What is acne?

Acne is a very common skin condition, and most of us will have experienced it to varying degrees! Most people think of acne as a condition, which affects the Young, however, getting rid of acne is not that easy and can last well into your late twenties or even thirties! For some, the scars left by acne will be a painful life-long reminder. Acne can be an embarrassing issue, affecting relationships, confidence and the mental health of sufferers.

Why does it happen in the first place? At puberty our body starts to produce hormones called androgens. These cause the enlargement and over-stimulation of the sebaceous glands. The extra sebum (a natural oil that lubricates your hair and skin ) which the sebaceous glands produce, mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria on the skin's surface. This leads to the formation of blocked pores, where bacteria multiply and cause skin inflammation, leading to the spots associated with acne.

What are the different types of acne?

TYPE 1 Mild Acne:

Opened and closed blackheads, which are small and cover small areas. There are no inflammatory lesions and no marking.

TYPE 2 Acne Comedonica (Moderate Acne):

Blackheads are mainly open. Spots and some pimples. Spots are small and granular. The lesions may be inflammatory. No markings.

TYPE 3: Acne Papulopustulosa (Severe acne):

Spots and pimples. The pimples are yellowish and swollen. This aspect is accentuated by breaking the wall of the follicle. The nodules are small, full of knots visible by contact. Scars may appear.

TYPE 4: Acne Congobata (Serious Acne):