About Acne

What is acne?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the pores in your skin become blocked and congested. Oil and dead skin cells build up to form blackhead, whiteheads and pimples.

Acne is very common and nothing be ashamed of, with 85% of Australians living with acne in their teen years and early twenties.

What are the symptoms?

Acne usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders. Acne signs vary depending on the severity of your condition.

  • Cysts

  • Crusting of skin bumps

  • Papules (small red bumps)

  • Pustules (bumps with white or yellow pus)

  • Redness around the skin eruptions

  • Scarring of the skin

  • Whiteheads or blackheads

Why does acne occur? 

Acne is caused by a number of factors in the body, which are generally not things patients can control themselves. As much as we love to think we can control our own bodies, acne is usually in the ‘not your fault’ category!

A healthy lifestyle and sensible skincare regimen are important, but there is no miracle diet or supplement, nor skincare regimen that is a magic bullet for acne.

  • Excess oil (sebum).

    The more active your oil glands, the more likely you are to develop acne. Oil glands become more active at puberty, as hormonal levels change.

  • Inflammation

    Inflammation forms around the trapped oil and dead skin cells, as well as the bacteria that develop in pimples.

  • Blackhead formation.

    Trapped pores allow comedones to form. Comedones are large pores. These may be open at the surface (blackheads) or closed (whiteheads).

  • Bacteria

    Acne bacteria thrive on the sebum/oil produced by oil glands. This then, in turn, increases inflammation.

  • Hormones

    Hormonal disorders, such as PCOS and Cushing’s disease, can increase acne. ‘Hormonal’ acne often affects the lower face in females but can appear in any pattern.

  • Congestion

    Blocked skin from makeup, skincare, or environmental exposure can cause acne. Heavy foundation, occlusive skincare, and working in hot, sweaty, or greasy conditions are common culprits.

  • Stress

    Stress can lead to skin breakouts due to its inflammatory and hormonal effects. Patients often notice more acne during stressful periods.

  • Medications

    Some medications can worsen acne, such as hormonal medications, certain contraceptives, medroxyprogesterone injections, steroid-based drugs, anabolic steroids, JAK inhibitors, EGFR inhibitors, lithium, ciclosporin, and azathioprine.

When should you see a doctor?

If your acne upsets you, speak to a dermatology specialist like ACNE RX. Never underestimate the importance of feeling confident in your own skin. At ACNE RX, we know what a difference this makes.

Receiving specialist care means you understand your skin properly, and what treatment can achieve for you. Clear skin doesn’t have to be a dream, and doesn’t need to mean years of failed treatments before finding something that works.

How is acne treated?

There are several ways to treat acne depending on the severity and your skin type.

  • Isotretinoin

    Isotretinoin is an oral vitamin-A-derived medication that targets acne by reducing oil/sebum production. Since its release in 1982, over 40 million patients have taken isotretinoin. It is the most effective treatment for acne.

  • Prescription Creams

    Prescription creams can be helpful for patients with mild superficial acne and those who prefer not to take oral medications. ACNE RX will devise tailored prescription creams to suit your acne and skin type.

  • Oral Antibiotics

    Prescription creams can be helpful for patients with mild superficial acne and those who prefer not to take oral medications. ACNE RX will devise tailored prescription creams to suit your acne and skin type.

  • Hormonal Manipulation

    Hormonal manipulation can benefit some patients, as hormones play a significant role in acne development. Anti-androgenic (anti-male hormone) medications work indirectly to reduce oil production by targeting androgens’ effect on oil glands.

  • In Clinic Therapies

    In-clinic therapies for acne can be particularly helpful for mild superficial acne. These include peels, facials, lasers, and LED lights. However, limitations may include ongoing costs and temporary improvements.

  • Prevention

    If only we could reliably prevent acne! Lifestyle measures that may be partially helpful include maintaining a healthy balanced diet low in sugars, drinking enough water (2 litres a day), and using a sensible skincare regimen.

Isotretinoin: The most effective treatment for mild to severe acne.

Isotretinoin may be familiar to you by other names, such as Accutane, Roaccutane and Oratane.

Isotretinoin is the most effective treatment for acne, and a course of treatment usually achieves lasting clear skin. Dermatologists prescribe isotretinoin to patients whose acne is impacting their quality of life.

Like all prescriptions, isotretinoin must be supervised by an expert to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Ready for clear skin? Book a consultation today.