What is acne?

Acne is an annoying skin condition that is common, especially in adolescents and young adults. Changes in hormones, increased sebum production and blocked sebaceous glands lead to blackheads (comedones), pimples, red bumps and sometimes painful subcutaneous inflammation. They can also affect adults, often due to hormonal imbalance and changes, for example during pregnancy and (peri)menopause.

Types of acne

There are different forms of acne, ranging from mild forms to severe forms that can impact quality of life:

• Acne vulgaris – the most common form (juvenile pimples).
• Acne conglobata – severe inflammation and scarring, often in boys at puberty.
• Acne excoriée – acne aggravated by scratching or pinching.
• Acne tarda – acne in adulthood, often hormonally determined.
• Acne keloidalis – in dark skin, often with scars.
• Acne fulminans – rare, severe form of acne associated with fever and general malaise.
• Acne neonatorum – baby acne caused by maternal hormones.

Symptoms of acne

Acne is characterized by troubled and blemished skin with pimples and inflammation. All the symptoms of acne are:

• Black and white blackheads (open and closed comedones).
• Inflamed, red pimples and bumps.
• Redness, discoloration or scarring.
• Painful subcutaneous inflammation.

Causes of acne

Acne is usually caused by a combination of factors:

• Hormonal influences – especially at puberty or with PCOS.
• Excessive sebum production – excessive cornification of the skin (hyperkeratosis) and blockage of sebaceous glands.
• Bacteria – the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria can trigger inflammation.
• Genetic predisposition – acne often runs in families.
• Medication – certain medications can trigger or worsen acne.

Contrary to popular belief, chocolate and fatty foods are not the cause of acne, but scientific studies show that diet can play a major role in the course and severity of acne. In particular, milk (low-fat and semi-skimmed) and foods with a high glycemic index, such as soda and white bread, can aggravate acne.

Where on the body does acne occur?

Acne usually appears on the face, neck, chest and back. Sometimes it also appears in armpits or groins (acne inversa).

Tips for acne

• Do not squeeze pimples yourself to prevent new inflammation and scarring.
• Cleanse your skin daily with mild products and lukewarm water (not hot water).
• Use mineral makeup.
• Change your pillowcase regularly.
• Protect your skin from the sun with an SPF that does not clog the skin.
• Use appropriate skin care products – free of perfume and alcohol – that do not dry out the skin or cause additional irritation.

Treatments at Ivy clinics

Our skin therapists look closely at your skin and work with you to create an effective treatment plan. The goal is to calm the skin so that it not only feels comfortable, but also looks good.

Possible treatments for acne are:

• Deep cleansing – thorough cleansing and manual removal of blackheads and pimples.
• Chemical peels – reduce sebum production and inflammation, improve skin texture.
• IPL treatment – kills P. acnes bacteria, inhibits sebum production and reduces redness.
• Hydrafacial – intensive cleansing, exfoliation and hydration, for support or maintenance.
• Cosmeceuticals – products from AlumierMD and emerginC for home use.
• Camouflage – mineral makeup to camouflage acne without clogging the skin.
• Microneedling – provides cell renewal and firms the skin. Not for active inflammation, but reduces remaining visible spots (residual acne).

The treatment of acne requires a multidisciplinary approach. A combination of a healthy lifestyle, (cosmetic) treatments and skin care is most effective. Acne therapy by a BIG-registered skin therapist can be (partially) reimbursed by your health insurance company.

Free, no-obligation consultation

Want to get rid of unsightly pimples, blackheads and scars? Our skin therapists are happy to help. They understand that you can suffer greatly from acne. They will advise you on the best treatment and skin care products for your skin. Schedule a free consultation at Ivy clinics.