Acne is a common skin condition that affects around 80% of the population at some point in their lifetime. Contrary to popular belief acne does not just affect teenagers with raging hormones.

Acne is caused when the sebaceous glands and hair follicles in the skin create too much oil and pores become blocked with dead skin, oil and bacteria. This then causes the glands to become inflamed, causing blemishes such as blackheads, whiteheads, spots and small cysts to appear.

Acne can range from mild to severe. If you don't know which form you have this might be able to help you:

• Try not to pick or squeeze your spots as this usually aggravates them and may cause scarring and infection.
• If your self-confidence has been affected by acne or if you are feeling distressed, it is important to reach out to others for support. This includes friends, family members and support groups. You may also be able to access a counsellor through school, university or work.
• Let your doctor know if your acne is making you feel depressed or anxious. They will be able to speak with you about how you are feeling and help you to form a treatment plan, which may involve input from other specialists, such as psychologists or psychiatrists, if necessary.
• 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. If your acne is mild, it is worth trying over-the-counter preparations in the first instance. Ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can be helpful. Your pharmacist will advise you.
• Expect to use your treatments for at least two months before you see much improvement. Make sure that you understand how to use them correctly so you get the maximum benefit.
• 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 and try using the treatment less often and then building up gradually.
• Make-up may help your confidence. Choose products that are labelled as being ‘non-comedogenic’ (should not cause blackheads or whiteheads) or non-acnegenic (should not cause acne).

Founded in 1999 and based in Birmingham, we are the Midlands Premier Aesthetic Clinic. The team at MediZen has been carefully selected for their skills, knowledge, and professionalism, to ensure they represent the very best in the industry. When you arrive at our clinic, you will always receive a warm welcome, as well as the most effective, safe, and medically proven aesthetic treatments on the market today.