Acne and Oily Skin

How would we describe Acne/Oily Skin and Treatments Recommended

If you have "Acne/Oily Skin" then you probably find you develop a shine on your skin through the day. You will be prone to blockages of your pores and more than likely some breakouts (spots). Your skin maybe sensitive, affected by hormonal issues oily/acne skin is most commonly found during the age of puberty.

The pores of our skin are made up of a combination of oil and sweat glands (sebaceous and sudoriferous glands) helping to keep our skin healthy and elastic. An excess of sebum secretion is often linked with oily skin and acne. This is particularly common in adolescents because the increased levels of the sex hormones will stimulate sebum production and secretion. When the skin is balanced it will have a combined excretion of oil and sweat from the skin’s pores which has a pH of about 5.5.

The skin’s pH level is important and we often relate/classify skin types by the Ph Level it has i.e. where it is in the Alkaline to Acid range and maintaining a slightly acidic pH of around 5.5 is critical. The skin’s pH value is one of the major contributors to acne and other skin problems. Propionibacterium acnes (P Acnes) is a bacteria that normally lives on the skin regardless of the presence or absence of acne.

However, in individuals prone to acne, the number of P. acnes is greatly increased. It has been found that the growth of these bacteria is very much dependent on the pH value of the skin and its growth is at its minimum at the normal skin pH of 5.5. A slight shift towards the alkaline pH would provide a better environment in which it can thrive.

Typical questions we get asked about Oily/Acne Skin and some of our recommendations

Clients often tell us that their skin feels and looks lumpy under the surface and we are told that any moisturisers or SPF products used appear too heavy on the surface. Other classic symptoms are Blackheads and Whiteheads (Milia) and in severe cases cysts.
 

We would recommend not overloading on skin care products and to KEEP IT SIMPLE using the right balance of these beauty products. Go for Oil Free Skin Care and use exfoliating masks NOT scrubs, to prevent over stimulating the sebaceous glands. Clay based cleansers help to clear pores and anti-bacterial ingredients help to prevent spots.

Treatments Recommended for Oily/Acne Skin

Combined Facial Therapy (CFT)

CFT using either Intense Pulse Light (IPL) or Laser is extremely effective for this skin condition. The renowned NLITE Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment is a superb treatment for those suffering with acne.

A course of 3 treatments is recommended with gradual healing of the skin occurring, resulting in a reduction of the inflammation, breakouts/spots, colour and condition of the skin. Laser Consultations are essential for this treatment plus a patch test. 
 

It is vitally important to check what you are using on your skin. So, with the right balance of products and using of course them, will help to effectively maintain your skin in a healthy condition and keep it younger looking. We always advise Sun Protection for all year round and we always recommend a SPF30 protection level.

The Consultation Facial

Let us help and guide you and help you make the right decision. If it is your first visit to our clinic, we suggest you book our Consultation Facial to allow us time to devise your personal skin care regime.