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What causes acne? And how to treat it.

by The Laser Clinics Team on January 16, 2018

What causes acne? And how to treat it.

You would think that now you’re #adulting, your acne dealing days should be over right? You’ve gone through that awkward teenage phase so why are those pesky little things still hanging around? Unfortunately, acne can pop up (excuse the pun) even when you’re well into your 20s. At this age it can be a bit more embarrassing, especially when you’re heading to work or a formal event. But sit tight because we’re about to take you through all the reasons why you might still be suffering from acne and what we can do to help you feel confident in your own (clear) skin!

First thing to know is that all it takes is one hair follicle to get blocked with oil and dirt for a pimple to appear. This can happen to anyone at any time since the causes of acne include:

  • Excess oil production
  • Bacteria
  • Hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin cells
  • Poor gut health
  • Certain cosmetics

There are also several other factors that can make existing acne even worse such as:

A Poor Diet

What you put in your body is reflected on the outside. That old saying, ‘you are what you eat’ rings true when it comes to the health of your skin. When you indulge in too many processed/high sugar foods that are rich in carbohydrates - like chips and sugary drinks - greasy meals or sugary treats like chocolate, it can make your acne worse. Milk and dairy products can also add to the battle with acne. Try to cut down on foods and drinks that encourage acne to flourish.

Hormones

Hormonal changes in your body will cause the sebaceous glands to produce excess sebum on areas such as face, neck, chest and back.As a result, more oil will make your pores clog and cause even more acne. Be patient with hormonal acne, try diluted tea-tree oil to reduce inflammation and use products with Alpha hydroxy acid present. The most commonly used AHAs in high quality skincare are Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid because they both have special qualities allowing them to penetrate the skin due to their small molecular structure. Both also have the ability to exfoliate, hydrate and normalise the skin.

Skinstitut Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid, available in-clinic at LCA.

Too Much Stress

Like hormonal changes, being stressed out can cause your body to become unbalanced and produce more sebum and acne. High Stress = Excess Inflammation.

Our bodies respond to stress by directing blood flow and oxygen to areas vital for fighting the stress, and withdraws from other areas, including the skin. The skin subsequently becomes deprived of blood and oxygen, making it dehydrated, dull, lifeless, and prone to clogged pores and breakouts. At Laser Clinics New Zealand, we have a range of skin treatments to help you achieve blemish-free, glowing skin. Let’s take a look at how you can prevent acne.

LCA Acne Prevention Treatments

Whether you’re dealing with a few pimples every now and then or pimples that seem to invite all their friends to the party - remember that having clear skin isn’t impossible! When you know what causes acne, you can clear it up and prevent it from coming back by treating your skin correctly. Let’s go through three of the best breakout treatments for stubborn acne.

LED Light Therapy 

When you have existing acne like blackheads and whiteheads, you’ll need to treat it and restore your skin back to a clear, healthy-looking glow. Our LED Light Therapy treatments will target the acne causing bacteria and leave your skin looking more radiant. For that radiating, wow skin texture, try our non-invasive LED Light Therapy now.

Cosmetic Grade Peels 

Cosmetic grade peels are a wonderful treatment that address age spots, freckles or any other discolouration you want to reduce. Want to improve the appearance of acne scarring or large pores? Cosmetic grade peels are your go-to. At LCA, our cosmetic grade peels can rejuvenate the skin and help to induce collagen remodeling, thereby improving your skin.

Microdermabrasion 

Microdermabrasions are amazing because they are tailored to your individual skin concerns, every step of the way. From dry, sensitive skin right through to skin that’s prone to breakouts, it’s all about you. So, 5 cheers for our 5-step Custom Micro because this treatment will thoroughly remove pore-clogging debris and oil build up as it exfoliates your delicate skin.

Whether you’re dealing with large pores, whiteheads, redness or deep blackheads, our expertly trained skin specialists can help you. It’s time to stop feeling embarrassed about your skin! The LCA team are here to ensure you feel confident and leave our clinics with enhanced, rejuvenated and refreshed glowing skin!

Visit us at one of our 90+ clinics across New Zealand and achieve a clear, radiant complexion sooner than you think! Book in for a complimentary consultation and you’re on your way.