
Most of us have either suffered from acne personally or know of someone who has had acne. You may have heard the phrase ‘pizza face’ or have fallen under the common misconception that if you struggle with acne, you are somehow dirty. For many people who have acne, the skin disease affects more than their appearance. Studies have shown that people with acne can also develop depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, decreased quality of life and a feeling of being all alone.
So, what exactly is acne? It is a very common skin condition that usually starts during puberty but may develop later in life. It happens when the follicle under the skin gets clogged with sebum and dead skin cells which leads to inflammation and breakouts. These breakouts appear on the face but can also appear on the chest, back, shoulder and buttocks area.
Acne can be very tricky to treat as there are many contributing factors to its development. These include hormonal imbalances, genetics, stress, diet, medication, air pollution, incorrect skincare, make-up or haircare products and gut dysbiosis/imbalances. With so many contributing factors, it is important to consult an acne specialist that can assist you with skincare, lifestyle, and medication/supplementation to treat this chronic condition both form within and without.
Make sure that your acne specialist is knowledgeable in all the different treatment options including diet, lifestyle, skincare treatments and supplementation/medication. Gone are the days of singular treatment with aggressive medication which causes many short- and long-term side effects. A holistic approach offers the best long-term results. In the case of adult acne, make sure to visit your gynaecologist to rule out any hormonal imbalances caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis.
Quick tips for improving your acne include avoid touching your face unnecessarily, this includes popping your own pimples. Rather leave the popping to your acne specialist as they know how to remove them without causing long-term damage to the skin. Wash your face and follow a good skincare routine as set out by your acne specialist. Get plenty of sleep, consume many anti-inflammatory foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes and drink lost of water. Supplementation with vitamins and minerals are also important. Get plenty of sleep and go easy on the sugar, dairy, and fatty foods. You can also change your pillowcase 2-3 times per week and make sure to clean your phone daily.
And remember, your acne does not define you. If you are committed to make the necessary lifestyle changes as indicated by your acne specialist, you can improve this pesky skin condition to reveal smooth, healthy skin and a beautiful, glowing YOU!
With Skin Love,
Erika
Team Skin Deep