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Acne is an inflammatory condition. The sebaceous glands we have on our face, back and chest are larger and in a higher concentration than anywhere else on our bodies. It is these glands that create sebum (oil) and can become inflamed.
The oil created naturally travels up the hair follicle in the skin and onto the surface. Once on the surface, it contributes to the micro flora, waterproofs the skin, and helps the skin be resistant to microorganisms.
P.acnes, which is a friendly bacteria, is present both in the hair follicle and on the skin’s surface. This bacterium feeds on the oil produced, creating a change to the triglyceride component (a type of fat) of the oil. This then results in free fatty acids and creates the natural PH balance of the skin.
However, an excess of these free fatty acids can cause inflammation.
If dead cells are not exfoliated from the skin’s surface, they can cause the hair follicle to become blocked. The oil will then not be able to reach the skins surface. The P.acnes bacteria present in the follicle will continue to feed on the oil being produced, resulting in inflammation and pus within the pore. This type of acne spot is called a pustule.
Hormonal changes and sensitivity play a huge role in acne. Hormones can cause excess oil to be produced and this will often be thicker or stickier than normal. The change in the oil’s consistency can make it difficult for the oil to travel up the hair follicle to reach the skin’s surface. Mix this scenario with dead skin cells and a blockage in the follicle can occur.
Some medications, such as the contraceptive pill, can cause a change in hormone levels. Other medications change the PH and micro flora balances of the skin. Either of these changes can cause inflammation due to microorganisms entering the skin and/or excess keratinisation.
Open and closed (blackheads) comedones usually in the t-zone area of the face and possibly excess oil production. No inflammation will be present.
Open and closed comedones, with some papules and pustules (spots with or without yellow/white centres).
Papules and pustules across the t-zone and cheeks of the face. These spots may also be present on the chest and back at this grade.
Comedones, papules and pustules over the entire face with high inflammation levels. The condition may also be present on the chest and back. There may also be painful nodules and sometimes cysts.
At grade 5, the condition will be highly inflamed and chronic in all areas. Nodules and cysts will also be present on the face, chest and back.
We operate on an appointment-only basis so please call us or drop us an email and we’ll get right back to you.
info@reskinclinic.co.uk
0114 2362393
MON: 9:30 – 15:00
TUES: 9:30 – 17:30
WEDS: 9:30 – 18:00
THURS: 9:30 – 21:00
FRI: 9:30 – 15:00
SAT: 9:00 – 16:00
We ask that you give us 24 hours notice if you need to cancel your appointment.
348 Ecclesall Road South,
Sheffield,
S11 9PU
Tel: 0114 2362393
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