I wish my acne story would end there, but it didn’t. I was later diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (or PCOS), which itself is a cause of acne and oily skin, and it returned in my 20s. I’m 40 now – and a dermatologist – and since then I’ve had occasional treatments for it when I needed it. Now understand that for me acne is a chronic condition that waxes and wanes over time. There will never be a ‘cure’.
When I started my medical training, I realized that I could empathize with patients with skin problems. Now my goal is to catch acne before it causes long-term physical damage in the form of scarring, or psychological damage due to deteriorating mental health. I don’t want my clients to do what I did and waste time and hard-earned money on products that don’t work when the acne is deep or causing inflammation.
What did I learn? Keep it simple. I know it’s become popular to use multiple products morning and night, but I’m very picky about what I put on my skin. Less is more and it’s important to use gentle cleansers and moisturizers, but use a prescription acne treatment every night, a mixture of vitamin A (retinoid) and benzoyl peroxide. There’s no doubt that for people with mild acne or congestion, using products containing salicylic acid, as well as those mentioned above, can be helpful.
Chemical peels can be excellent at improving skin tone and shifting pigmentation, while laser has been fantastic at removing my own dimpled or atrophic acne scars. I still have some on my left cheek, but it doesn’t bother me anymore so I’ve stopped treating it further. As I’ve gotten older, there are also a number of anti-aging treatments I enjoy, including the occasional injectable Botox or fillers, as well as lower skin tightening with high-intensity ultrasound. We often see horror stories in the press, but if these treatments are done properly, no one should be able to say that you had them done.
Like so many others, I’ve also tried the standard stuff, like cutting out dairy and reducing my sugar intake. For me and my acne it made no difference, and my diet is now completely inclusive and I don’t restrict myself; I just eat what I want.
I still suffer from pimples and suspect that this will continue for years to come. With many chronic conditions, there is a constant threat of things getting worse, even when things seem to be going well and under control. But getting older has helped. I simply recognize that my skin is a very small part of who I am and what I can achieve.
My advice to people who suffer from acne is to speak to your GP directly, or make an appointment with a dermatologist. It can be easy to spend time and money on skin care that may not work, and it’s better to seek professional advice early. No one should have to suffer or despair because of their skin, and it is not for anyone else to underestimate how you feel or how it affects you.
