• How acne works
• What causes acne?
• Tips for oily and acne-prone skin
• How hormonal acne works
• Oily skin and the spot bacteria that causes acne
• Types of acne
• Oily skin FAQs

How acne works:

• Hormones cause increased sebum production making skin oily.
• The same hormones cause increased production of skin cells lining pores.
• Pores get clogged with a mixture of cells and sebum.
• Blocked pores become a breeding ground for acne bacteria (P. acnes) causing inflammation.
• This results in several different types of pimples, ranging from red spots to pustules to deep, painful cysts.

If acne persists, see your pharmacist. If the problem is getting too much, see a doctor who may prescribe antibiotics for acne or even stronger treatments.

What causes acne?

Ever wanted to know what causes oily skin and pimples? The vast majority of acne is caused by hormonal changes that occur during puberty or other times of hormonal change, such as before your period or during pregnancy. However, acne can also be brought on by other factors such as stress, fatigue, unsuitable skincare products, and certain medical treatments such as corticosteroids. Additionally, acne can also be genetic: if your parents had it, there is a chance you will have it too.

There is a strong relationship between oily skin and spots throughout different types of oily skin. Individuals with excess oil (sebum) production in their skin may experience clogged pores which breed the spot bacteria that causes acne. Adopting a solid skincare routine (complete with acne-fighting ingredients) can help minimise excess sebum production and lessen the chance of spots popping up.

Recommended skincare routine for oily skin

• Thoroughly but gently cleanse: With a product specifically formulated for oily skin such as Effaclar Purifying Gel Cleanser.
• Target the causes of oily skin directly: Choose a treatment to control sebum production and help reduce breakouts. For example, use a targeted moisturiser every day such as Effaclar Duo+M, or Effaclar A.Z. Gel if you have adult blemishes - consistency is the key to successfully managing oily skin and spots.
• Protect the skin from the sun: While sun may initially make the complexion look more even by causing the skin to tan, it also thickens the skin’s top layer and increases sebum production, creating the perfect conditions for spots. Sun protection is essential in breakout-prone skin management to prevent further skin damage. Anthelios UVMune 400 Oil Control is a targeted broad-spectrum sunscreen for oily skin.
• Don't squeeze spots: This only worsens the inflammation and can leave scars on sensitive skin.

How hormonal acne works

Hormonal acne is due to an imbalance of a type of hormone called androgens. These hormones cause the skin to be oilier. A certain amount of sebum (oil) is beneficial for the skin, protecting it with a waterproof layer. However, during puberty, these hormonal changes cause secretion to go into overdrive, making skin more oily. The very same hormones cause an overproduction of corneal cells (surface skin cells) at the opening of the pore, causing it to become blocked. This is known as a comedone.

Oily skin and the spot bacteria that causes acne

Blemish-prone, oily skin often experiences blocked pores. Because of the blocked pores, or comedones, the sebum is no longer able to flow out as it would normally. The sebum in oily skin then becomes a food source for the bacteria that causes spots This bacteria is “anaerobic,” meaning the oxygen-deprived environment of the blocked pore makes them feel right at home. As a result of this spot bacteria living in the pore, the blocked pore then shows as raised papules (red bumps) or pustules (red bumps with a white head) appear.

Types of acne

Acne can be categorised into two basic types: retentional and inflammatory.

Retentional acne

Retentional acne consists of blocked pores or comedones. These fall into two types:

• Open comedones, known as blackheads, where a sticky mixture of cells and sebum darkens in contact with the air.
• Closed comedones, where the mixture is sealed beneath the surface, form what is known as a whitehead. Inflammatory acne consists of red, raised lesions often with a white centre (you might call them zits or pimples).

In adolescent acne, different types of blemishes often occur together and because of this, there is an association between spots and oily skin.

Inflammatory acne

Inflammatory acne is the presence of red, raised, or inflamed spots on the skin. This can appear as papules or pustules and can be triggered by a number of factors including oily skin and spot bacteria, hormonal changes, genetics, lifestyle, or stress. It is more common in people with acne-prone oily skin, but the inflammation can occur in anyone.

Severe acne

Severe acne can present itself as nodular or cystic acne.

In severe acne, the inflammatory lesions form nodular or cystic acne (tender pus-filled lumps under the skin). This type of acne risks causing permanent scarring and should be treated by a healthcare professional.

Dark spots and acne-prone skin marks

Have you ever noticed that acne can leave dark marks behind after the blemish has healed? Because of the inflammation caused by the bacteria that cause imperfections, the skin can develop what is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if exposed to the sun (even in winter). Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the appearance of brown marks where spots once were. That is why it is important to use targeted skincare as well as sun protection if you have oily, blemish-prone skin. Committing to a dedicated skincare routine for oily skin can help fight acne-causing spot bacteria. Mela B3 Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum is an anti hyperpigmentation serum that corrects the appearance of dark spots, and is also suitable for those who may be prone to post-acne marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation/ PIH).

Oily skin FAQs