Acne Facts
Over 75% of Europeans will suffer from acne sometime in their lives. It is the most prevalent medical condition in western society.
Acne is caused by a sensitivity to testosterone. Sensitivity to testosterone causes abnormal cell growth, excessive sebum and acne bacteria. However what exactly causes these conditions to manifest themselves at a certain point in a persons life is not fully understood.
Most people suffer from acne in their late teens and early twenties. Acne is however increasingly affecting people later in life and it is not unusual to suffer from late onset acne in your fifties. The average time a person may be affected by acne is about 7 years.
Acne Myths
Diet. It does not mean you have a poor diet if you suffer from acne. However there is evidence to suggest that diet can play a part in helping to control acne. See Handy Tips below.
Contagious. Acne is not contagious. A person who is not sensitive to testosterone cannot catch acne.
Sex. Acne is not caused by sexual activity of any sort.
Cleanliness. An outbreak of acne doesnt mean your skin is dirty. Although it is important to avoid an excess of oil on the surface of the skin, washing too frequently will over dry the skin. This will stimulate increased oil production and aggravate the acne further. See handy tips below.
Ultra Violet Radiation. Although in some cases ultra violet radiation may provide a temporary improvement in the severity of acne it is unlikely to cause a long term clear up of the condition. However frequent exposure to ultra violet light whether from sun beds, UV lamps or sunshine will damage the skin, aggravate the condition and cause premature ageing. For some people blue light (415nm) can be beneficial without the adverse side effects.
Acne Handy Tips
Acne Skin Care. Skin care is a vital part of controlling acne. The skin should be kept clean with the regular use of a gentle cleanser. It is important not to over cleanse the skin to the point where it becomes dry and irritated. A non comodegenic moisturiser should be used at all times as this will help prevent the release of oil by the sebaceous glands. Moisturisers should be applied after the application of any treatment gels or creams.
Compliance. You will get a better result if you follow your treatment regime carefully. That means that each day and everyday you must without exception follow the treatment plan given to you by your therapist and where appropriate take the medication as instructed by your doctor.
Variety. The more you do, the better your result. Your SkinGenesis treatment programme will work well with most medical treatments (but please advise us of any medication you are taking). It is worth experimenting with lifestyle and diet too. Every little bit helps.
Persevere. Don't give up too quickly! In some cases it can take up to 2 months for treatments to start showing results. Sometimes acne can appear to get worse before it gets better. If you try something new, stick with it for 8 weeks and then if there is no improvement, stop doing it and then try something new.
Diet and Acne. For some people diet can influence the severity of acne. Observe your reaction if you change your diet and adjust your diet accordingly. There is increasing evidence (but by no means conclusive) that a low GI diet will help reduce the effects of acne.
Be Positive. Acne can be controlled, but sometimes it can take time to find the treatment program that works for you. Don't feel alone, most people have or will suffer from acne so they understand how you feel. Talk to our therapists, they too either suffer or have suffered from acne. We particularly recommend joining the Acne Support Group, a registered charity that provides a forum for acne sufferers.
For more information please call your local clinic
Back to the Acne Treatment page.
|
