Many women between 30 and 40 still struggle with acne, often related to hormonal changes. They come to the clinic with practical and very personal questions: Can I still wear makeup? What can I do about my scars? What treatments are available, how long do they take, and will they hurt? Can I go to work during treatment?
This article answers these questions.
Can I wear makeup with acne-prone, oily or combination skin?
Yes, you can wear makeup, but strict rules apply.
If you have oily, combination or acne-prone skin, you must always choose makeup that is:
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Lightweight
- Matte
If these rules are not followed, makeup can cause breakouts.
The same applies to skincare products. Everything you put on your skin, including serums, sprays, lotions, creams, sunscreens and moisturisers, must be oil-free, non-comedogenic and lightweight.
What can I do about acne scars?
First, the severity of the scarring has to be assessed.
If you have only a few scars, we may advise you to use vitamin A derivatives, such as retinoids, at home. These require a prescription and must be used under the supervision of a dermatologist, with regular check-ups at the clinic.
In the dermatology clinic, several procedures are available:
- Chemical peels
- Ablative lasers
- Microneedling
- Microdermabrasion
- Subcision
The choice of treatment depends on the shape of the scars.
What about active acne?
If you have active acne, the cause has to be identified.
If the cause is hormonal, it has to be treated, which may involve working together with your gynaecologist. If other factors are responsible, they have to be identified and removed.
You also need skincare products suited to your skin type, and a water-based moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated.
How long does it take to see an improvement?
Active acne and scarring take several months to improve.
Nothing will treat them in a week or a month. The skin needs longer to renew itself.
Are the treatments painful?
Home treatments are not normally painful when used correctly.
Procedures in the clinic may require a topical anaesthetic cream or sedation, depending on the treatment. Some are mildly painful for some patients, and aftercare is prescribed. The most important rule is to avoid the sun afterwards, which is why I prefer to perform these procedures in the winter months.
Can I work while I am being treated?
Patients can normally work. The skin will not look its best, however: it may be irritated, red or flaking after treatment.
Some patients prefer not to be seen in that condition; others do not mind.
Several sessions are usually needed, and most patients cannot take time off work every month. The treatment requires patience, discipline and adherence to the dermatologist's instructions in order to achieve the result the patient is hoping for.
An important note about maintenance
Patients with acne usually have this skin type for life. After all procedures and treatments, they have to keep up a daily skincare routine, which is what prevents new breakouts.
Many patients say: I was treated, and then I broke out again.
This is normal. Acne-prone skin is a skin type, and it needs continuous care, even after all treatments are finished.
Treatment clears the skin. Maintenance keeps it clear.
A final note
Hormonal problems have to be controlled together with a gynaecologist.
- This article is for information only and does not replace a personal consultation with a dermatologist. Every patient's skin is different, and treatment plans have to be tailored individually.*