While there isn’t usually one single culprit, acne development is like a team effort, with several factors working together to clog your pores and trigger inflammation. Let’s break down the main causes of acne:

Oil Overload: Our skin has tiny oil glands attached to hair follicles. These glands produce sebum, an oil that helps keep our skin hydrated. During puberty, however, hormone changes can kick these oil glands into overdrive, producing too much sebum. This excess oil mixes with dead skin cells and bam! – a pore blockage is born.

Dead Skin Cells Party Crashers: Normally, dead skin cells shed and move on. But sometimes, these cells don’t get the memo and decide to stick around. This buildup can team up with excess oil to form a plug, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

Bacterial Bonanza: Speaking of bacteria, everyone has it on their skin, some good, some not so good. In acne, a specific type of bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) can thrive in clogged pores. This bacteria irritates the skin, leading to inflammation and, you guessed it, a pimple.

Hormonal Havoc: Hormones play a big role in acne, especially androgen hormones like testosterone. These hormones increase during puberty and can ramp up oil production, contributing to breakouts. Acne can also flare up around menstrual periods due to hormonal fluctuations.

There are also some other factors that can contribute to acne:

• Diet: While greasy foods aren’t the sole cause of acne, some studies suggest a link between high glycemic index foods (sugary or processed foods) and breakouts.
• Friction: Ever notice more pimples after wearing a sweaty headband or tight backpack straps? Friction can irritate the skin and worsen acne.
• Stress: Stress can worsen existing acne, as stress hormones can increase oil production.

Remember, acne is a common skin condition, and you’re not alone! By understanding the causes and talking to a dermatologist, you can develop a personalised approach to keep those breakouts at bay. There are some treatment options available that can help. Let’s look at two options we offer here at Vein and Skin.

1. Microdermabrasion and Omnilux

This treatment involves a two-step process; Microdermabrasion and Omnilux.

Micodermabrasion
This minimally invasive treatment gently buffs away the top layer of dead skin cells, promoting smoother texture, reducing those acne marks.

Omnilux
This skin treatment involves LED light therapy. Depending on the specific light used, Omnilux can help reduce acne-causing bacteria, stimulate collagen production for firmer skin, and promote healing after microdermabrasion.

Used together, microdermabrasion preps the skin for optimal light penetration, while Omnilux can enhance the results and reduce recovery time. This combo is a great option for those seeking an effective treatment for acne affected skin.

To learn more about this treatment head to this page.

2. asap Chemical Peels

This treatment involves asap’s non-invasive chemical skin peel. These in-clinic treatments utilise targeted acids to gently exfoliate the top layers of skin, promoting cell turnover and tackling those pesky acne breakouts and blemishes.

We offer three peel treatment options.

asap lactic peel
This peel is recommended for dry, mature and sensitive skin types and helps to hydrate your skin.

asap glycolic peel  
The asap glycolic peel is a professional in-clinic treatment that uses a 40% glycolic acid solution to exfoliate the skin. Considered a moderate strength peel.

asap reveal peel
This peel utilises a modified Jessner solution, which is a combination of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). AHAs exfoliate the top layer of skin, while BHAs penetrate deeper to decongest pores and address blemishes.

To learn more about this treatment head to this page.

Ready to ditch the acne and scars? Schedule a consultation with one of our cosmetic nurses and take the first step towards a more confident you.