There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding acne - its causes and its treatments. Whilst skincare solutions for acne prone skin have come on leaps and bounds in the 21st century, many people – of all ages – still suffer from painful breakouts and unsightly lesions.
However we refer to the symptoms of acne – spots, pimples, cysts, lesions, blackheads, whiteheads, blocked pores, congestion, papules, pustules, nodules or any other terminology – acne is a frustrating skin condition that can also cause psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and reduced self-confidence.
So, what is acne?
The Facts…
- Acne affects a huge percentage of the UK population
- 80% of 12 – 24 year olds have suffered from acne
- 8% of adults between 24 and 35 have been plagued by this skin condition too
- And 3% of 35 – 44 year olds have been found to be victims of adult acne
- Acne is primarily caused by hormones – NOT dirty skin!
The Myths….
- As our statistics above prove, acne doesn’t only affect people in their adolescent years – it can affect people of all ages, both men and women
- Acne is NOT caused by poor hygiene – often those who suffer from acne will cleanse their skin more than most
- Acne is NOT contagious! Come on – it’s 2025 – surely, we don’t believe that one anymore…
- Acne doesn’t only appear on the face – it can appear on the neck, chest, back and other parts of the body
- There isn’t any scientific research to prove that diet can affect acne, however some people find that certain foods can exacerbate their symptoms, especially fatty foods, foods that are high in sugar or dairy products.
Understanding Acne…
Acne is primarily caused by hormones, specifically the androgen hormone that is stimulated during puberty. Whilst this makes acne more common in the teenage years, these hormonal imbalances can happen at any age. Sometimes factors such as pregnancy, contraceptive medication or the menopause can prompt significant changes to skin types and skin health.
Acne is essentially an inflammatory skin disease that affects the pilosebaceous gland. It presents itself in varying degrees of severity and in some cases, it can leave scarring on the skin. Aside from the inflammatory lesions that can look sore and angry, skin also becomes congested, with blocked pores and blackheads. A common side effect of acne is picking, which only makes the condition worse, increasing the levels of bacteria on the skin and increasing the chance of scars.
For acne to be officially diagnosed, there are 4 indicators that must be confirmed.
- There must be an increase in sebum
- There must be an increase in cell turnover
- There must be a build-up of Propionibacterium (P-Acne)
- There must be visible inflammation of the skin
Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, acne can then be categorised into 4 stages from mild to severe.
The Solution….
The great news is that acne is a highly treatable condition thanks to extensive research over recent years. From professional treatments to home care solutions, the appearance of acne can be dramatically improved with the help of the right skincare regime. Medication can also be offered by your GP if your acne is severe.
When there are so many products to choose from and so many claims of ‘clear skin’ it can be hard for consumers to know where to turn. However, even young consumers are incredibly discerning these days, expecting value for money and results when promised, ensuring those companies who state claims about improving skin health and appearance are held accountable.
98% of acne sufferers will discontinue the use of their acne products or treatment if an improvement isn’t seen within 4 weeks.
Sadly, the constant switching and changing of skincare products can make the situation worse, angering the skin further, so it’s important to do your research and choose your preferred skincare solution wisely.