Managing Acne
Acne isn’t just a teenage problem. Many people, especially women, experience breakouts well into their 30s, 40s, and even during menopause.
What Causes Acne?
Acne forms when pores get blocked by oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes, triggering inflammation. Hormones play a big role — especially during periods, pregnancy, menopause, or in conditions like PCOS. Jawline breakouts often point to hormonal acne.
Important note: Rosacea is common in Ireland and often confused with acne. Redness, flushing, and pustules are key features. Many people actually have both.
Common Acne Triggers
- Friction or pressure (helmets, masks, instruments)
- Cosmetics and hair products
- Supplements – Biotin, B6, and whey protein may worsen acne
- Diet – Skimmed milk and high sugar diets are linked to breakouts
- Medications – Steroids, lithium, certain contraceptives
- Stress – Makes everything worse, including your skin
Over-the-Counter Heroes
- Cleanser: Use salicylic acid-based washes or gentler ones if they’re aggravating your skin.
- Moisturiser: Hydrated skin heals faster.
- Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills acne bacteria
- Salicylic + Glycolic Acid
- Azelaic Acid: Calms inflammation and brightens skin
- Sulfur Masks
- Supplements: Zinc and omegas can support skin health
- LED Light therapy: Blue light is known to help zap acne, but at times may also increase your risk of pigmentation so get advice. Red and blue light are an excellent combination, but must be done consistently.
Prescription Options
- Topicals: Retinoids like adapalene (Differin), tretinoin, or combos like Epiduo or Duac.
- Antibiotics: Doxycycline (short-term), but watch for sun sensitivity.
- Hormonal: Birth control pills or spironolactone can help hormonal acne.
- Isotretinoin (Roaccutane): A game-changer for severe acne — but requires close monitoring and is not safe in pregnancy.
Don’t Wait to Get Help
Acne can leave scars and pigmentation, but it also takes a toll mentally. If OTC treatments aren’t enough, talk to your GP or a dermatologist. You deserve clear skin and confidence. This is also true for teenagers. Do not wait for them to grow out of it but help them deal with it.
More Tips from the Blog
Can Too Much Anti-Wrinkle Treatment Make You Look Older?
Why treating the whole face, rather than just the wrinkles and lines, matters Anti-wrinkle injections are one of the most popular aesthetic treatments for a reason. When used thoughtfully,...
Introducing Juläine: Skin Rejuvenation That Works With Your Skin
Not everyone wants anti-wrinkle injections or dermal fillers. Many people simply want healthier, firmer skin that still looks like them. They want to age well, not look different. Juläine is a new...
Why Your Botulinum Toxin Anti-Wrinkle Results Might Not Last as Long as You’d Like
1. The Practitioner Matters First off, consider who’s administering your treatment. Their experience and skill level are crucial. Are they using genuine products from reputable suppliers? It's...
Planning Skin and Injectable Treatments for a Special Occasion: What to Do and When
Major life and family events come with unique pressures, including the worry about photographs and wanting to look like the best version of yourself. I'd love to tell you to just not stress about...
Postpartum Hair and Skin Changes: How We Can Help
Hair loss and skin changes after pregnancy are extremely common. Hormonal shifts, stress, sleep deprivation, and nutritional changes all affect how your hair and skin behave in the months after...
Menopause and weight gain: why it happens and why it isn’t your fault
Weight gain during midlife is one of the most frustrating changes women experience during perimenopause and menopause. Many describe doing “everything right”: eating the same foods, exercising...