It is estimated that up to ninety percent of teenagers and a significant number of adults suffer from acne (pimples). At Clear Complexions Clinics we know how debilitating the condition can be and that it can cause both physiological and emotional scars. Our aim is to increase self esteem, reduce the number and severity of breakouts and to minimise the scarring associated with acne. The Clear Complexions Clinic nurses are highly skilled at working with young people and their families for the best possible outcomes.
Acne can be well controlled with a treatment program designed by our qualified nurses that incorporates medical grade skincare, Omnilux Medical LED light based treatment, Microdermabrasion, Isôlaz® and a new generation of procedure peels. These can all be tailored to work alongside and support any medication prescribed by your doctor. We will not hesitate to refer you to your GP or dermatologist if your acne is not improving in the way we think it should be.
Don’t let acne hold you back any longer! Call for an appointment to start your treatment program today.
Primary causes of acne
The underlying causes of acne have been widely studied and genetics and hormones are the primary impacting factors. Acne is caused by overactive sebaceous glands and excess skin cell production, resulting in blackheads, whiteheads and cysts. In some cases however it may be an external factor that can be causing, if not increasing, the severity of breakouts.
Hormones
Hormonal acne doesn’t just impact teenagers, as many of us are well aware. In fact hormonal acne can often affect individuals in their early twenties when they had clear skin all through their teen years. This can be completely demoralising! Hormonal acne occurs more commonly on the lower half of the face and neck like the chin and jaw while teenage acne tends to follow the oilier areas of a teenagers skin – the typical T-zone.
Both adult and teenage acne are fundamentally due to hormones. In the case of teenage acne it’s the ‘arrival’ of hormones, in adult acne it’s due to a change in hormone levels. In both cases this changed hormonal activity stimulates an over production of oil. At the same time the skin becomes thicker as cells no longer exfoliate in an organized way leading to congestion which is a mix of oil and dead skin cells. This provides the perfect breeding ground for Propionibacterium acnes (P acnes). This bacterium is responsible for the redness and inflammation that most often progresses on to the cysts and whiteheads.
It’s also important to keep in mind that any underlying conditions can change hormone concentrations, such as thyroid imbalances, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), chronic stress and excess weight, resulting in the overproduction of oil and potentially lead to acne.
Other causes of acne
Diet
Diet is still a controversial topic when it comes to acne. A high GI (sugary) diet can worsen acne. There is no reliable evidence that eating chocolate increases the prevalence or severity of acne. (This is why we have no problem having chocolate for you in all of our clinics!) There are also no conclusive studies on the effects of diet and acne or such things as zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, Vitamin A, and dietary fibre.
Medication
Medication such as glucocorticoids, phenytoin, lithium, isoniazid, epidermal growth factor inhibitors, iodides, bromides, androgens can cause acne.
Treatment
Omnilux Medical LED light based treatment helps reduce bacteria and heal the skin without any irritation, discomfort or downtime
Isolaz is a vacuum that applies a gentle pressure to help clear the pores and then a broadband light destroys the bacteria. It is painless, can be used on all skin types and has no down time.
Procedure Peels use high levels of salicylic, L-lactic and pyruvic acid and provide excellent exfoliation while supporting skin’s acidity. These are gentle and don’t require any downtime.
Microdermabrasion provides gentle exfoliation for skin to unclog the top layer and increase the penetration of skincare products
Medical grade skincare
- Rationale threeFix Skin Clarity System
- Step 01 threeFIX Cleanse – a thorough yet gentle cleanser to remove debris and reduce excess sebum without stripping the essential lipid barrier.
- Step 02 threeFIX Unclog – a potent AHA (18%) and BHA (5%) exfoliant to help unclog pores and reduce breakouts. Improves skin tone, texture and clarity.
- Step 03 threeFIX Clear – a a spot treatment that helps control P acnes and regulate sebum flow without causing dryness or irritation.
- Priori Forte Facial Cleanser 20-contains lactic acid to gently exfoliate skin
- MD formulations Face and Body Scrub-contains glycolic acid to gently exfoliate skin
- Priori Advanced AHA Invigorating Face and Bodyscrub-contains lactic acid to gently exfoliate
- Rationale Niacinamide Serum (Vitamin B3) – helps regulate sebum production
- Rationale Retinaldehyde Serum (Vitamin A) – assists healing, reduces bacteria and blackheads
- Rationale Skin Refining Serum - helps unclog pores and prevent breakouts
- Heliosophy-oil free sunscreen
Scar management
- Mild vascular, red or purple and pigmented scars can often be effectively faded using Intense Pulsed Light. This treatment requires no downtime.
- Pitted scarring can vary in severity and requires a resurfacing laser like the Fraxel re:store® Dual to soften tough thickened scars and smooth the uneven texture.
Arrange a consultation with one of our nurse to assess what the most effective medical grade skincare and treatment options may be for you.
Could it be rosacea?
Not all acne-like spots are acne, especially when they persist into or appear in adulthood. Come in and check with our nurses to determine whether what you may be treating is acne or may in fact be rosacea.
