There is a common myth that only teenagers suffer from the effects of acne. However, adults can also suffer from both breakouts and the scars left behind from acne that they experienced earlier in their lives. The effects of acne can be distressing for both adults and teenagers alike and it can really have a negative impact on a person’s confidence and self-esteem. Luckily there are a number of skincare solutions and acne treatments available to treat the breakouts themselves and the scarring that has been left behind.
What is acne?
Acne is caused by blocked pores that occur as the result of the production of too much sebum (this lubricates the hair and skin to stop it drying out). These blocked pores can lead to breakouts of spots, ranging from mild to severe. Acne most often occurs on the face, but can also affect the back, neck, and chest. It is most commonly experienced by teenagers and young adults between the ages of 12 and 25, however breakouts can occur in adults in their 30s and beyond.
Treating acne – how to get rid of acne and acne scarring
Creams – there are a number of skincare creams and serums on the market that are designed to reduce the appearance of scarring, Bio Oil being the most well-known. These creams are designed to hydrate the scarred area, deal with any discolouration, and even prevent the occurrence of scarring if applied early on after an outbreak. Many of these creams can be found at your local high street chemists.
Antibiotics and topical creams – if you are experiencing severe outbreaks of acne then it’s advisable to make an appointment to see your doctor. Depending on your medical history and the severity of your outbreaks they may be able to start treating your acne using prescription strength creams or antibiotics to help calm the skin, you may also receive a referral to a dermatologist who will be able to advise you on the best treatments based on your particular case.
Laser treatment – Reducing the appearance of acne outbreaks and scarring using laser treatments is becoming more popular and the success rates of these treatments are high. The Theraclear Acne Clearing System from Proskin actively cleans the pores and removes the build-up of sebaceous material. Not only that, but it reduces the likelihood of future outbreaks by destroying bacteria and reducing sebum production. The treatment can be used on severe and active outbreaks, with results often seen after the very first treatment.
Facials – Facials are beneficial for all skin types however, they can be especially effective at tackling acne breakouts by cleansing the skin and removing the bacteria that causes spots. Regular facials can help keep future acne outbreaks under control.
Microdermabrasion – If your skin has an excess of blackheads and clogged pores, the deep cleansing offered from a microdermabrasion treatment could help clear your pores and prevent future outbreaks of acne. However, this treatment is not suitable if you are currently experiencing an outbreak.
Skin Peels – The Vitamin A boost and simply flawless skin peels offered by Proskin are great for tackling existing breakouts, reducing your skin’s oil production, and reducing the appearance of the scarring caused by previous outbreaks.
Dermal Fillers – If you are suffering from severe acne scarring then dermal fillers may be the answer. An injection of filler into the area can help raise the skin and fill out the scar so that its appearance is reduced, this is great for pitted scaring.
The above treatments all have their pros and cons when it comes to helping you to manage your adult acne outbreaks and deal with the skin issues left behind from acne you may have suffered earlier in your life. If you are suffering from acne and acne scarring you should book an appointment with one of our skincare therapists by calling 0203 758 7548. We can then carry out an analysis of your skin and recommend a course of treatments specifically designed for you, we will help you beat your acne for good.