Blog Post

Coda Health Tips - Acne

Acne can be the bane of a teenager’s life. The horror of coming out in a face full of spots can strike terror into the heart of any young adult and It’s no consolation that it’s a common skin condition that affects most people at some point.

 Although acne is most commonly linked to the changes in hormone levels during puberty, it can start at any age. Certain hormones cause the grease-producing glands next to hair follicles in the skin to produce larger amounts of oil (abnormal sebum).About 80% of people aged 11 to 30 are affected by acne and it’s most common in girls from the ages of 14 to 17, and in boys from the ages of 16 to 19.

Acne causes spots, oily skin and sometimes skin that’s hot or painful to touch and it mostly develops on the face, back, and chest, with the face affecting nearly everyone in their lives at least once. Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, can also lead to episodes of acne in women.There's no evidence that diet, poor hygiene or sexual activity play a role in acne. Acne is known to run in families, so if both your mother and father had acne, it's likely that you'll also have acne. So blame them!!

Read more about the causes of acne, including some common acne myths.

Other possible causes of acne

 All Info below is from British skin foundation.org.uk

Can acne be cured?

At present there is no ‘cure’ for acne, although the available treatments can be very effective in preventing the formation of new spots and scarring.

How can acne be treated?

If you have acne but have had no success with over-the-counter products then it’s time to visit your doctor. But just so you’re aware, in general, most treatments take two to four months to produce their maximum effect.

 Self care for acne - What can I do?

• Try not to pick or squeeze your spots as this usually aggravates them and may cause scarring, no matter how tempting that might be!
• However your acne affects you, it is important to take action to control it as soon as it appears. This helps to avoid permanent scarring and reduces embarrassment.
• Expect to use your treatments for at least two months before you see much improvement.
• Some topical treatments may dry or irritate the skin when you start using them. If your face goes red and is irritated by a lotion or cream, stop treatment for a few days.
• Make-up may help your confidence. Use products that are oil-free or water-based. Choose products that are labelled as being ‘non-comedogenic’ (should not cause blackheads or whiteheads) or non-acnegenic (should not cause acne).
• Cleanse your skin and remove make-up with a mild soap or a gentle cleanser and water, or an oil-free soap substitute. Scrubbing too hard can irritate the skin and make your acne worse.
• There is little evidence that any foods cause acne, such as chocolate and “fast foods”; however, your health will benefit overall from a balanced diet including fresh fruit and vegetables (in case you didn’t know!)

Despite all of this sounding a bit overwhelming, don’t worry! Despite acne not being curable, it can be controlled with treatment.

We hope you’ve found this blog useful, if so please share it!

Thanks

The Coda Team