What causes Acne?

Acne is caused by blockages and/or infections in the pilosebaceous unit, which includes the hair follicle and sebaceous gland. There are three main factors to consider when dealing with acne-prone skin:

1) Quality of Sebum

Sebum, the oily substance produced by sebaceous glands, can vary in texture. If it becomes thick and gluggy, it is likely to cause blockages as it moves through the narrow hair follicle to the skin’s surface. When the passage is blocked, it creates an ideal environment for P. acnes bacteria, the anaerobic bacteria responsible for breakouts, to thrive. This bacterium does not survive in an oxygenated environment, but once the hair follicle is closed off, it can multiply rapidly and cause infections.

2) Blockages of Hair Follicle Openings

Hair follicles can become blocked by dead skin cells, comedogenic products, dirt, and grime. These blockages prevent sebum from reaching the skin’s surface, leading to clogged pores and potential infections.

3) Incorrect pH Levels

The skin’s pH should be between 4.5 and 6.5, creating an acidic environment that helps maintain clear skin. P. acnes bacteria cannot survive in an acidic environment, but when the skin becomes alkaline, these bacteria can thrive, leading to breakouts.

Our Approach to Treating Acne and Blackheads

At Medical Aesthetic, we take a holistic and methodical approach to treating acne and blackheads, focusing on long-term results. Our expert team is dedicated to providing personalised treatments tailored to your skin’s unique needs. We emphasize transparency and clarity in our methods, ensuring you understand each step of your treatment plan.

Acne and blackheads are common skin concerns that can significantly impact one’s self-esteem. At Medical Aesthetic, we employ a comprehensive approach to manage and treat these skin issues using a combination of chemical peels, energy-based treatments, and targeted therapies.

Chemical Peels for Acne

Chemical peels are an effective treatment to reduce acne breakouts and improve skin texture and tone. Studies have consistently shown the benefits of acne peels in achieving clearer skin. We commonly utilize peels such as salicylic acid, resorcinol, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, and trichloroacetic acid (TCA), tailoring each treatment to the individual’s specific type of acne.

Energy-Based Treatments for Acne Marks

• VLaser for Redness: The Vlaser is used to treat redness associated with both active and old acne lesions. It has an anti-inflammatory effect that can calm active acne and effectively reduce redness from past acne, enhancing patient comfort and satisfaction.
• Medlite Q-switch Laser for Brown Marks: For post-inflammatory pigmentation from old acne lesions, the Medlite q-switch laser is employed to lighten these discolored marks, helping to even out skin tone.
• LED Therapy for Acne and Inflammation: LED light therapy reduces inflammation and accelerates the healing of active acne lesions. It also promotes skin rejuvenation on a cellular level, addressing pain associated with acne.

Our Internal Approach

Naturopathy and integrative medicine play crucial roles in understanding and treating acne from an internal perspective. These holistic approaches focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of acne, which often include hormonal imbalances, gut health issues, and dietary factors.

Naturopathic medicine emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods and low in processed, sugary, and dairy products that can trigger acne. Supplements such as zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A and E might be recommended to correct nutritional deficiencies and support skin health.

Integrative medicine combines traditional and alternative therapies to create comprehensive treatment plans. It often includes hormonal assessments and treatments to balance hormones that can contribute to acne, such as androgens and insulin. Gut health is another critical focus, as an imbalance in gut flora can affect skin health. Probiotics and other gut-supporting supplements may be prescribed to enhance the gut-skin axis.

By incorporating naturopathy and integrative medicine into our treatment plans we not only aim to clear up the skin but also improve overall well-being, ensuring that the body is more resilient and less prone to acne outbreaks in the future.

Each treatment plan at Medical Aesthetic is designed to address the underlying causes of acne—from hormonal issues to dietary influences and the use of comedogenic products. Our goal is to not only treat existing acne and scars but also to educate our patients on maintaining long-term skin health through appropriate skincare and lifestyle adjustments.

Seeking Professional Help

Don’t let acne and blackheads affect your confidence. Visit Medical Aesthetic to explore how our tailored treatments can support your skin’s health and clarity. Our professional and friendly team is here to help you achieve a clear and radiant complexion at any age.

Book Your Consultation

Ready to take control of your skin? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey to clearer, healthier skin with Medical Aesthetic.