how to treat acne
I chose to specialise in treating acne because of my own personal experience and the lasting impact it had on me. More recently, my daughter has been living with acne, and although treatment options have improved since I was in my twenties, I believe it's actually even harder to live with today.
Mobile phones and social media have made it harder than ever to avoid being photographed, feeling scrutinised, or comparing ourselves to others.
I remember trying to avoid having my picture taken, but now, refusing a photo or asking not to be tagged on social media can draw even more attention, making the feelings of isolation even more intense.
Many people will experience acne at some point in their lives, whether it's the occasional pimple or blemish, or the relentless struggle of cystic acne.
Usually people try creams, gels, and spot treatments in the hope of clearing up their blemishes. However these products, especially if they're too harsh or drying, can actually make the situation worse. Overuse of such treatments can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, which is responsible for protecting the skin from environmental stressors, bacteria, and moisture loss.
The skin barrier is made up of lipids and ceramides, which help keep the skin hydrated and healthy. When this protective barrier is damaged, the skin becomes more vulnerable to irritation, dehydration, and further breakouts. Instead of relying on aggressive treatments, it’s often more effective to focus on restoring balance to the skin and rebuilding its natural defences. This can help the skin heal more effectively and prevent future flare-ups.
These first line treatments are typically an acne cleansing wash such as Clearasil. When these don’t work creams such as Acnecide or benzyl peroxide are tried. Following on from these a GP may prescribe a retinoid cream, the contraceptive pill or perhaps antibiotics such as doxycycline. My daughter tried all of the above. From here the next step and final treatment is usually Roaccutane or ( more rarely) Spironolactone. The decision to go on these medications shouldn’t be taken lightly due to their side effects and Spironolactone only works whilst it is being taken. My daughter was on Roaccutane for over a year and it did clear her skin but the acne came back after a couple of years. She is now trying the more natural route due to the side effects she encountered whilst taking it. Roaccutane can be very effective but not for everybody and some people need further treatments.
All of these treatments focus on addressing the signs and symptoms of acne, rather than the root cause. Realising that there is even a root cause, after months of trying almost everything, can be a difficult and frustrating process. Meanwhile, the look and feel of skin with persistent acne can start to erode confidence and self esteem resulting in further isolation and often contributing to anxiety and depression. My treatment plan for people with persistent/cystic acne is based on the premise that the underlying cause is either due to hormone imbalance or gut/digestive health or even a combination.
Acne is a difficult condition to treat because it is complicated. Not all people suffer the same signs/ symptoms or the same pattern of events for a number of reasons. We are all unique with different skin and genetics which means there are a multitude of variations in the biochemistry which controls our hormones and microbiome. What we consume and our environment can also contribute to these imbalances. This is why treating acne takes time and patience and possibly a combination of medical treatment and a more functional approach by looking at diet and lifestyle.
If you’re suffering with acne and want to explore a personalised treatment plan, book a consultation today.