Whilst acne is usually associated with hormonal changes at puberty, it is one of the most common skincare concerns we treat, and it can affect people well into adulthood. Now, several factors could contribute to acne breakouts, so in this blog, we will break it down to help you understand your skin and find the best acne treatment for you.
What causes acne?
Before looking at specific treatments, it helps to understand what acne is and what causes it. Identifying your potential triggers is very important in acne treatment, and you may need to incorporate some simple lifestyle changes or address underlying medical issues to improve your condition.
So, what causes acne? Put simply, acne is typically caused by a build-up of bacteria and sebum beneath the skin that manifests as infected lesions, inflammation, and acne breakouts.
Now, everybody is different, and therefore acne breakouts look different from person to person. Some people may present with blackheads or whiteheads, whilst for others, it shows up as red lumps (papules), or pus-filled spots which can cause scarring on the skin.
Unfortunately, for some people, acne breakouts can also leave behind scarring and visible pigmentation on the skin that can impact overall self-confidence.
From sun damage to genetics, there are a number of possible factors that could contribute to the formation of acne on the skin, including:
- Intolerances/Allergies
- Trauma
- Poor skin quality
- Hormonal changes
- Genetics
- External factors, including skincare, makeup, and sun damage.
- Lifestyle
Acne Treatment
When looking for suitable acne treatment, we advise that you seek the help of a trained professional, such as Dr. Jinah Yoo who will be able to thoroughly assess your skin and identify triggers to prescribe an effective treatment plan.
We understand that everybody’s skin is different, so all our acne treatments are bespoke and tailored to your exact needs to help you manage the condition in the future.
Here are some of the most effective acne treatments that may help you.
Chemical exfoliation – Also known as a chemical peel, this facial treatment is designed to aid natural exfoliation and promote healthy cell turnover by gently removing dead skin cells and acne-causing bacteria. Using medical-grade active ingredients, the treatment penetrates the deeper layers of skin to combat acne, pigmentation, and scarring.
Micro-infusion treatments – Similar to a chemical peel, this treatment targets the deeper layers of the skin and introduces a combination of medical-grade active ingredients, including antioxidants and vitamins to support overall health.
Laser treatments - Laser treatment for acne is a type of therapy that uses light energy to target the bacteria responsible for acne breakouts, reduce inflammation, and stimulate collagen production to improve the appearance of acne scars.
Collagen Induction Therapy – Also known as micro-needling, this treatment uses a specially designed tool to create tiny punctures on the surface of the skin. In turn, this helps to stimulate new collagen production within the skin and reduce the appearance of scarring.
LED Therapy – This treatment uses specially designed LED lights to help address target inflammation. LED can also be used in combination with other treatments to boost your skin's response.
Medical treatment - Medical treatment for acne involves the use of topical and oral medications to control and prevent breakouts. The type of medication recommended will depend on the severity and type of acne.
Topical medications may include benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, topical antibiotics, and azelaic acid. Oral medications may include antibiotics, hormonal therapies, and isotretinoin.
Skincare – Depending on the overall cause of your condition and the quality of the skin, we will prescribe a bespoke skincare regime that contains medical-grade solutions to incorporate into your daily routine. We will provide advice on how best to layer each product for results.
For more information on the best acne treatment, or to book a consultation and start your journey contact Dr. Jinah Yoo Dermatology.
