June is acne awareness month so we’ve put together our top facts, statistics and acne information to help spread awareness of this often life-changing skin condition. 

Acne is one of the most prevalent skin conditions, with an estimated 650 million people affected worldwide. Over a third (34%) of UK adults have suffered from acne at some point in their life and almost 1 in every 4 young adults in the UK (24%) currently have some form of acne. Any form of acne can contribute to a wide range of both mental and physical health problems, from pain and skin sensitivities to low self-esteem and anxiety.

How Does Acne Happen?

Acne can occur when there is a build-up of excessive oil in the skin which causes the follicle to become blocked and inflamed. This can cause painful spots such as pustules, nodules or cysts.  Acne severity can range from mild to moderate and severe and tends to present predominantly on the face, but can also appear on the back, shoulders and chest.

There are many factors that can cause or contribute to acne including: hormones, medications, excessive sun exposure and pregnancy. Genetic factors also play a big part and other lifestyle factors such as excessive stress and anxiety and diet may also have an impact.

How Does Acne Impact Sufferers Mental Health?

Although acne is a skin condition which affects people’s external appearance, one of the biggest issues facing acne sufferers is the way it can impact their day-to-day lives and mental health. Almost 50% of acne sufferers worry they will never have clear skin, with 9 in 10 avoiding social situations and public outings due to a breakout. 

A huge 90% of people living with acne say insecurities play a role in their day-to-day lives and that 1 in 3 delete photos of themselves or avoid social media because they are unhappy with their skin. Acne sufferers so often miss out on important moments in life but this doesn’t have to be the case, effective treatment options are available. 

Acne Treatment Statistics in the UK

In the UK in 2022 there were an estimated 1.65 million acne treatments, however only 831 dermatologists in the entire country are qualified to prescribe the acne medication most commonly known as roaccutane. This means that NHS waiting lists to see a dermatologist for acne medication can be up to 18 months. For many people, the effect acne has on their lives means they cannot wait this long to begin treatment.

The sooner acne is treated, the better it is for patients as they are less likely to develop acne scarring which can be extremely difficult to treat. Most people will firstly visit their GP for support, advice and treatment options, however seeing a dermatologist or medical aesthetic practitioner as soon as possible will hopefully help to ensure you are provided with effective treatment options quickly. 

Top Tips for Managing Acne

Choose The Right Cleanser 

Pick a cleanser based on your skin needs, we normally recommend one which includes salicylic acid.

Use Sunscreen Every Day

Use sunscreen everyday as it’s important to protect your skin from the dark marks that can appear after acne.

Consult a Doctor

Make sure you see a doctor that understands your skin concerns and can recommend the right treatment plan for you.

Recommended Acne Treatments

Mild Acne: Mild acne patients should first try skincare which is formulated for acne/blemish prone skin. Alongside this they can begin a course of aesthetic treatments including chemical peels and LED light therapy.

Moderate to Severe Acne: Moderate to severe acne patients can see a dermatologist for antibiotic options or prescription acne medication. Our most recommended treatment for moderate to severe acne is AviClear, a revolutionary laser designed specifically to treat acne at its source.

AviClear: A Revolutionary Development In Acne Treatment

MediZen is now offering AviClear, the first and only FDA-cleared energy-based device for the long term treatment of mild, moderate and severe acne. This innovative laser treatment is safe and effective for all skin types and delivers visible results in just three sessions with minimal side effects

Dr. David Eccleston of MediZen, the first doctor to offer the AviClear laser in the Midlands, says, “AviClear is  a game-changer in my treatment of acne, there is truly no other treatment out there like it.”

Schedule a Consultation

With MediZen, your journey to clear skin is just an appointment away. Our expert medical aesthetic practitioners  are here to provide personalised care and effective treatment plans tailored to your unique skin needs. Don’t wait any longer to get the professional advice and support you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a future with skin.