Acne
Acne occurs due to the following chain of events:
- Increased sebum production
- Accumulation of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin
- Follicular canal obstruction
- Proliferation of bacteria
- Inflammation
These chain of events can lead to lesions, such as papules and pustules, which can be red and painful.
When severe, nodules and cysts develop which can unfortunately lead to scarring and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Acne can have a huge impact on our confidence but thankfully we have many effective clinical treatments which can be supported with high quality home care regimens to successfully treat acne.
Treatments
The treatment of acne depends on several factors including skin type, severity and past treatments. In general, best outcomes are with a combination of clinical treatments together with prescription medication to manage the underlying perpetuating factors.
Treatments for active acne include:
- Topical creams to reduce inflammation and oil production
- Topical and/or oral anti-inflammatory antibiotics
- Combined oral contraceptives can be of significant benefit to some clients
- Isotretinoin is a systemic retinoid that can be highly effective for treating severe disease
- Chemical peels - Mesoesteitc acnelan and salicylic peels can reduce oil production, inflammation and bacterial overgrowth
- Identification of underlying conditions which may exacerbate acne such as polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Treatment of acne complications:
The two most common complications of acne are scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Chemical peels - Mesoestetic Acnelan and salicylic peels
- Skinpen Microneedling - an effective treatment for acne scarring
Individualised skincare routines:
Galway Skin Clinic provides a range of products which contain a combination of biologically active ingredients for at home maintenance and prevention of recurrence.
As with all skin care it is important to ask your clinician for advice for your specific skin type and problem.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do you prescribe isotretinoin (roaccutane) in your clinic?
Yes, our clinicians do prescribe roaccutane and it is an excellent medication. It is not suitable for all patients in all circumstances but will be prescribed where appropriate and clinically indicated.
I’ve tried a lot of products, what is the best product to use?
There is no single “best product.” Something which may have worked very well for one person may be entirely ineffective for another. The best products are those which are given based on a client’s specific skin type and problem.
Can chemical peels be used for active acne?
Yes, we have a range of chemical peels which can be very effective for controlling oil production and inflammation. Some of these can be used with certain prescription medication however, patients who are prescribed roaccutane will need to avoid chemical peels for at least 6 months following cessation of the prescription.