What is acne?
Acne is a prevalent skin condition that affects individuals of all ages, though it is most common during adolescence. It can range from mild outbreaks to severe inflammation, impacting physical appearance and emotional well-being.
At Dermasurge, we specialise in understanding acne’s root causes and providing expert-led treatments to manage and improve it effectively. Dr. Hiba Injibar, a renowned dermatologist, combines her expertise with cutting-edge solutions to help patients achieve clearer, healthier skin.
Acne: Types, Causes, Treatment & Prevention
Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells, developing spots, pimples, and, in severe cases, cysts. It is not just a teenage concern, acne can affect people well into adulthood. It primarily appears in areas rich in sebaceous glands, such as the face, chest, shoulders, and back.
What causes Acne?
Acne arises from a combination of factors that disrupt the skin’s natural balance. While it is most commonly associated with puberty and hormonal changes, acne can affect individuals of all ages due to a variety of triggers. Understanding these causes is essential to managing and treating the condition effectively.
Excess Sebum Production
During hormonal changes like puberty, the sebaceous glands become overactive, producing excess oil. This oil clogs pores and creates an environment conducive to acne formation.
Clogged Hair Follicles
Dead skin cells that fail to shed properly combine with sebum, blocking hair follicles. This blockage forms whiteheads or blackheads, the first visible signs of acne.
Bacterial Growth
Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) bacteria thrive in clogged pores, leading to inflammation and the formation of red or pus-filled pimples.
Hormonal Fluctuations
Hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or stress can exacerbate acne. This explains why many women experience breakouts at specific points in their cycles.
Other Contributing Factors
Genetics, diet, stress, and improper skincare can all influence the severity of acne. While certain myths persist, like chocolate causing acne, the underlying causes are often complex and multifaceted.
Who Is Affected by Acne?
Acne is a condition that impacts individuals across a wide range of ages, genders, and life stages. While it is most commonly associated with adolescence, acne doesn’t discriminate, it can persist into adulthood or even appear for the first time later in life. Effective management becomes achievable by understanding who is most affected and the factors contributing to their acne.
Teenage Acne
Teenage acne is the most prevalent form of acne, caused primarily by the hormonal surges of puberty. This increased hormone activity stimulates sebaceous glands to produce excessive oil, which can clog pores when combined with dead skin cells and bacteria.
Teenage acne can cause significant emotional distress during formative years, commonly affecting the face, back, and chest. Early and appropriate treatment is crucial to minimise scarring and improve self-esteem.
Adult Acne
Adult acne affects individuals over the age of 25, regardless of gender. Unlike teenage acne, which is predominantly hormone-driven, adult acne often results from a combination of factors such as stress, genetics, and environmental triggers.
External influences, like pollution and improper skincare routines, can exacerbate the condition. Adult acne typically presents as deeper, inflamed lesions on the chin, jawline, and neck, which can be persistent and require targeted treatments.
Acne in Women
Women are particularly susceptible to acne due to unique hormonal factors, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) further amplify the risk by causing hormonal imbalances that lead to excessive oil production and acne flare-ups.
Stress-related hormone shifts and cosmetic product use can also contribute. Acne in women is often cyclical and predominantly affects the lower face and jawline. Tailored treatments that consider these hormonal influences are essential for effective management.
WHERE DOES ACNE APPEAR?
Acne can manifest on various body parts, with its location often influenced by factors such as oil production, sweat, friction, and hormonal activity. Understanding where acne appears can provide insights into its triggers and guide treatment approaches.
Acne on the Face
The face is the most common area for acne, as it contains a high concentration of sebaceous glands. Acne frequently appears on the forehead, cheeks, and chin, often forming blackheads, whiteheads, or inflammatory lesions.
Hormonal changes, improper skincare routines, and makeup use can exacerbate facial acne. Left untreated, facial acne may lead to scarring or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, emphasising the importance of early intervention.
Acne on the Back or Chest
Acne on the back, commonly referred to as “bacne,” and chest can occur due to sweat, tight clothing, and friction from activities such as exercise. These areas have sebaceous glands similar to the face, making them prone to clogged pores and inflammation.
Back and chest acne often manifests as larger, more painful lesions, including nodules and cysts, which may require more intensive treatments. Managing sweat and wearing breathable fabrics can help reduce flare-ups.
Shoulders and Neck
Acne on the shoulders and neck, though less common than facial or back acne, can be particularly persistent in some individuals. This type of acne is often linked to stress, friction from clothing or accessories, and hormonal changes. Shoulder and neck acne can appear as papules, pustules, or even deeper cystic lesions, which are more challenging to treat. These areas may also experience prolonged healing times due to frequent movement and irritation.
By addressing acne based on its location, dermatological treatments can be better tailored to target specific needs, improving outcomes and skin health across affected areas.
HOW TO TREAT ACNE?
Managing acne requires a comprehensive approach tailored to the individual’s skin type, acne severity, and lifestyle. At Dermasurge, Dr. Injibar uses her expertise to create customised treatment plans designed to target the root causes of acne while improving the skin’s overall health.
Topical Treatments
These include prescription-strength creams and gels containing retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid. These ingredients help unclog pores, reduce bacteria, and minimise inflammation
Oral Medications
For moderate to severe acne, oral treatments like antibiotics, hormonal therapy, or isotretinoin may be recommended to address deeper inflammation and bacterial growth.
Dermatology Acne Treatments
Chemical Peels Peels exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation, making them ideal for acne-prone skin.
PRP Treatments (Platelet-rich plasma treatments) reduce redness and inflammation, promoting skin healing and rejuvenation.Laser Treatments targets oil glands and reduces acne-causing bacteria, effectively managing persistent breakouts.
WHY EARLY TREATMENT IS IMPORTANT
Untreated acne can lead to significant complications, including scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Early intervention minimises the risk of permanent damage, improves skin health, and restores confidence. Dr. Injibar strongly advocates for timely acne treatment to prevent long-term effects.
over 20 years of expertise
Why treat your acne at Dermsurge Clinic?
Dr Injibar is a highly skilled consultant dermatologist, based in London, expert in giving natural and beautiful results to the skin using cutting-edge technology.
Dr Hiba is a pioneer in acne treatment and has given numerous lectures to the public on acne promoting awareness and advocating the need for early treatment. She always advises her acne patients young and old on appropriate skin care and what to avoid. We can provide those skincare products in the clinic to spare you the hassle of looking for them in the pharmacies.
Reviews
Check out some of our reviews
Dr kept me at ease throughout the procedure and made sure I was doing well at all times. I was able to recover without any trouble in the timescale I was given and the result was clear to see. Would highly recommend Dr Hiba Injibar.
Expectations matched
Highly recommend,
A very pleasant experience at Dermasurge Clinic especially Dr Hiba Injibar who provided a comprehensive explanation. She is very professional. She does a really high-quality job, I’ve had dermal fillers all over my face, very happy with the results. reassuring and pleasant as are other members of staff.
He does a really high quality job
Very pleasant experience with Dr Hiba Injibar. Told me in great detail everything i needed to know about the procedure. Very patient with me as i was new to it and guided me throughout answering my every question. Incredibly knowledgeable in this field and overall i had a great experience- five stars!
Incredibly knowledgeable in this field and overall i had a great experience- five stars!
Dr Hiba saved me. I need to see someone urgently about a fast growing/change growth under my eye. Dr Hiba took me in on her break. She did a wonderful job on removing the growth at a sensitive area. Stitches out this morning and it is almost invisible. Professional, soft-spoken – could not recommend her enough!
I had nose Surgery with Dr Hiba Injibar. I couldn’t be happier with the results. From the initial consultation, it was apparent that Dr Hiba Injibar has a lot of experience in the procedure which made me feel very secure. She was very clear about what can be done and was also very attentive to my requests. I would not want anyone else to operate me 🙂 I Recommend 100%.
Couldn’t Be More Happy
Really positive experience. Beautiful building, small but well maintained and laid out spaces. Friendly, welcoming and very professional reception staff. Efficient registration. The consultation was expert, careful and thorough. Treatment effective. Plus Dr Hiba is a warm and lovely person!
Manuela was incredibly professional, patient and reassuring throughout the whole session. She explained every step clearly and made sure I was comfortable, allowing breaks whenever needed and chatting with me to distract from the more intense parts of the treatment. I really appreciated how attentive and caring she was.
The treatment itself was thorough and carefully done — I felt confident I was in very experienced hands. Manuela took her time and made sure every area was treated properly, which gave me a lot of trust in the process.
Dermasurge has a very professional and calm environment, and I’m looking forward to seeing my results over the next few weeks and continuing my treatment plan. Highly recommend Manuela if you’re considering HIFU treatment.
Her team was also outstanding and every staff member I interacted with was warm, supportive, and knowledgeable. The receptionist in particular went out of her way to help me and made the whole experience smooth and stress-free.
Highly recommend Dr. Hiba and her team for anyone looking for expert, considerate care.
Dr. Hiba is amazing, very professional and approachable. During my initial consultation Dr. Hiba provided clear advice and direction, regarding the treatment I was seeking. I felt supported and listened to. A treatment plan was drawn up and each treatment explained in detail.
My laser treatments were done by Manuela, who has been incredible. A top therapist, professional and so friendly. Thank you Manuela for the high standard of care you gave me!
I highly recommend Dr.Hiba and her team.
Ridwana was also incredibly kind and understanding. She shared her own experiences with my daughter making her feel much more at easy.
The entire clinic has a calming yet professional atmosphere which is exactly how the clinical experience also felt.
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