Clive Anderson - AT THE DERMATOLOGIST YOUR FACE contains hundreds of small nearly invisible hairs, each of which grows in an area called a follicle. Each hair comes out to the surface of the skin through a hole commonly called a pore. Acne develops when these pores become clogged up with oils and dead cells.
In addition, a bacteria called P. acnes that lives on our skin takes the opportunity to multiply in this plugged up area. The battle against acne then has to be fought on at least two fronts opening the pore and killing the bacteria.
How can I open my clogged up pores?
Scrubbing your face with an apricot scrub, blue wash soap or antibacterial soap does not help and may even aggravate the situation. The best way is with a prescription pore opener prescribed by your Dermatologist. These include Retin-A, Differin, Stieva-A.
HOW CAN I KILL THE BACTERIA?
Again scrubbing with antibacterial soaps doesn't help. One of the best antibacterial is Benzoyl peroxide, which is contained in many over the counter and prescription products. Other topical antibiotics may also be used and depending on the severity of the acne, antibiotics to be taken by mouth may be prescribed.
Don't spot treat. The acne treatment works to stop the process and prevent the bumps developing and so should be applied all over the face avoiding the sensitive areas around the eyes, mouth and the creases beside the nose.
Most acne treatments do not cure the acne; they only stop the process for as long as they are applied. Stopping the treatment allows it to start again and the acne will come back.
RoAccutane is the only medicine that offers the possibility of a cure for acne. This is an excellent product but its use should be carefully monitored by a Dermatologist because of possible adverse side effects.
If indentations or scarring occurs seek treatment immediately.
Acne lesions often heal leaving a spot. Treat the acne first then the spots
ACNE MYTHS
Myth: Acne should disappear by the end of adolescence.
Fact: Some women have acne that persists well past adolescence and into middle age. Others have an initial episode in their 20s or 30s. (Men who did not have acne in their teens rarely develop it after adolescence.)
Myth: Blackheads are caused by dirt.
Fact: They are black because of oxidised melanin not dirt. Blackheads, or open comedones, are collections of sebum and keratin that form within
follicular openings and that, when exposed to air, become oxidised and
turn black.
Myth: Frequent facials are beneficial.
Fact: Professional facials and at-home scrubs, astringents, and masks
are generally not recommended because they tend to aggravate acne. Facial peels with exfoliating products like Glycolic or Salicylic acid are however helpful.
Myth: Acne is caused or worsened by certain foods, such as chocolate, sweets, and greasy junk food.
Fact: Despite occasional personal anecdotes and persistent cultural
myths, there is little evidence that acne is significantly influenced by diet. It is wise however to avoid foods that seem to aggravate acne.
Myth: A dirty face exacerbates acne; therefore, scrubbing the face daily will help to clear it up.
Fact: Acne is not caused by poor hygiene. Scrubbing and rubbing a face that has acne, particularly inflammatory acne, will only serve to worsen the irritation. Instead, the face should be washed daily with a gentle cleanser.
Finally , forget the infomercial. The prescription medication you can get from your Dermatologist is much stronger and more effective than anything you can get in the mail.
Dr. Clive Anderson is a Dermatologist and Venerologist.
