Who suffers from acne? Adolescents and adults can suffer from acne. 1 in 20 women are thought to be affected. Celebrity sufferers include Cameron Diaz and Nicola Roberts from Girls Aloud.
What causes an acne breakout? When hair follicles get blocked with sebum and dead skin cells, a white or black-head spot can occur. If infection occurs, the spot can develop into a puss-filled cyst. Hormonal changes can increase sebum production, which is why many women will develop acne just before menstruation, during pregnancy, or as a result of the condition Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Can eating chocolate cause acne? While eating a healthy and balanced diet will ensure that your skin needs to nutrients it needs to stay healthy, there is no conclusive evidence to show that chocolate causes spots.
What acne treatment is available? Over-the-counter treatments can be harsh and irritate your already sensitive skin. If prescribed lotions or antibiotics do not have the desired effect, or if you have been left with unsightly acne scars, then consider laser and microdermabrasion treatments.
How do they work? Microdermabrasion removed the upper layers of skin, to reveal new skin underneath. This helps to improve the appearance of scarred skin. The laser both eliminates the bacteria that cause infection and stimulates the production of collagen and new skin cells.
