What's Causing Causing My Spots!

Spots (and even worse Acne) is an inflammatory skin condition usually brought about by a combination of increased production of oil in your skin caused by androgens (sex hormones like testosterone which peak in puberty, menopause, and time of the month), and the build up of old surface layer skin cells. The two together lead to clogged pores and the subsequent bacteria causing spots or spread of bacteria leading to acne.

How to treat it? Using twice a week say Wednesday's and Sunday's over the counter products made with anti-inflammatory exfoliants like salicylic acid or lactic acid remove dead skins cells that block pores or if more severe outbreak or acne, antiseptics such as benzoyl peroxide in a consistent skincare routine can help to decongest your clogged pores and relieve inflammation. Use an exfoliant after cleansing and toning so the skin is already clear of make up and daily grime. If your acne has become severe, uncontrollable, and affecting your quality of life do go to see the GP and if necessary request a two week referral to see a dermatologist, (scaring left by acne is reduced massively with early intervention).

What to do with spots that leave a mark? For spots that are indented or raised, professional peels and micro needling can help minimise their appearance. If dark marks are left behind this is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. For this type of problem look for products that contain ingredients such as rescorcinol, alpha arbutin or kojic acid, which work to fade the pigmentation. If the mark is red, this is inflammation whist the skin is healing and will usually fade on its own but products containing azelaic acid and niacinamide will speed things up.

Also try and keep to a simple skincare routine, with natural products these are less inflammatory to the skin and make sure you cleanse the skin morning and night followed by your toner, serums and moisturiser and lastly SPF 30, even acne prone skin needs moisturiser or the skin gets hard and the natural oil we produce sebum gets clogged because it can't escape through the pores it builds up and hey presto another spot. Lastly something simple, change your pillow cover every week so there is no transference of old skin cells, sweat or make up back onto your skin as you sleep for several hours.