Acne

What is acne?

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting people of all ages. It is an inflammatory skin condition, occurring when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to inflamed spots, pimples, blackheads, or cysts.  

This leads to oily skin and the development of spots, including blackheads and whiteheads, on the skin. While it’s most common on the face, acne can also appear on the back, chest, and shoulders.

In some cases, acne can cause large nodules to form under the skin, that can become painful and sometimes infected and can cause scarring when they eventually heal.

Acne can have a significant impact on self-esteem and emotional well-being, particularly when it leads to scarring. At Skin Excellence Clinics, we specialise in advanced acne treatments tailored to your specific needs.

Who does acne affect?

Acne is very common in teenagers and younger adults, often beginning in puberty due to hormonal changes that increase oil production in the skin.

It can also be related to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

About 95% of people aged 11 to 30 are affected by acne to some extent. In some cases, acne can continue into adult life with approximately 3% of adults suffering with acne over the age of 35.

What are the different types of acne?

Acne manifests differently and everyone’s case is unique, with no ‘one size fits all’ treatment available. Acne could present in the following ways, or even a combination of symptoms:

• Comedonal Acne: Characterised by blackheads and whiteheads caused by clogged pores. There is a common misconception that blackheads are filled with dirt, however they appear ‘black’ because the inner lining of the hair follicle produces pigmentation.
• Inflammatory Acne: Includes papules and pustules. Papules are small red bumps that may feel tender or sore; pustules are similar but have a white tip in the centre, caused by a build-up of pus.
• Cystic Acne: Severe acne causing deep, painful, pus-filled lumps - the most severe type of spot caused by acne. Cysts carry the greatest risk of causing permanent scarring.
• Nodular Acne: Large, painful lumps beneath the skin, often mistaken for cystic acne.

Personalised Acne Treatment at Skin Excellence Clinics

At Skin Excellence Clinics, we understand that no two cases of acne are the same. We offer bespoke treatment plans designed to address the root cause of your acne and improve the overall health and appearance of your skin.

Whether you want to treat persistent acne, acne scars, or both, a detailed consultation will allow our experienced, medically trained team to evaluate your skin and recommend the best course of treatment for your desired outcome.