Whilst any medical condition is nothing to be ashamed of, we understand that it can be daunting to seek advice about a problem that's causing you embarrassment. As such, we explore the health issues that people find most difficult to talk about. Next up, acne.
What is acne?
Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people to some extent at some point in their lives. Generally speaking, acne causes spots, oily skin and can be hot or painful to touch.
What causes acne?
Acne is caused when the tiny hair follicles in the skin become blocked. The hair follicles are attached to sebaceous glands, which lubricate the hair in order to prevent the skin drying out. The oily substance produced by sebaceous glands is called sebum. If you have acne, the glands start to produce too much sebum and it is this that mixes with the dead skin cells to cause a blockage in the follicle, which will manifest itself as a blackhead, whitehead or pustule.
How can I care for mild acne?
It's important that you don't overwash the skin as this can dry out the natural oils and cause further irritation. As such, you should never wash the affected area more than twice a day. It's also important that you use mild soaps, cleansers and lukewarm water because chemicals and extreme temperatures will only cause further damage to the skin.
How can I treat severe acne?
Acne is a highly treatable condition, but if you have a severe case, you should speak to a healthcare provider to find the best option for your specific needs. For example, if you have a particularly severe case, your doctor can prescribe a range of drugs, creams or lotions.
A lot of people become self-conscious about the appearance of acne and try to disguise the condition with cosmetics. If you're going to go down this route, it's important that you use hypoallergenic cosmetics such as Vichy's Dermablend range. This will prevent any further damage and irritation to the skin, and you can create a flawless foundation finish using Dermablend 3D Correction.
If you want to find out more about how to treat your acne, get in touch with our pharmacist for advice.