Blog Post

Advice on Acne

Victoria Hayes • 1 April 2020
Acne is a common skin condition, which affects millions of people of all ages around the world. It commonly presents with blackheads, whiteheads, pustules and papules on the face, back and/or the chest. In this post we will explore the nature and causes of acne; consider what factors might make it worse (or in their absence, better), what practical steps you can take to lessen the severity of acne and consider some of the common treatments. 

 Some Facts (and educated rumours) about Acne 

Acne is commonly classified as mild, moderate or severe, using grades 1-4:
  • Grade 1 consists of whiteheads and/or blackheads and the occasional pustule, none inflammatory; 
  • Grade 2 blackheads, papules, and a few pustules; 
  • Grade 3 inflammation with the addition of a few cysts  
  • Grade 4 being severe inflammation, with cysts, nodules and purplish in colour;
Studies have shown that cigarette smoking increases the risk of developing acne by four times (something else to add to the ‘con’ column smokers!). 

While the connection between acne and stress has been debated (i.e. it remains unproven), research indicates that increased acne severity is associated with high stress levels and I certainly remember that periods of high stress seemed to affect me more. 
Acne may be hereditary and indicative research suggests that you’re likely to be affected if one or more of your parents were.

Causes of Acne

Acne arises following an increase in hormone levels which stimulates oil production in the sebaceous (oil secreting) glands; this results in excess oil accumulating on the skin surface and clogging up the pores. 

When pores get clogged dead skin cells become trapped within them; this becomes an ideal breeding ground for a bacteria called Propionibacterium Acnes (P acnes), causing swelling and inflammation. Propionibacterium Acnes usually lives harmlessly on your skin and grow inside hair follicles, but when they get trapped in a blocked pore, they are starved of oxygen and multiply which can cause trouble for your skin.

Aggravating Factors for Acne

Unfortunately, stopping these things won’t cure your acne, but knowing them might help you manage it better:
  • Hair products - not rinsing thoroughly;
  • Bad skincare products - using incorrect or overly harsh products for your skin type;
  • Makeup - can block pores if not cleansed properly, try Mii mineral makeup; 
  • Dirty makeup brushes, sponges, towels;
  • Over stimulating the skin by using harsh facial scrubs; 
  • Stripping the skin’s natural oils with harsh alcohol toners’ 
  • Stress; 
  • Sun/increased temperature - heat triggers oil production; 
  • Touching your face - unavoidable I know, but will spread bacteria.

Ingredients and products to help with Acne 

Here are a few ingredients to look out for in products if you have issues with specific precursors of acne:
  • Reduction of oil - Vitamin A ( Retinal ) 
  • To Clear Blockages - Salicylic acid & Glycolic acid
  • Kills Bacteria - Tea tree
  • Reduce inflammation - Niacinamide 
  • Prevent / Improve scarring - Vitamin A & C
I recommend and use Medik8 products in my salon. Medik8 have a dedicated blemish range to help tackle all grades of Acne.

Treatments for Acne

Before having specific treatments you should book a consultation with your skincare specialist to formulate your plan of action. When working with clients I will typically consider one or more from a range of treatments, including:
  • Deep cleansing facials; 
  • Chemical Peels;
  • Microdermabrasion;
  • LED light therapy to reduce inflammation and bacteria; and 
  • Microneedling to smooth uneven pitted / scarred skin. 
Speak to a Facialist who will advise you on the best treatment for your skin or seek medical advice if the problem is persistent. 

Tips for people with Acne 

Here are some practical tips for things you can do today which can help with acne: 
  • Change your pillow cases more frequently;
  • Wash makeup brushes regularly and change to mineral makeup; 
  • Be gentle with your skin, don't use anything too abrasive; 
  • Don't touch or pick your face - keep your hands away! 
  • Stay out of the sun, contrary to popular belief it won't help and actually stimulates even more sebum (oil) production; 
  • For men, consider trimming as opposed to shaving; and 
  • Combine good homecare products (ask your specialist for recommendations) and in-salon treatments for best results.
  • When you start treatment expect your skin to get worse before it gets better. Purging may happen with deep cleansing products and treatments but keep going, your skin will become clearer. 
I hope you have enjoyed reading this post. Please comment below if you'd like any advice or suggestions on what you'd like to read about next. 

Vicky x
by Victoria Bickerton 4 January 2025
Did you know our skin loses about 1% of its collagen production every year after age 20? We live in an era where advanced skincare science offers groundbreaking solutions for ageing skin. AnteAge Growth Factors represent one of the most innovative developments in regenerative skincare, using our body's natural healing mechanisms to rejuvenate skin cells. At my Alsager clinic in Cheshire, I’ve witnessed remarkable transformations through these specialised growth factors. From enhanced collagen stimulation to significant wrinkle reduction and improved pigmentation, these cytosignals work at the cellular level to restore skin health. We'll explore how AnteAge Growth Factors function, their scientific foundation, and their specific benefits for various skin concerns. Let's dive into the science behind this revolutionary approach to skin regeneration and discover why it's becoming a cornerstone of modern skincare treatments. The Science Behind AnteAGE Growth Factors The foundation of AnteAGE technology lies in the remarkable properties of bone marrow stem cells. They’ve discovered that these cells are uniquely powerful because they naturally command tissue repair throughout the body. Unlike other stem cell types, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess exceptional versatility, capable of transforming into various cell types to combat injury and inflammation. In the laboratory process, they culture these cells in carefully controlled conditions to produce specific bio-signals for skin repair. The stem cells used, come exclusively from young, healthy, pre-screened adult female donors, ensuring the highest quality source material. The key components of the technology include: -Epidermal growth factor (EGF) family -Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) -Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) -Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) -Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) What makes their approach unique is the bio-identical nature of these growth factors. They create proteins with molecular structures identical to those found naturally in human bodies. While some recombinant growth factors are included to supplement the natural proteins, the core strength lies in the bone marrow stem cell-derived factors. Through their specialised culture process, they’ve developed a method to harness these communication pathways, creating products that effectively reach the dermis through liposomal technology. This ensures the microscopic molecules can slip between epidermal cells to reach skin-repairing cells, maximising their regenerative potential. Mechanism of Action in Skin Regeneration When we examine how AnteAGE growth factors work in skin regeneration, we're looking at a fascinating cellular communication network. The process begins at the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ), where basal keratinocytes act as master communicating cells in our skin. These cells release specific growth factors and cytokines that coordinate behaviour across all skin cells. AnteAGE MD's growth factors work through multiple pathways: -Cell Signaling Enhancement : Growth factors derived from bone marrow stem cells function as command and control centres for healing -Inflammation Control : The solution contains pro-healing, anti-inflammatory growth factors that reduce recovery time by 40-50% -Barrier Function : The addition of hyaluronic acid provides rapid re-hydration and volume enhancement in upper skin layers -Collagen Production : The growth factors attach to fibroblasts, instructing them to produce collagen naturally rather than through forced injury The keratinocytes at the DEJ, when properly stimulated, coordinate with other skin cells, including dermal fibroblasts. This communication network ensures proper skin regeneration and repair, leading to improved texture, reduced pore size, and balanced moisture levels. Clinical Applications and Benefits Clinical experience with AnteAGE growth factors has demonstrated remarkable versatility across various skin concerns. I’ve observed that a single microneedling treatment combined with growth factors can restore the amount of collagen typically lost in an entire year. The treatment benefits are both immediate and long-lasting: -Enhanced Recovery : Reduces post-treatment redness and downtime by up to 50% -Rapid Results : Many users notice visible improvements within just 4 days -Sustained Impact : Most patients experience significant changes within 30 days -Long-term Benefits : Prevents new signs of ageing with continued use I’ve successfully used AnteAGE to treat multiple skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, uneven texture, enlarged pores, and hyperpigmentation. The treatment's effectiveness is particularly notable when combined with other procedures, such as Micro-needling and chemical peels—clinical studies show improved skin tone and elasticity within just five weeks. My professional protocols typically recommend one treatment session per month for three to six consecutive months. The growth factors work by instructing the skin to regenerate as it did during younger years, targeting the root cause of ageing rather than just surface symptoms. Conclusion AnteAGE Growth Factors represent a significant advancement in regenerative skincare, backed by robust scientific research and proven clinical results. My experience at The Renew Skin Clinic demonstrates how these specialised growth factors, derived from bone marrow stem cells, effectively restore skin health through natural cellular communication pathways. Research supports the remarkable benefits I’ve observed: reduced recovery time, enhanced collagen production, and significant improvements in skin texture and tone. These growth factors stand out for their versatility and compatibility with various treatment modalities. Whether used alone or combined with procedures like micro-needling and RF treatments, they consistently deliver impressive results for concerns ranging from fine lines to uneven pigmentation. Ready to experience the transformative effects of AnteAGE Growth Factors? Book an appointment via the website to start your personalised treatment journey. I will create a tailored plan addressing your specific skin concerns, using this groundbreaking technology. Science continues advancing our understanding of skin regeneration, and AnteAGE Growth Factors lead this progress. Their ability to work with our body's natural healing mechanisms makes them an essential tool for anyone seeking effective, science-based skincare solutions. 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