Acne is a skin condition that results in inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions, commonly associated with adolescent skin. It affects an estimated 80-90% of teenagers in the Western World. However; it also affects many age groups at different stages of life. It can start as early as 8-9 years old, and 40-year-olds can still be afflicted, with over 5% of females still having acne at this age.
There are many myths associated with acne such as “poor skin hygiene”, “you will outgrow it”, and “poor diet”. The worst saying of all “It is not very serious”, all of which are not true and are generally regurgitated by non-acne sufferers. Acne affects self-confidence and causes frustration, feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and refusal to socialise confidence.
It also causes stress, especially among adolescents. Recent research indicates that increased acne severity is associated with high-stress levels.
Acne scarring is the result of inflammation within the dermal layer of the skin brought on by acne, and this is one of the most important reasons to combat acne, to prevent scarring.
While acne cannot be cured, it can be controlled. A daily acne skin care programme, which is essential, and my acne management programme with Omnilux Blue, lightfusion treatments, facial peels and masks are incredibly effective in treating outbreaks and reducing acne scarring.
I have achieved great results with juvenile acne and the change the treatment makes to the lives of young adolescents, and their parents are fantastic. Please click this link to find out how Thorntonhall Therapies changed a young client’s life.
| skinbetter 30% Acne Management Peel Course | Omnilux and lightfusion Acne Management Treatment Course | Medik8 facial Peel Course |
| Three peels with lightfusion treatments – 4 weeks apart After the first three treatments, I will assess your skin condition, and a further three peels may be necessary, dependent upon your skin’s response. |
10 treatments, 2 sessions a week for 4 weeks, then a treatment, 6 weeks later, and the last one 6 weeks after. Products are in addition to this price. | Six peels and mask with lightfusion treatments, administered 10-14 days apart. Daily homecare product usage is an additional cost. |
| £360.00 | £850.00 | £600.00 |
I would recommend the following course of peels for acne on the back, arms or décolleté. Prices are for the back, please ask about arms.
| skinbetter 30% Peel and lightfusion | skinbetter 50% Peel and lightfusion | PRIORI Peel Course with lightfusion | Medik8 Mandelic Peel and lightfusion |
| Each treatment | Each treatment | Each treatment | Each treatment |
| £120.00 | £140.00 | £100.00 | £100.00 |
Both men and women produce androgens, however, men have a much higher level, giving more masculine qualities such as hair growth, muscle structure, deeper voice etc.
It is the DHT that causes excess sebum to be produced, contrary to popular belief!
DHT is a much more powerful Androgen, converted from testosterone in much greater quantities in those with a genetic predisposition of Acne. This causes the sebaceous glands to swell to 4 times the usual size, producing 4 times the usual amount of sebum, resulting in persistent blockages. Unfortunately for men, they produce 15 times more androgens than women which is why they are often the most severe cases of Acne.
Due to the sebaceous gland swelling and producing 4 times the usual amount of sebum, blockages start to form within the follicle. Dead skin cells gather on the follicle wall adding to the build-up until we are left with a plug (Comedones – open blackheads closed Whiteheads) which creates a nice dark, non-oxygen environment for the P Acne bacteria to breed which causes:
Inflammation – Bacteria breeding and eating the sebum within the follicle results in the production of an enzyme called Lipase. Lipase irritates the follicle resulting in redness and inflammation known as a papule. White blood cells rush to the follicle to clear the infection. The result is a follicle filled now with sebum, dead skin cells, white blood cells bacteria, and lipase. This can move to the surface as a whitehead or pustule to be removed. Unfortunately, the follicle can also rupture, leaking this mixture of debris into the dermis, where the enzyme Lipase destroys collagen and this can result in ….
Scarring – Scarring can be pitted due to collagen destruction. Post-inflammatory pigment can also occur within the scarring as a result of the surface trauma to darker skin.
Every acne skin condition is different, and I would recommend that you book “a free no-obligation consultation” to allow me to assess your acne skincare symptoms and develop an acne treatment specific to your needs.
All these courses are subject to assessment at the end, and to discuss a plan going forward with products and facial maintenance. I mentioned before we cannot cure acne, but we can control it.
