The Evening Standard investigated the issue of acne and spots with expert advice from Dr Ross Perry:

‘Best acne spot treatments and anti-blemish creams
… and everything you need to know about zit-zapping once and for all’

The article asked Ross to explain the difference between spots and acne. Ross explained:

“Fundamentally spots and acne are the same thing, but in common parlance, acne describes a more serious, ongoing condition, whereas spots could be more an occasional or localised problem.”

Ross was then asked what actually causes acne. He continued:

“The root cause is acne bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) which live on the skin. Where follicles become blocked with sebum and dead skin cells, the P. Acnes bacteria go into overdrive, causing blackheads, whiteheads and spots and redness. These can then become inflamed causing redness and more severe spots/cysts.”

The article explains that squeezing spots is NOT the way forward:

“As tempting as it is, it’s a resounding NO from every dermatologist that we consulted. Squeezing pimples can spread the bacteria to other parts of your face as well as allowing more dirt and oil into the pore. It can also lead to scarring or push the inflammation deeper into the skin, which causes infection.”

A good regular skincare routine including regular face washing was the basis of skincare.

The Evening Standard then recommended a series of products including Murad Blemish Control – a range available at Cosmedics Skin Clinics in London where Rapid Relief Spot Treatment is under £20.

Budget favourite Sudocrem was also featured. At £2.99 a pot in Boots, the protective, soothing and antibacterial properties can be helpful for mild/moderate spots.

Read the feature in full at: https://www.standard.co.uk/shopping/esbest/beauty/skincare/how-to-get-rid-of-spots-the-best-acne-treatments-and-antiblemish-cream-a4052921.html

Dr Perry’s Acne Advice

Dr Ross Perry’s tips for acne sufferers are:

• Pay good attention to facial cleansing. Over the counter acne treatments are all very similar so no clear winner, but Dermol lotion as a face wash may be a good one to try
• Products would be Retinol based, Benzoyle peroxide, AHA acids
• Prescription based would be vitamin A creams, antibiotic creams and benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid
• Laser treatments such as ClearSkin or LED can be very helpful in clearing up the inflammation and getting rid of excessive bacteria activity

Dr Ross Perry

Dr Ross Perry regularly provides expert comment and advises the media on a range of skincare and health-related issues.

He has particular expertise in skin surgery mole removal and melanoma; having removed thousands of moles in his career, both within the NHS and privately through Cosmedics Skin Clinics. He provides expert advice on skin cancer, sun damage and sun protection for a variety of UK media and publications.

He is also highly experienced in non-surgical cosmetic and medical treatments such as BOTOX® and dermal fillers, where he has a reputation for excellent results that look entirely natural.

DR ROSS PERRY

Cosmedics Skin Clinics

Cosmedics Skin Clinics was established in 2003 and has built up an excellent reputation for cosmetic and medical treatments, carried out by GMC Registered Doctors.  The company offer a full range of cosmetic treatments, including popular lip enhancement and wrinkle relaxing injections, dermal fillers; plus medical treatments including mole removal, thread vein treatment and excessive sweating injections.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics has a team of skin treatment doctors and surgeons in their 5 skin clinics across London and Bristol led by Dr Ross Perry.

Call 020 7386 0464 or email enquiries@cosmedics.co.uk to book an appointment.