effective treatment options include laser therapies, chemical peels, microneedling and surgical treatments- these treatments are best accessed from a consultant dermatologist who will be safely and competently trained. The key take-home message with scarring is that ‘prevention is better than cure’ so therefore it is important to access effective treatments as soon as possible.
Acne will affect most of us at some point during our lives and all types of acne can cause a person to feel psychological distress such as low self-esteem, anxiety and depression. More than 90% of people say their skin condition affects their self-esteem and more than 80% say their skin has affected their sleep. At DigiDerm we understand the impact that poor mental health can have on someone’s life, and we are here to listen and support the best we can. Check out our free mental health advice for people with skin conditions which contains some practical tips on how you can improve your mental wellbeing. If you think you are suffering with serious signs of poor mental health, then please SPEAK UP and LET SOMEONE KNOW– we would encourage you to seek help via your NHS G.P or local mental health service. You can find a bunch of helpful numbers and contacts for mental health support on our mental health advice page.
There is no ‘one size fits all’ treatment approach for acne as people have different severity of acne and different skin types (oily, dry, sensitive etc). We would recommend looking above at our diagnosis and treatment sections and selecting a product that matches the level of severity of your acne. If you are still unsure if a product is right for you, simply complete the questionnaire-based consultation, attach some photos and we will advise you if the product is suitable or suggest an alternative. You can also book a friendly telephone consultation if you’d prefer.
The face, back and chest are the main areas where there is a higher amount of oil glands in the skin. These oil glands (pilosebaceous units) secrete sebum which can block pores and cause acne. Forehead acne can be caused by oily hair rubbing against your forehead e.g., having a fringe or wearing a hat. Also, hair products especially those with occlusive ingredients such as thick oils and waxes can cause acne on your forehead. Acne on the jawline, lower cheeks and chin may be more prominent in women and it can also be related to using your mobile phone on the one side of your face. Try to clean your phone now and again and give your skin a break from the bacteria, heat and pressure that comes from pressing a phone screen against your skin.
Acne can occur in pregnancy and sometimes worsens due to hormonal changes. As with all medicines and treatments in pregnancy, there will always be a small risk attached of potential harm to the unborn child and mother. This is because most acne medications and products have not been tested in pregnant women (for ethical reasons!) and therefore they do not have a robust safety profile to grant them a product license. When in doubt it is best to have a chat to a registered healthcare professional who will discuss the risk versus benefits of using medicines and treatments in pregnancy. You can book a friendly telephone consultation with one of our dermatology pharmacists to discuss treatment options for acne in pregnancy if you’d prefer. If you are planning a pregnancy or pregnant then you must avoid using topical and oral retinoid products and oral tetracycline antibiotics as these carry a high risk of harm. Treatments that are generally accepted to be safe in pregnancy include benzoyl peroxide e.g., Acnecide Gel, Erythromycin and zinc topical solution (Zineryt Lotion) and Azelaic Acid cream/ gel. We would also advise avoiding any skincare products containing the aspirin derivative ‘salicylic acid’ as this could pose the risk of harm to an unborn baby.
Guidance for pregnancy and breastfeeding can vary from product to product so please carefully read the product information before use and always inform us if you are currently pregnant/ planning pregnancy or breastfeeding whilst completing a consultation.
There is no conclusive evidence that acne is caused by covid although the emotional and physical stress of having coronavirus may cause a worsening of acne. The main problem people have is that they find that wearing a facemask to protect against covid may in fact worsen their acne. Facemasks can cause the build up of sweat, oil and acne bacteria and may cause irritation. Here are a few tips to help minimise these problems and get your skin looking healthier:
- Wear soft, comfortable masks that have at least 2 layers of breathable fabric e.g., cotton
- Avoid masks made of synthetic fibres such as nylon and polyester as these may irritate your skin
- Wash your face twice a day and after sweating
- Apply water-based moisturiser before and after wearing your mask
- Use mild, fragrance-free products
- Use products and makeup that is labelled ‘non-comedogenic’ so it won’t block your pores
- Apply Vaseline to your lips
Whilst there is limited conclusive evidence that proves an association between stress and acne, we have found that many of our patients believe this to be true. A small study in the Archives of Dermatological Research in 2003 found that as people’s stress levels increase so does the severity of their acne- this could be related to external emotional events. Stress may also delay the healing of acne spots and cause people to pick their spots compulsively- known as ‘Acne Excoriee’.
Acne and Rosacea are different skin conditions and have different causes and treatments. They can appear to look the same to the untrained eye, but there are a few key differences:
Rosacea
Rosacea
Mainly affect Teenagers and those in 20’s
Mainly affects those over 30 years old (more common in those with fair skin)
Blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, cysts and nodules on face, jawline, back and chest
No blackheads, Pimple-like breakouts mainly on face and eyes (redness can extend to scalp, neck, chest, upper back)
Redness around your spots only
Widespread Redness in the centre of your face -cheeks, forehead, nose and chin- this can come and go or be permanent
Oily skin
Very sensitive skin- burning, stinging, itching- especially when applying certain products
Bumpy skin textures from blemishes or scars
Large pores in the skin and visible blood vessels
Eye problems- bloodshot eyes, swollen eyelids and discomfort
Other skin conditions that commonly disguise themselves as acne or rosacea are perioral dermatitis, folliculitis and keratosis pilaris. If you are unsure whether you have acne or rosacea, please book in for a friendly telephone consultation with one of our dermatology pharmacists who can discuss how we can help.
To many people the words acne and pimples mean the same thing, but if we’re going to get technical, then there is a difference. Acne is a disease that may cause pimples (small spots or blemishes) as one of its symptoms, along with excess sebum, redness etc. It is also normal for some people to get a few minor pimples as part of their normal skin type without necessarily having acne. Minor pimples would have a shallow blemish with a whitehead or blackhead. If you are suffering from acne, you would likely have a larger number of persistent pimples which may have additional swelling, redness, tenderness and a greater sebaceous/oil content.
Acne can unfortunately cause changes to your skin colour due to inflammation (known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). In white or paler skin this can look red, and in pigmented or darker skin this can look dark brown. This can be significant and sometimes last for months to years. Pigmentation will usually fade over time, but it is important to access early treatments for acne to try to prevent this happening in the first place. There are a few options for treating hyperpigmentation in acne which may help the skin turn back to its original colour quicker- these include retinoids (e.g. Differin 0.1% Cream/Gel), or Azaelic Acid (e.g. Skinoren 20% Cream).
If you have ‘acne-like’ spots on your buttocks it is much more likely to be due to another condition called folliculitis – this is where your hair follicles become infected with bacteria and inflamed leading to an itchy red rash. If you suffer from this it may be worth trying to avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing and to bathe regularly after exercise or when you may become excessively sweaty. Folliculitis is also common in the beard area in adult males. Most cases of folliculitis will resolve without treatment, however, topical antiseptic solutions such as chlorhexidine (Hibiscrub) may help to treat and prevent. In more severe cases of folliculitis then oral antibiotics may be warranted- we do not currently offer this treatment at DigiDerm and would recommend you contact your G.P.
Also know as ‘Bacne’, this affects around half of all people with acne. People tend to get more painful, deeper acne spots on the back due to the thicker epidermal layer of skin that grows here. The treatments for the back are essentially the same as for any other area of acne, however if you have widespread acne on the back, it may be more practical to go for an oral antibiotic such as Lymecycline 408mg Capsules (it can be very difficult to apply a cream to your own back!). The usual hygiene measures would apply here such as wearing loose fitting clothing and showering after exercise or periods of excessive sweat.
