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| Dr Justine Hextall has talked through adult acne |
HAVING a skin condition as is often associated with teenage years - but what happens if you have acne as an adult?
Struggling with a skin condition can be painful and embarrassing for anyone of any age, but being an adult it can deal a serious blow to your confidence.
It could be you're suffering with the latest strain of super acne: a condition increasingly resistant to antibiotics.
But don't despair just yet, all's not lost. There are treatments and medications our Consultant Dermatologist has revealed.
Express.co.uk spoke to Dr Justine Hextall, who, on behalf of The Harley Medical Group, advised us on all-things acne and how to change your skin with just a change in diet.
What is acne? Acne vulgaris is a broad term and covers the occasional spot through to severe cystic acne. As dermatologists we look for black or whiteheads with the spots to help differentiate for example from rosacea.
How is it different to occasional spots? We do see different forms of acne. Some patients have mainly whiteheads, so-called comodonal acne.
The treatment for this will be different to acne that has more pustules and cysts and is more likely to scar the skin.
Does it just affect teenagers? Absolutely not, It is quite common to see patients presenting in their thirties who may have had clear skin in their teens. Adult acne is increasing in prevalence in women particularly.
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| Having bad skin can knock a person's confidence |
Can you be an adult and have acne? Stress and hormonal changes in adulthood are the most common triggers for acne. I always take a detailed history looking at hormonal, stress and dietary issues.
Is it because the skin is greasy? Acne comes about when the follicles become blocked , oil builds up and this environment allows the acne bacteria to thrive.
Is there a new case of 'super acne' that's super hard to treat? There is definitely an increase in resistance to antibiotics. One study showed 4 in 5 teenagers with acne showed some resistance to antibiotics.
These acne bacteria that are resistant can be spread from person to person.
Can diet affect the skin/give you acne? I am an advocate of the importance of diet for healthy skin. Keeping hydrated and eating a diet that is balanced with plenty of fruit and vegetables will help.
Anti-oxidants in my view reduce inflammation in skin. We know vitamin A improves acne.
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| The treatment for this will be different to acne that has more pustules and cysts |
What kind of treatment is there available to treat acne? To treat active acne there are topical treatments that contain for example agents to unblock follicles clearing milia and reduce inflammation. Antibiotics both topical and systemic are used but resistance is increasing.
For more severe acne especially if the skin is scarring drugs like Roaccutane may be considered but potential side effects must be carefully considered. Once the acne is under control , a peel can help for example the Obagi peel.
Laser can be used to reduce post acne redness and scarring. Dermaroller also helps to soften and improve acne scarring. If you have been treated with Roaccutane , ask your dermatologist before embarking on any treatment as the skin can be more sensitive and healing can be slow in the first few months post-treatment.
Can you advise on lifestyle changes to help the skin? A healthy diet, regular exercise and reduced stress will always help skin. A careful assessment of these factors is the first step towards healthier skin.
Is it something anyone can develop at any time? In short yes. Although teenage years are the most common due to changing hormones. As we get older hormonal imbalance can cause acne, likewise stress can make us more sensitive to testosterone increasing the risk of acne.
Does popping the spots help or should you avoid this? I try to discourage squeezing spots as this can exacerbate acne and cause scarring.
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| As a dermatologist, Justine looks for black or whiteheads |
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