Samantha Appel, Dermal Therapist and Founder of The Skin Bar, sheds some light on what causes this inflammatory skin condition and how mesoestetic’s acnelan approach, which combines an in-clinic treatment along with a comprehensive home care range, effectively addresses the numerous factors that trigger acne to help treat it.

What exactly is acne and what causes it?

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in Australia. There are different types of acne including whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts.

Acne usually begins in adolescence, but this condition is not limited to any age group. According to an article in BMJ (British Medical Journal) nearly 90% of teenagers are affected by acne and approximately 50% of them continue to experience symptoms as adults.

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that causes a disorder in the activity of pores. In normal conditions, sebaceous glands produce oil which lubricate and protect the skin’s surface. In the case of acne, these glands produce more oil than normal causing a build-up of oil, bacteria and dead skin cells which leads to an obstruction to the follicle. This ultimately results in the formation of pimples and red spots.

Samantha Appel, Dermal Therapist and Founder of The Skin Bar explains what causes this inflammatory skin condition.

“So many different factors can come into play when we are discussing what causes acne,’ she says. “Basically, acne occurs when the pores of your skin become blocked with oil, dead skin, or bacteria. So many people think a poor diet is what is causing their breakouts, although there is no scientific research to support this”.

According to Samantha, acne prone skin occurs mainly due to the following factors:

  • Genetics (thanks, mum or dad) 
  • Hormonal changes (pregnancy, puberty, unbalanced hormones, poor gut health)
  • A diet high in dairy, refined sugars and carbohydrates
  • Using the wrong products for your skin type, such as applying heavy anti-ageing
    products when you have oily skin.

“Usually oily skin types are more predisposed to acne. The reason being is that the pores are more open. Basically, there is an excess of sebum (oil) sitting in the pores, which are generally larger all over the face. Open pores and excess sebum can create a higher chance of pores being clogged and blocked,” says Samantha.

What happens if acne is left untreated?

“Scarring! Deep cystic acne can often leave scars and a create an uneven skin tone and this can have a detrimental effect on someone’s emotional state and confidence,” explains Samantha.

“As we age our rate of repair slows down dramatically. If we have trauma to the skin, if can often scar us for life if no course of treatment is taken. It’s important to treat the acne concern when it presents, so that you are immediately working on the scar tissue. We use the acnelan treatment by mesoestetic to treat acne, followed by skin needling – the combination has proven to be a great success.”

Acnelan by mesoestetic: Innovative topical treatment for acne-prone and seborrhoeic skins

According to Samantha, acnelan can deliver some amazing results with the management of cystic acne: “I have clients who often don’t want to go down the path of medication and are looking for an alternate approach. Over the course of 3 months, acnelan professional treatments combined with the home care regime have worked brilliantly at helping control and reduce my clients’ acne.”

“I love that this treatment is a well-researched and proven treatment for acne. We are not using any damaging lasers on the skin to destroy bacteria, which is what I am all about. We are using proven skincare products only (including the professional treatment) to help treat active acne. What I also really love (as do the clients) is that it is possible to actually see results after only one treatment!“

The professional acnelan treatment consists of 3 sessions that will be performed at 15- to 21-day intervals.

The home care line specifically is designed as a convenient and efficient way of maximising the results of the professional treatment or can be used as a home care regime on its own.

The home care range includes:

purifying mousse – a daily cleansing mousse formulated to purify and cleanse blemish-prone and seborrhoeic skin. RRP: $58

acne one – a daily treatment cream that targets the various factors that trigger blemish-prone skin with a cross-cutting approach. RRP: $79

pure renewing mask – an exfoliating and purifying facial mask for blemish-prone and seborrhoeic skin, designed for weekly use. RRP: $78

imperfection control – a specific, local treatment for blemish breakouts, which contains innovative pigments for a concealing effect. RRP: $78

Click here to find a clinic near you specially trained in mesoestetic treatments, including acnelan.