Acne / Breakouts
We’re all about having fun in the sun, skin is your confidence… let us protect it for you.
Acne is a condition that is common in teenagers but can affect anyone at any age. It is a
Acne / Breakouts
We’re all about having fun in the sun, skin is your confidence… let us protect it for you.
Acne is a condition that is common in teenagers but can affect anyone at any age. It is a distressing skin concern that can cause social isolation and lack of confidence.
However it can usually be controlled and at Ministry of Skin we aim to understand why you specifically have acne, by providing a holistic approach and using this to tailor a regime that you understand and that works for you with ongoing guidance and support.
Ministry of Skin is a RACGP accredited clinic.
What is Acne?
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Acne most commonly appears on the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders. It can be distressing, painful, persistent and affect your self confidence.
What are the causes of Acne?
There are many factors that can influence your skin and acne production. Your exposure to internal and external influences can constantly vary throughout life and their interactions are complex and so can be difficult to identify and control.
It is believed the primary cause of acne is a rise in androgen levels. Androgen is the name for a group of hormones that are often correlated with male features. An example is testosterone.
Androgen levels rise during adolescence or change with conditions such as polycystic ovarian disease. Rising androgen levels make the oil glands under your skin grow. The enlarged glands then produce more oil resulting in oily skin and open pores. Excessive oil / sebum can block the pores, which along with surface dead skin cells can cause black heads to appear. The excess oil can also break down the cellular walls in your pores, leading to bacterial growth and pustules.
There are therefore many elements to acne:
- Hormonal – influenced by age, environment and nutrition.
- Oil production.
- The condition of the surface layer of skin.
- Inflammation and internal health.
- Incorrect home skin care causing skin irritation or bacterial imbalances.
At Medical Skin Clinic Australia we use a holistic approach to the treatment of acne. We do not just look at your skin but carry out a full medical assessment that involves all aspects of how your body works and its exposures. It is not always possible to identify a definite one cause for your acne as it can be due to a number of reasons. There is also a chance that if a cause is identified it cannot be controlled.
Having done a thorough medical assessment, we provide you with knowledge and understanding about why you are getting the acne, possible treatment options and how they work. This we feel empowers you to be able to control your skin and maintain it over time.
It is possible to control acne and improve the appearance of your skin and at Medical Skin Clinic Australia we provide experienced clinicians who are able to individualise a treatment plan for you that is holistic and supported.
It is worth remembering that acne care and control is an ongoing program that may continue for some years. One treatment will not be the solution. Good control involves a tailored program that you understand and feel you can stick to whilst being supported by a professional who can adapt the plan as your skin changes. Acne skin can often be complex and a treatment started today may not show results for 2-3 months and then may require adaption in 3-6 months time.
The main issues we find with acne is an unrealistic time frame for results causing patients to stop the plan too early feeling it is not working and forgetting to have regular reviews of the plan as the skin changes.
At Ministry of Skin Australia we provide an array of treatment options for acne that have proven scientific results.