Acne and Inflammation

Inflammation is undoubtedly one of the major factors involved in acne, and the generation of an inflammatory reaction seems to initiate the hyper-keratinization of the acro infundibulum and the manifestation of acne lesions.

In normal skin, P. acnes density is higher in sebaceous-rich areas. Genetics, hormone changes, or even stress may increase sebum production. Sebum is necessary for all skins to help protect and moisturise the skin and maintain a healthy skin barrier. 50% of your skin barrier comes from Sebaceous lipids include triglycerides, wax esters, and squalene, while the remaining 50% is made from Epidermal lipids composed of ceramides, free fatty acids and cholesterol. Too much sebum can impair the skin from shedding, leading to clogged pores and acne.

Micro-organisms found in inflamed acne lesions are just an extension of those colonizing comedones and their presence is not a pre-requisite for the initiation of inflammation in acne.

Sebocytes produce anti-microbial lipids, anti-microbial peptides which both exhibit synergistic activities, and induce pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines via TLR dependent mechanisms.

All of these chains indicate a direct functional induction of innate immunity in human epithelial cells, including sebocytes, without the involvement of inflammatory cells, while recruitment of inflammatory cells to the involved sites can potentiate the inflammatory events in acne.

Acne bacteria lives naturally on healthy skin but increase in number when pores become blocked. P.acnes bacteria thrives in an oxygenless environment. The damage caused by this bacteria, and the associated inflammation, can make the tissues more susceptible to other bacteria (such as staphylococcus aureus).

Treating active acne involves a combination of skincare and treatment to control oil, remove clogging debris and fight acne bacteria.

The most effective treatments for acne include:

Chemical Peel

Chemical peels target bacteria and lift away impurities which lead to the formation of congestion and breakouts. Peels containing a combination of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are perfect for decongesting pores, clearing blemishes, and resurfacing the texture of the skin.

Q-Switch Laser Facial

The 1064nm wavelength specifically targets the deeper layers of the skin to eliminate impurities whilst providing a safe treatment for all skin types. Q-switch Laser Facials are especially effective for blackhead removal/expulsion, elimination of oil, while also tightening and reducing pore size.

IPL Acne Therapy

When porphyrins absorb blue light, free radical damage is produced, and this destroys the p.acnes bacteria, and thus causes the destruction of active acne lesions.

LED Light Therapy

Blue light works to stimulate porphyrins (compounds found in acne-causing bacteria) which then generates a controlled amount of free radicals which work to destroy p.acne bacteria, while the Red light triggers an immune response in the skin that helps to regenerate cells and help with skin healing.

Acne typically requires a multi-faceted treatment plan in order to target it effectively.

Yours in skin,

Gay Wardle