A spot of bother


  Acne is a problem which impacts a large majority of us, whether that be a small pimple once in a blue moon or something more severe such as regular cysts and nodules. Unfortunately there is no specific cure for the skin condition; no magical pill that provides you with blemish-free skin. For many, it can be frustrating and can have serious psychological effects, worsened by the detrimental social stigma of acne.

The actual cause is linked to hormones, exemplified by how many people can see their acne worsen at specific times such as during their menstrual cycle. Small glands located on the surface of the skin are known as sebaceous glands. They are attached to hair follicles which are small holes which allow hair to grow out of, with the hair itself being lubricated by sebum (an oily substances produced by the sebaceous glands). If too much sebum is produced, is combines with dead skin cells and blocks the follicle leading to a spot appearing on the skin.

 Todays’ post will hopefully be able to help anyone experiencing acne:

·         Know when to seek medical advice: there a several different types of spots, common ones including white heads and black heads. Nodules, which are painful hard lumps which develop under the skin and large pus-filled lumps resembling boils known as cysts carry the largest risk of scarring so visit your GP for help on how to treat them. Particularly if the acne is located on the back or chest, as antibiotics may be the best option.

·         Be cautious of expensive products: simply costing more than other products does not mean that it will work – sometimes the most natural and often more purse-friendly remedies can work just as well as those which are high end. Take the time to research ingredients, as sometimes harsh colourants and chemicals such as alcohol can be present which can irritate the skin further.

·         Patch test: if you are in any doubt as to whether or not a product will work for your skin, test out a small amount on one section of your skin or several days and see what the results show – if there is any burning, irritation or redness it may not be wise to place it all over the face.

·         Get to know your skin type: Dry? Oily? Combination? If you have very sensitive skin, be wary of harsh chemical and in general be gentle on the skin to avoid irritation and try to use things that complement the texture and needs of your skin. Don’t be afraid of using oils if you have oily skin as well as acne as in some cases it can work well to alleviate blemishes.

·         Nature’s gifts: tea tree oil can be an excellent way of treating spots which have just popped up on the skin, and aloe vera gel can be used to help with scarring, in some instances the simplest recipes can help to overcome skin. Apple cider vinegar diluted with water can aid in re balancing the skin and essentially serves as a toner.

·         Samples! sometimes when visiting skin care counters in department stores such as John Lewis, you can get small samples of products if you buy another – if you are buying a gift for someone or you know someone else is purchasing from a specific brand inquire about samples, or even just ask! It’s a great (and free) opportunity to see if you want to purchase those more expensive products which of course can work for some skin types.

·         Working from the inside: Some people find that certain foods will cause flare ups. if you do suffer from acne try several weeks cutting out certain food groups such as dairy and meat and see how your skin reacts, just ensure you are still eating a balanced diet and drinking fluids.

·         Is your bed the problem? ensure your pillowcase is changed regularly so your face is not be rubbed against dirt – clean any makeup brushed you use weekly and ensure your hair is clean as this is frequently close to the face. Always remove makeup before going to bed and if you are just relaxing.

·         Do research, don’t rush: everyone wants a quick fix, but sometimes weeks or even months are needed to see results so curate a regime for you and stick to it – this is the only way to truly see what your skin reacts to and find out what is causing the problem. In addition, if you are considering using birth control or going on Accutane, ensure you feel comfortable doing so and are aware of the risks and possible side effects, as you may find there is a less invasive way treating your acne.

·         Try not to stress! Having acne can damage self-confidence, but try to stay positive. Some things will work for some and not for others, so try to be patient and treat yourself with care. Talk to someone about it such as a family member or once again visit your GP if you are feeling particularly low, even if your type of acne is mild, as it is not something that has to be dealt with alone and mental health is just as salient.

Thank you for reading this week’s post!

Vicale Czan Alfanti

Universal Medicine


https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Acne/

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