ACNE and ROSACEA

Acne and Rosacea are skin conditions which millions of people in the UK face. 1 in 10 people will have Rosacea and 85% of people will have Acne at some point in their lives..

ACNE

Exacerbation of Acne is caused by Stress, Hormones, Drugs and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Maturity onset in women is mainly caused by Stress ( stress in the workplace) and some people will have persistant Acne and never grow out of it.

In Acne, sebum production is increased leading to an oily skin, this is generally the hallmark of Acne, however some patients have combination skin. In women, 30% may have elevated levels of free testosterone as part of the polycystic ovary syndrome. The onset of acne frequently coincides with the onset of puberty, with the first bursts of androgens coming from the gonads, exacerbations are often seen premenstrually as oestrogen levels fall leading to a flare of Acne. High humidity can cause skin cells to swell and lead to an acute blockage of the follicle and intense inflammatory response. Patients with acne should avoid saunas and steam rooms.

In Acne the lesions are divided into non-inflammatory and inflammatory, all lesions arise from the micro-comedone, which is the primary lesion of acne. From open comedones, closed comedones and papules, macro-comedones, trichostasis spinulosa, superficial inflammatory acne, superficial inflammatory acne with obvious comedones, deeper inflammatory acne causing scaring, cystic acne, persistant erythematous macules, and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Treatment with topical Benzyl peroxide, retinoids, topical antibiotics, systemic antibiotics, hormonal therapy , medical peels and finally oral isotretinoin ( Roaccutane ) can be used.

Advice - acne friendly moisturisers with ‘non-comedogenic’ written on the label are essential.

only use sunblocks with the same sign such as Sun Sense spf 50 and Tebiskin OSK ( available from the clinic )

Avoid harsh washes , a ph balanced cleanser is best. mild exfoliation is good.

Scarring comes as Rolling scars, Box scars, Ice Pick scars. The best treatment is Dermal rollers or Automated needling devices unless special treatment is needed such as TCA peel for small box scars and Subcision for rolling scars..

ROSACEA

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, causing facial flushing, burning sensations, erythema, papules/pustules and telangiectasia ( red thread veins )

Rosacea can occur in late teens, early twenties as well as in the fifties age group. More females than men will suffer from Rosacea.

Rosacea comes as two types, Vascular and Inflammatory with 4 sub-types, sub-type IV involving the eyes.

Rosacea is a primary abnormality of facial blood vessels. A number of factors trigger a flush, sun exposure, emotional stress, hot weather, wind, heavy exercise, alcohol, hot baths, cold weather, spicy foods, humidity, skin care products, indoor heat, hot drinks and some cosmetics.

Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents only have an effect on the papules and pustules not for flushing.

Synchrorose is a medically licensed treatment only available in clinics ( Cotswold Face Aesthetics Clinic ) regular use of these group of products reduce the stinging, burning and redness of Rosacea and have a profound effect on the symptoms.

Certain medical Peels which contain mandelic acid and mandelic acid with MSM can create a vasoconstrictive action. . Certain lasers and LED lights also can have a role to play.