ACNE PROGRAM

Acne is a common skin condition that can affect both teenagers and adults. Understanding what acne is, ways to manage acne symptoms, and how to improve skin health are essential to managing the condition.

Acne is a skin condition (acne vulgaris) that occurs when hair follicles become blocked with oil and dead skin cells.

Sebaceous glands in the skin produce oil (sebum) to keep the skin hydrated. However, excess oil combined with dead skin cells and bacteria can block pores, leading to breakouts.

Acne is extremely common, with up to 85% of Australians experiencing it in their life. Of these people, 5% will experience a more severe form. While the condition is more common during the teenage years, half of all men and women will continue to get acne into their thirties. It can be embarrassing and distressing, particularly in its severe form, and can affect self-confidence and mental well-being.

Understanding acne symptoms can help identify the type and severity of the condition.

Common symptoms include:

• Whiteheads (closed, clogged pores)
• Blackheads (open clogged pores)
• Pustules (red bumps with pus)
• Nodules (large, painful lumps under the skin)

Acne commonly appears on the face, chest, shoulders, and upper back. Severity can range from mild breakouts to more severe forms such as cystic acne, which may lead to scarring.

Acne can affect people of all ages, although it is most common during puberty due to hormonal changes.

Adults can also experience acne, particularly women, due to hormonal fluctuations related to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or other factors.

Acne can impact self-confidence and, in more severe cases, may affect mental well-being.

There are several types of acne, including:

• Hormonal acne: Linked to changes in hormone levels
• Cystic acne: A more severe form with painful, inflamed cysts
• Medication-induced acne: Triggered by certain medicines
• Comedonal acne: Characterised by blackheads and whiteheads

Acne develops when pores become blocked, but several contributing factors can trigger or worsen the condition.

Common causes and triggers include:

• Hormonal changes (e.g. puberty, menstrual cycle)
• Excess oil production
• Bacteria on the skin
• Certain medications (e.g. corticosteroids, lithium)
• Oil-based cosmetics or skincare products

Hormonal changes are a major factor, particularly during puberty and around menstruation, often leading to breakouts in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).

There are various acne treatment options available depending on severity and skin type.

These may include topical treatments to reduce oil and bacteria, oral medications prescribed by a doctor, and Skincare products designed for acne-prone skin

A doctor can assess your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Mild acne may be able to be treated by small changes to basic skincare routines such as:

• Avoiding oil-based cosmetics and creams - the excess oil from these products can worsen the skin.
• Avoid bursting pimples - bursting pimples releases the oils, dead skin and bacteria within, further exposing them to other pores.
• Wash the affected areas - washing the affected areas with gentle cleansers can remove dead skin and excess oils, lowing the potential for more blocked pores.
• Avoid heavy cleansers - heavy cleansers or scrubs can have the opposite effect as they can irritate the skin further.
• Shower regularly - this is to remove any excess oil or dead skin, particularly after sweating.

If you're experiencing concerns with acne, taking the first step to understand what may be contributing can be a useful starting point.

Speaking with a doctor allows for a personalised assessment and guidance to help identify possible hormonal, lifestyle, skincare, or medical factors that may be affecting your skin.

Early discussion can help you better understand your symptoms and explore appropriate management approaches suited to your individual circumstances.

Connect with a clinical team for a professional assessment and, where appropriate, begin building a tailored plan to help manage acne and support clearer, healthier skin.