Acne is a complex condition influenced by hormones, stress and skin barrier health – and it’s not just confined to teenagers, adult acne is incredibly common. We asked the experts for their advice on treatment and prevention …
Those who struggle with inflamed and troubled skin are aware of it every month, not just in June, which is designated “acne awareness month”. And it’s worth being aware that acne is not confined to the teenage years. Our skin can throw a tantrum at any age: the HSE notes that around eight in ten people aged from eleven to 30 get acne, while around one in 20 women, and one in 100 men, have acne over the age of 25. As beauty therapist Eavanna Breen notes: “What I see every day in the clinic are women in their 30s, 40s, even 50s who feel embarrassed to still be dealing with breakouts. The truth is, adult acne is incredibly common. Acne is not a sign of poor hygiene or bad habits – it’s a complex condition influenced by hormones, stress and skin barrier health. Education is the way forward.”
THE EXPERTS Shannon McCreery, National Head of Education for Ultraceuticals notes that acne cases have more than doubled in the last decade. The difference between teen and adult acne? “Teen acne usually appears near the skin’s surface: blackheads, whiteheads and the occasional pimple caused by puberty-fuelled oil production. Adult acne runs deeper, and may often appear as painful cysts and hormonal breakouts along the jawline and chin, linked to periods, pregnancy or perimenopause. These take longer to heal and often leave scars.”
THE CAUSES “Hormones are a big trigger, but not the only one,” says McCreery. “Stress spikes our bodies’ cortisol levels, which ramps up oil production. UV, pollution and heat can all clog pores, weaken the skin’s natural defences and create the perfect breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria.”
DON’T DO THIS! McCreery advises that you “stop mixing and matching products from different brands. Skincare lines are designed to work as a system. When you cherry-pick from everywhere, you risk overloading your skin. Over-exfoliating, or trying old-school hacks as a quick fix (toothpaste on spots, for example), can also do more harm than good. Instead, keep it simple and consistent.”
A SIMPLE REGIME
Pull back your routine, and start with a gentle cleanser, recommends McCreery, such as Ultraceuticals Ultra Clear Foaming Cleanser (€48.50), powered by salicylic acid and clove oil to gently clarify the skin and unclog pores. “Follow with the Ultra Clear Treatment Lotion (€64), a targeted blend of mandelic and salicylic acids, and niacinamide to target and calm breakouts.” Then lock in hydration, “because even oily, acne-prone skin needs moisture to avoid overproducing oil.” She also rates new AHA Clarifying Mandelic Peel for “a calmer, more transparent and smoother complexion. It is clinically proven to target key concerns of acne-prone skin, including excess oil, clogged pores, breakouts and visible redness.” Available in salons and clinics nationwide and at www.ultraceuticals.ie.
THE INNOVATION
For persistent acne, there are now more options than ever before. For example, AviClear, from global aesthetic and dermatology solutions leader Cutera, is a “first-of-its-kind laser treatment targetting acne at its source”. Now available in select dermatology and specialist aesthetic clinics in Ireland, it is designed for mild, moderate and severe inflammatory acne, offering “long-term results by reducing sebum production through a targeted laser, with minimal downtime and no adverse effects observed in clinical trials”. Unlike other laser treatments, AviClear can be performed year-round, even during the summer months; it’s recommended to have three 30-minute sessions spaced approximately 30 days apart.
The appeal of AviClear is clear: it is designed as a quick and easy treatment option that doesn’t interrupt daily life or come with hard to manage side-effects. Patients can book a session during their lunch break and return to normal activities immediately. In clinical trials, 90 per cent of patients reported visible improvements within six months of completing the recommended three treatment sessions. After twelve months, this increased to 92 per cent.
Dr Tatiana Mandavia from Doctors Tatiana+Rishi Advanced Aesthetics in London notes that: “For many, it’s been a life-changing alternative to traditional acne treatments, offering clearer skin without the ongoing burden of medication. AviClear is now a core part of how we approach acne treatment in our clinic.” Read more about the new face of acne treatment.
AviClear is available from select dermatology and specialist aesthetic clinics nationwide, including Beacon Face and Dermatology in Sandyford, Co Dublin, from €950 per session. For further information, visit www.aviclear.co.en.
AFTER ACNE …
Microneedling technology is now being used to target acne scars. Dermapen is a microneedling device designed to stimulate natural collagen production in the skin. This treatment is also used for other scars, as well as sagging skin, rosacea, stretch marks and pigmentation. Available at SKIN by Olga, Donnybrook, Dublin 4; www.skinbyolga.ie. Email info@skinbyolga.ie for more information and pricing.
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