Acne ·
Beginners guide to acne
What is acne?
Acne occurs when there is an overproduction of sebum and dead skin cells that cause a blockage within the pores of the skin. As the condition worsens and bacteria is introduced we can see acne ‘lesions’ that are divided into two main groups:
Non-inflamed
- Open comedone (blackheads)
- Closed comedone (whitehead)
Inflamed
- Papule (pimple)
- Pustule
- Nodule
- Cyst
How they form?
A health pore typically will shed one layer of dead skins per day, but oily and acne-prone pores can shed up to five layers of dead skin cells per day. The term for this is “retention hyperkeratosis”, when the pores shed at a faster rate than can be expelled onto the surface of the skin.
When these dead skin cells accumulate inside the pore, they become sticky and form a thick plug which is medically named a “microcomedone”. The sebaceous glands produce oil which is normally expelled onto the surface of the skin. However, when microcomedones are present and hormonal fluctuations increase oil production that remains trapped in the pore, the perfect environment for P. Acnes bacteria is created. Bacteria is not the “cause” of acne, but it can worsen the condition and cause inflammation.
Whitehead
Inflammatory acne is generally a genetically inherited condition. When the blockage of dead skin cells and oil do not become inflamed and is closed to the surface of the skin, it is considered a whitehead.
Inflammatory acne is generally a genetically inherited condition. When the blockage of dead skin cells and oil do not become inflamed and is closed to the surface of the skin, it is considered a whitehead.
Blackhead
When the blockage is non-inflamed but is open to the surface of the skin (open comedone) it is considered a blackhead (above). The tip of the open comedone becomes darkened as it is exposed to oxygen in the environment. If there is P. Acnes bacteria present on the surface of the skin, black heads can become infected or inflamed if this bacteria spreads from other infected pores.
When the blockage is non-inflamed but is open to the surface of the skin (open comedone) it is considered a blackhead (above). The tip of the open comedone becomes darkened as it is exposed to oxygen in the environment. If there is P. Acnes bacteria present on the surface of the skin, black heads can become infected or inflamed if this bacteria spreads from other infected pores.
Papule (pimple)
As the blockage of dead skin cells and oil continue to build up, pressure inside the pores increases and can rupture. The contents of the pore and P. Acnes leaks into the surrounding tissue causing inflammation, infection and a red bump that is called an Inflammatory papule or commonly known as a pimple.
As the blockage of dead skin cells and oil continue to build up, pressure inside the pores increases and can rupture. The contents of the pore and P. Acnes leaks into the surrounding tissue causing inflammation, infection and a red bump that is called an Inflammatory papule or commonly known as a pimple.
Pustule
In an attempt to fight the P. Acnes infection, the immune system sends white blood cells that pile up in the pore creating visible whitehead containing puss.
In an attempt to fight the P. Acnes infection, the immune system sends white blood cells that pile up in the pore creating visible whitehead containing puss.
Nodule or cyst
When a group of pustules cluster together under the surface of the skin, they can form a module or cyst. They are usually characterised as larger, harder and deeper lesions that are painful and take a long time to heal. The main difference between the two is that cysts are puss-filled and have a diameter of 5mm or more. Both typically cause scarring, and can have a tendency to recur.
When a group of pustules cluster together under the surface of the skin, they can form a module or cyst. They are usually characterised as larger, harder and deeper lesions that are painful and take a long time to heal. The main difference between the two is that cysts are puss-filled and have a diameter of 5mm or more. Both typically cause scarring, and can have a tendency to recur.
Hormonal acne
Women usually have approximately one-tenth the amount of androgens (make sex hormones) that men do. When out of balance with oestrogen (female sex hormone), these androgens can stimulate sebaceous glands, increasing oil activity within the skin and contributing to acne. Approximately 60% of acne-prone women experience premenstrual acne from 7-10 days prior to their periods. This is because oestrogen levels drop two weeks after menstruation and androgens stimulate oil production.
Women usually have approximately one-tenth the amount of androgens (make sex hormones) that men do. When out of balance with oestrogen (female sex hormone), these androgens can stimulate sebaceous glands, increasing oil activity within the skin and contributing to acne. Approximately 60% of acne-prone women experience premenstrual acne from 7-10 days prior to their periods. This is because oestrogen levels drop two weeks after menstruation and androgens stimulate oil production.
It can be expected to experience hormonal acne during life events such as:
- Puberty
- Pregnancy
- Breast feeding
- Change of contraception
- Menopause
- Extended periods of high stress
Birth control
Birth control can typically be categorised as oestrogen or progesterone dominant, that can have varying effects of androgen balance within the body. As a general rule of thumb, those that can have the potential to have high androgenic effects should be avoided. Instead consult your GP about contraceptive options that are oestrogen dominant.
Birth control can typically be categorised as oestrogen or progesterone dominant, that can have varying effects of androgen balance within the body. As a general rule of thumb, those that can have the potential to have high androgenic effects should be avoided. Instead consult your GP about contraceptive options that are oestrogen dominant.
Women with PCOS can also experience acne for similar reasons as above.
Diet triggers to avoid
- Iodine salt and foods containing - an exception is sea salt and non-iodised salts (these are fine)
- Dairy (high in iodine and hormones) - this means milk, cheese, high consumption of milk chocolate. Swap milk for dairy free options such as Almond, Oat or Rice. NO SOY MILK
- No soy products - tofu, soy sauce, edemame. Soy can alter the natural levels of hormones
- Whey derivatives - this includes whey protein and similar supplements. Whey protein is known for increasing inflammatory markers within the body.
- Biotin - is commonly used within hair, skin and nails supplements
- Avoid oils high in protein - canola oil, organ meats including pate, peanuts and peanut butter. Swap for coconut oil, olive oil and almond butter.
- Reduce seafood- swap for lake fish
- No seaweed
Treating acne
It can take up to three months for an acne lesion to form, starting as a microcomedone before progressing into blackheads and pimples. This means the pimple on your face today, began up to three months ago! Unfortunately the process of clearing acne lesions can take just as long for this very reason.
It is recommended to speak with your skin specialist and GP to ensure the best treatment for you.
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