Founder of QED Skincare, Shoshana Eisner says that as a pharmacist, she is all too familiar with helping clients with solutions to acne problems.
Ms Eisner lists nine things you may not know about acne:
- Acne can be hereditary
If a parent has experienced acne as an adolescent, there’s a high chance that the child will also experience it.
“Talk to your kids early and reassure them that you understand and also that there are solutions which work,” says Ms Eisner.
“Also starting them early with a good cleansing routine can really help.”
- Boys suffer from acne more than girls
Testosterone plays a big part in acne.
“Obviously boys going through puberty are exposed to a lot of testosterone, which can wreak havoc with their skin.”
Boys too, feel self-conscious of acne, “Often they can feel quite desperate about their skin and worry that there are no options to solve their problem. As a teenage boy’s parent or guardian, it’s our responsibility to reassure them that there are options which will work,” she explains.
- There are six different kinds of pimples
Blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.
“Blackheads and whiteheads are considered non-inflammatory acne lesions,” therefore they do not have any redness.
“Papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts are all inflammatory lumps of increasing severity. They are now angry and very sore.”
- Hair products can make acne worse
Ms Eisner says that breakouts can occur more often under a fringe.
“Your hair product could be the culprit, as it can block the pores on your face. After you put product in your hair, try to hold your hair away from your skin until it dries. Also, make sure you clean your skin well if any hair product gets on it.”
- Adolescent acne, means more likely to get acne during pregnancy
Ms Eisner says that the good news, however, is that there are pregnancy-safe skincare options, and it generally clears up quickly after delivery.
- More than 80% of people will have acne at some point
“You are so not alone,” says Ms Eisner.
“The good news is that there are effective solutions. They don’t work overnight and sometimes you need a little trial and error to find the right solution for you.”
- Pimples can return during menopause
“It is thought that the hormonal changes are what can cause pimples, extra facial hair as well as even some baldness. Great! The good news is that acne tends to be mild and resolves quickly.”
- Acne is not caused by greasy food
Ms Eisner says that a significant amount of research has shown that there is no connection between eating chocolate or greasy foods and acne.
“Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells and then hormones and inflammation get involved.”
- Acne scars are treatable (and preventable)
Dermatologists can treat acne scars, “using combinations of lasers and chemical peels, but the best treatment is prevention.
“Not all acne will naturally cause scarring. Generally, it will be the more severe cysts and nodules which cause scarring if left untreated.
“However, constant picking and squeezing can cause scarring even in mild forms of acne. Early treatment of acne and good skin maintenance will prevent scarring in the first place.”
