Home & Lifestyle Spring 2017

What is the cause of Acne? Acne can be very upsetting, whether you suffer from it mildly or are living with a severe case and have blackheads, pustules and cysts all over your shoulders, chest and back. It can leave some sufferers feeling withdrawn and depressed, especially teenagers for whom ‘’image’’ and appearance are all important. But there’s no need to suffer in silence, because there’s plenty that you and your doctor can do to alleviate the symptoms. And don’t ever think you’re alone as around 80 percent of us will experience some form of acne between the ages of eleven and thirty.

Getting acne has nothing to do with poor hygiene; it is primarily related to hormonal changes. Small sebaceous glands just under the surface of the skin produce sebum, an oily substance that keeps the skin smooth. Pores allow the sebum to reach the skin surface, but they can become blocked and bacteria then colonize the area, causing the pustules and inflammation characteristic of acne. Around puberty, levels of androgen hormones surge, causing overproduction of sebum. This is why people often develop acne in their late teens and early twenties, and is also why it almost invariably improves as they get older. There is no quick fix for acne and you may need to stick with a treatment for some time to see results. In the first instance, your doctor is likely to recommend a face wash that contains substances like salicyclic acid or benzyl-peroxide, which will remove the old dead skin cells. If this doesn’t make a difference, you may be prescribed a course of antibiotics - either as a cream or in pill form. Some oral contraceptives can help reduce acne in women. If you have a very severe case you may be prescribed retinoid drugs which work by increasing the production of skin cells and forcing out blockages in the pores. If you do take these, you will need to be carefully monitored as there can be side effects. Acne is not caused by poor diet, but eating a healthy, balanced diet with lots of multicoloured fruits and vegetables and aiming for foods that are low-GL can help balance your hormone levels.

A world of possibilities…

Mixable colours that make it easy to create your own shade.

Paints onto almost anything without sanding or priming.

A little goes a long, long way with excellent coverage. ...at your local Annie Sloan ™

Stockist.

your local Stockist:

Paisley Vintage is an inspiring space offering furniture, homewares, Chalk Paint ™ by Annie Sloan and workshops. Located on the New South Wales Central Coast, they combine coastal living with rustic style.

Paisley Vintage 13A Stella Street Long Jetty, NSW 2261 www.paisleyvintage.com.au tel; 407458950

™

Visit AnnieSloan.com to find your nearest store

& Lifestyle Magazine | Spring 2017

22 Home