Avoiding acne is a complex process involving many factors, as the development of acne is influenced by a number of internal and external factors.
Here are some strategies that can help prevent acne:
1. Skin care
Regular cleansing: wash your face twice a day with a mild face cleanser. Avoid excessive scrubbing and the use of aggressive cleansers, which can irritate the skin and increase sebum production.
Moisturise: use an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturiser that does not clog pores.
Arctonics: apply a toner to help remove excess oil and impurities.
Sun protection: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every day, as sunlight can worsen acne and accelerate skin ageing.
2. Lifestyle changes
A healthy diet: eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and protein-rich foods. Avoid foods with a high glycaemic index (e.g. sugary sweets, white bread), which can quickly raise blood sugar levels and contribute to acne.
Hydration: drink enough water daily to keep your skin hydrated.
Stress management: Stress can increase hormonal changes that can contribute to the development of acne. Practice stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing exercises.
3. Hormonal balance
Hormonal treatments: in some cases, hormonal imbalances, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can cause acne. In such cases, medical treatment may be needed, such as birth control pills or anti-androgen drugs.
4. Medication
OTC products: use products containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or alpha hydroxy acid, which can help to clean pores and reduce inflammation.
Prescription medicines: In more severe cases, you may see a dermatologist who may prescribe stronger medicines such as retinoids, antibiotics or hormonal treatments.
5. Avoid skin irritants
Don’t touch your face too often: Bacteria and dirt on your hands can be transferred to your face.
Avoid comedogenic cosmetics: Choose cosmetics that do not clog pores.
6. Regular ventilation and a clean environment
Change pillowcases and towels frequently: Bacteria and dirt can accumulate on these surfaces, which can contribute to acne.
Avoid tight clothing and hats: these can irritate the skin and contribute to acne, especially on the forehead.
Treating pre-existing acne can require a combination of approaches to help clear the skin and prevent further breakouts.
Here are some effective ways to treat acne:
1. Home treatments
Face cleansing: use a gentle face cleanser formulated for acne-prone skin twice a day.
Anti-inflammatory creams: use creams containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help clean pores and kill bacteria.
Moisturising: use a light, oil-free moisturiser to keep your skin from drying out.
2. Over-the-counter products
Benzoyl peroxide: This agent is effective against the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes, which is responsible for the development of acne.
Salicylic acid: Helps remove dead skin cells and prevents clogging of pores.
Alpha hydroxy acids: Lactic and glycolic acids help exfoliate the skin and keep pores clear.
Sulphur: Has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
3. Prescription medicines
Retinoids: derivatives of vitamin A, such as tretinoin or adapalene, help to keep pores clear and increase skin cell turnover.
Antibiotics: Topical or oral antibiotics (such as clindamycin, erythromycin, doxycycline) can reduce bacteria and inflammation.
Hormonal treatments: Birth control pills or anti-androgenic drugs such as spironolactone may help treat acne of hormonal origin.
Isotretinoin: Prescribed for severe cystic acne, it is effective in reducing sebum production and clogging of pores.
4. Other treatment options
Chemical peels: professional chemical peels, such as glycolic or salicylic acid peels, can help remove dead skin cells and clean pores.
Laser and light therapy: these treatments can reduce bacteria and inflammation.
5. Lifestyle changes
Healthy diet: avoid foods high in sugar and fat, eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.
Stress management:. Stress can increase the chance of developing acne, so it is important to reduce stress through techniques such as meditation and yoga.
Sleep: ensure you get enough sleep, as lack of sleep can make acne worse.
6. Skin care habits
Don’t squeeze acne: This can aggravate inflammation and cause scarring.
Avoid oily cosmetics: choose non-comedogenic, oil-free products.
Clean pillowcases and towels regularly: changing them often will help prevent bacteria build-up.
Reducing the visibility of acne scars may require different approaches, depending on the type of scar (e.g. indentation scars, keloids or hyperpigmentation).
Here are some effective methods and treatments:
1. Home treatments
Silicone gel or patch: Silicone-based products can help reduce the visibility of scars and promote healing.
Retinoid creams: Derivatives of vitamin A, such as tretinoin or adapalene, stimulate skin renewal and improve skin texture.
Vitamin C Serum: May reduce hyperpigmentation and promote collagen production through its antioxidant properties.
Moisturisers and sunscreens: Use an adequate moisturiser and apply a broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every day to prevent scars from darkening due to sun exposure.
2. Local treatments
Chemical peels: chemical peels based on glycolic, salicylic or lactic acid can help remove dead skin cells, improve skin texture and reduce hyperpigmentation.
Microdermabrasion: This mechanical peel removes the top layer of skin, helping to regenerate the skin and reduce scarring.
Dermarolling (micro-needling): tiny holes are created in the skin using tiny needles, which stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture.
3. Medical treatments
Laser treatment: fractionated CO2 laser or Erbium laser can be used to reduce the depth and visibility of scars and improve skin texture.
IPL (intense pulsed light): can be effective in treating hyperpigmentation and red scars.
Fillers: hyaluronic acid or collagen-based fillers can help fill deeper scars.
Steroid injections: For keloid or hypertrophic scars, steroid injections can help reduce scar tissue and flatten scars.
RF microneedling: combines the benefits of microneedling and radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture.
4. Other options
PRP (platelet-rich plasma): plasma derived from the patient’s own blood and injected into the skin to stimulate healing and collagen production.
Cryotherapy: used to treat keloid scars, where scar tissue is treated by freezing.
Surgical intervention: In severe cases, scars can be treated surgically, for example by punch excision or subcision.
