What Causes Acne
Contrary to belief, Acne is not caused by having ‘dirty’ skin or not washing your face enough. The main contributor to acne is excess oil production, clogged follicles, bacteria and/or excess hormone (androgen) activity.
Our oil glands naturally produce oil (sebum) to keep skin lubricated and protected. However, when in overdrive, this oil can cause blockage, trapping P. Acne bacteria and causing the infection and inflammation known as, you guessed it – acne. Acne generally occurs to the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders, as these areas tend to have the greatest production of oil.
Although acne affects people of all ages, it is most common in teenagers during puberty due to the level of androgen hormones being produced. Cystic acne is also highly prevalent in women before the start of a period due to dropping oestrogen and progesterone levels that trigger sebaceous glands to secrete more sebum.
What Is Acne Cosmetica?
Another common type of acne experienced by many is Acne Cosmetica. This mild but persistent category of acne is triggered by the use of cosmetics such as foundation, concealer and applicators. Acne cosmetica affects areas like the cheeks and forehead, and generally changes in product use, hygiene practices, or application techniques can improve the condition.
Using high quality mineral makeup instead of cheaper supermarket brands can also play a big role in reducing your chances of developing acne cosmetica.
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Need help managing your acne? Get in touch with our experienced group of therapists at Victorian Cosmetic & Dermal Clinics (VC Dermal Clinics) Melbourne at one of our 2 locations – Berwick, Camberwell
Types Of Acne
Did you know that there are a number of different types of acne? These include:
Whiteheads
In most cases, acne is a direct result of pores that are clogged with oil, bacteria, or skin cell production. This can be caused by skin cell production or as a result of hormonal changes. Whiteheads (comedones), happen when pores are clogged all the way through. This results in the formation of a little white bump on top of the skin.
Blackheads
Blackheads are known as open comedones because the head of the pore remains open, while the rest of the pore is clogged with a substance known as sebum. The black appearance is a result of the oxidation of melanin (your natural skin pigment).
Papules
Papules are hard, clogged pores that are tender to the touch. They occur when the walls surrounding your pore break down from being severely inflamed. Papules are solid with no visible fluid or ‘head’.
Pustules
Pustules present as small bumps on the skin that contain fluid or pus, surrounded by redness. These bumps look very similar to pimples; however they can grow quite large in size and be quite inflamed.
Nodules
Nodules occur deep under the skin when clogged, swollen pores endure further irritation and grow larger. Unlike pustules and papules, nodules are so deep within the skin that they cannot typically be extracted or be treated at home.
Cysts
Cysts develop when pores are clogged by a combination of bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells. These large red or white bumps are often painful to the touch. Cysts are the largest form of acne and are the most likely to scar.
To find out more about how you can treat acne, we highly recommend reading our guide to acne causes and treatments.
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Best Acne Treatments
Treating active acne involves a combination of skincare and treatment to control oil, remove clogging debris and fight acne bacteria.
The professional team at VC Dermal Clinics can effectively treat your acne regardless of how severe the inflammation. Whether these are blackheads, breakouts, congestion or acne, we have an effective solution that is medically sound and provides visible results.
Lira Clinical Peels
Lira Clinical peels are a safe, yet extremely effective treatment for acne. Because Chemical Peels use an enzymatic form of exfoliation, rather than scrubbing or granules, it is able to digest and remove the lesion without spreading acne bacteria.
Chemical peels target bacteria and lift away impurities which lead to the formation of congestion and breakouts. Lira Clinical peels contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), perfect for decongesting pores, clearing blemishes and resurfacing the skin’s texture. Regular Chemical peels can also aid in-regulating sebum / oil production, increasing cellular turnover, fighting p.acne bacteria and managing and healing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Laser Correction Facial
Our Laser Correction Facial Treatment utilises Q-switch laser technology. The rapid speed of the laser combined with a high repetition rate causes vibration in the skin which helps to eliminate impurities and stimulate collagen. The 1064 nm wavelength specifically targets the deeper layers of the skin to eliminate impurities whilst providing a safe treatment for all skin types.
Laser Correction Facials are especially effective for black head removal/expulsion, elimination of oil, while also tightening and reducing pore size. This treatment can also be combined with Microdermabrasion as an Advanced Laser Correction Facial for maximum results.
Low Intensity Laser Therapy
Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) utilises 3B cold laser technology, which stimulates cell production by emitting various light wavelengths, triggering a variety of healing, regenerating, stimulating and corrective responses. These responses stabilise and normalise skin function with no heat, discomfort or downtime.
For the treatment of Acne, the beam effectively reaches under the skin’s surface and targets the inflammation, promoting your own body’s natural healing and restoring a healthy balance of bacteria and oils.
Omnilux LED Light Therapy
LED light therapy is an ideal treatment for acne, with an optimal treatment plan including a synergistic combination of blue light and red light therapy. Blue light works to stimulate porphyrins (compounds found in acne-causing bacteria) which then generates a controlled amount of free radicals which work to destroy acne bacteria. Red light triggers an immune response in the skin that helps to regenerate cells and help with skin healing.
For best results we recommend a course of 9 treatments – every 48 hours, 3 times per week. LED treatment can also be used alongside microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser facials to enhance, accelerate and intensify results.
Acne Skincare
Vitamin A
Acne is often caused when oil and dead skin cells congest and clog the pore. Vitamin A is an essential ingredient as it helps stimulate skin cell turnover to curb these blockages. Lira Clinical Pro Retinol Creme is a revolutionary resurfacing cream that contains a blend of Retinol, Hexylresorcinol, Resorcinol, Vitamin C, Mulberry Extract, and Arginine that work together to achieve a smooth and radiant skin tone.
The Acne Essentials Pack offers 4 different products that are proven to treat and prevent acne.
Mineral Makeup
For those with an excess oil flow, Mineral Makeup is especially beneficial as most oil-based makeup can be comedogenic (pore-clogging) and migrate into the pores of your skin, keeping pores congested. This results in Acne or Acne Cosmetica which can be avoided by switching to mineral make up. Here at VC Dermal we offer the exclusive Saint Minerals which is an ethically created clean beauty range with no-fragrance, no synthetics and no parabens.
Lira Clinical ICE Range
Lira Clinical have an entire range dedicated to the treatment of acne. The unique blend of anti-inflammatory, brightening and redness reducing ingredients combined with Lira’s exclusive healing peptide delivery system are designed to balance the skin’s microbiome while optimising skin health though topical probiotic technology.
Professional Results for Improved Skin Health
Since 2005 Victorian Cosmetic Dermal Clinics has been transforming the lives of our clients by providing results-driven laser and skin treatments for acne and many other skin conditions.
Contact us today to book your consultation with one of our skin specialists.
