P.acnes grow predominantly in sebaceous glands, which produce oil called sebum. Many acne treatments help clear acne by cleaning the skin and clearing away excess sebum to help reduce the growth of the bacteria.

Some other treatments such as antibiotics help to kill the bacteria, however these may have side effects and the bacteria can become resistant to them in the long term.

To help patients achieve better results, many skincare specialists now recommend reducing the amount of oil in the skin (a treatment known as sloughing) to create an environment which inhibits the growth of P. Acnes, combined with a treatment to kill the bacteria.

What causes spots or acne?

 

 

 

P. acnes is a bacteria which normally lives on skin. Under certain circumstances, often associated with hormonal, lifestyle or diet changes the sebaceous gland will over produce a natural oil called sebum.

 

 

Step 1

 

As sebum production increases the spot causing bacteria, P. acnes begin to grow and multiply more rapidly.

 

 

Step 2

 

 

As this process continues hair follicles may become blocked. The increasing amount of sebum together with the P. acnes bacteria and dead skin cells, cause a plug to form.

Step 3

 

As the sebum and bacteria continue to grow, white blood cells move into the area and begin to fight the bacteria, this causes swelling or inflammation and a spot forms.

This process will continue until the white blood cells have managed to fight the P. acnes infection and the inflammation stops or until the pore is unblocked and the sebum levels are reduced.

 

How To Treat Acne?

Treatments for acne come in two forms; topical treatments and oral medicines. While mild acne responds very well to cosmetic products, moderate to severe cases may require prescription medicines from your doctor or dermatologist. Acne flare-ups and scars can be prevented by taking care of your skin in the following ways:

• Cleanse your skin twice a day to control excess oil and to reduce bacteria on the skin's surface.

• Exfoliate regularly to help prevent grease glands clogging, which can contribute to acne.

• Avoid heavy make-up and make sure you remove all your make-up before bed.

• Shower regularly, especially after exercise to get rid of excessive oil.

• Wash your hair on a regular basis. If your hair is oily, you may want to wash it more often.

• Do not squeeze or pick at acne lesions. This can cause acne scars.

• Use only water-based cosmetics if you have oily skin.

• Avoid greasy cosmetics or creams as these can aggravate acne.

• Avoid getting sunburned. Many medicines used to treat acne can make you more prone to sunburn.

• Apply a daily oil-free sunscreen of at least SPF 15 and try to stay in the shade as much as you can.

• Choose make-up and hair care products that are non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic. These products have been made in a way that they don’t cause acne.

• You may also want to use products that are oil-free.

• Make sure you eat a well balanced diet, especially plenty of fruit and vegetables.

• Zinc: 60 to 90 mg a day of this mineral improves some people’s acne. Several double-blind trials indicate that zinc supplements can reduce the severity of acne.

• Apply acne lotion regularly to the whole of the affected area and repeat the steps every day, whether or not acne is present. Many acne treatments may take a while to work (anywhere from 2-6 months). Don’t stop using the treatment within this time period .

Acne skincare products can reduce oil production, speed up skin cell turnover and fight bacterial infection.