According to the Guild 85% of the UK population will at some point be concerned with ACNE!
Teen Acne
Although acne can start at any age, hormonal changes during puberty may trigger acne flare ups. Acne can be mainly identified on the face, neck, back and chest by the presence of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and pus-filled spots (pustules) especially in adolescents aged 13-18 years.
Why is this? During puberty, hormones that promote natural development, will raise testosterone levels in boys and girls. A side effect of this can be the overproduction of sebum which in turn can cause acne. Stress is also a contributory factor. Exams, social pressures and dealing with puberty itself can lead to a rise in the adrenal hormones, again causing the sebaceous glands to overproduce sebum.
When managing acne it is important to ensure your teen client understands that consistency in a homecare routine is vital to achieving healthy skin.
Hormones & Acne
Over 80% of adult acne occurs in women.
This is largely down to fluctuating hormones, which are often the single biggest culprit. Menstrual cycles, contraception, such as the pill or the coil, are often to blame. The drastic changes experienced by the body during the menopause can also trigger unwelcome breakouts. Hormonal imbalances cause sebum to become thicker, which in turn makes it more likely to block hair follicles and cause pimples.
Stress
The pressures of modern life are sending the nation’s stress levels soaring, which is bad news for skin. Clients who suffer from acne are likely to tell you that it gets worse during particularly stressful periods and this is true of other conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. A hormone called cortisol is thought to play a key role.
A side effect of excessive cortisol is that it stimulates the sebaceous glands to go into overdrive and produce more sebum. This then mixes with dead skin cells and clogs pores, leading to a flare up.
Diet
When first attempting to tackle a client’s problem skin, it’s important to ask them about their diet.
Our skin is a mirror of what’s happening on the inside, so it’s no surprise that what we eat directly affects our complexion.
Sugar , Dairy and Wheat are often to blame. High glycaemic foods & milk is known to increase insulin levels, which may worsen acne severity. Cow’s milk also contains amino acids that increase IGF-1, a hormone which is linked to the development of acne.
To discover more contact us on 0115 981 1996
Or pop into our store to speak to us in person!
21 Gordon Road
West Bridgford
Nottingham
NG25LL