Weekly Health Insight from Bondi GP
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Article Title: “Managing Acne”
Introduction
In this week’s article, your local Bondi GP at Ocean Medical Practice | Bondi provides into how to better manage acne.
Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages, especially teenagers to early adulthood. Living coastal areas like Bondi comes unique environmental factors that can influence skin health.
At our Bondi Medical Centre, our experienced GPs understand how lifestyle, climate, and individual skin types can impact acne. Here’s a comprehensive guide to managing acne effectively.
Understanding Acne
Acne develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed pimples. Hormonal changes, stress, diet, and environmental factors can all worsen acne.
With the onset of Spring and Summer around the corner, here are some risks to be aware of.
Our Bondi Road doctors offer personalized advice and treatment options to help patients tackle acne and achieve clearer skin.
Tips for Managing Acne in Bondi’s Unique Climate
Bondi’s sun and humidity can impact acne in surprising ways. Our Bondi GPs recommend:
1.Choosing Sun Protection without Blocking Pores
- Sun exposure can worsen acne scars and lead to hyperpigmentation, particularly on sensitive or acne-prone skin. On the flip side, some sunscreens can clog pores, leading to more breakouts.
- What to do: Opt for a non-comedogenic, oil-free sunscreen that won’t clog pores. Our Bondi doctors recommend sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher, which provides adequate protection without exacerbating acne. Remember not all brands work for everyone. You may need to trail several brands before finding the right one for your skin.
- Hydration and Moisturizing
- The Bondi beach lifestyle of sun and sand can lead to skin dehydration, especially if you’re spending time in the sun or saltwater. Dehydrated skin can lead to increased oil production, which can aggravate acne.
- What to do: Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer. If unsure of the best type, speak to one of our Bondi Road GP.
- Limit Heavy Makeup and Opt for Acne-Friendly Products
- Heavy makeup and thick foundations can trap oil and bacteria, increasing the risk of acne.
- What to do: Look for “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic” labels on makeup products. Our Bondi GPs suggest mineral-based or water-based makeup, which tends to be lighter on the skin.
- A Balanced Diet for Skin Health
- Diet plays a critical role in skin health. Foods high in sugar or dairy can sometimes trigger breakouts. However, it is important to recognise that not all skin types are the same and the triggers are different for everyone.
- What to do: In general, opt for a diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, such as fish and avocados. Our Bondi Road doctors often suggest reducing processed foods and refined sugars, which can help reduce acne flare-ups.
Treatment Options at Ocean Medical Practice | Bondi Medical Centre
When home care isn’t enough to manage acne, seeking professional guidance can be beneficial. Our Bondi doctors offer a variety of treatment options, including:
- Topical Medications
- Prescription creams with retinoids, topical antibiotics or benzoyl peroxide can be effective for mild to moderate acne.
- Oral Medications
- For more persistent cases, oral medications like antibiotics or hormonal treatments may help. Our Bondi GPs can discuss whether these options are suitable for you based on your specific needs.
- Chemical Peels and Light Therapy
- Our Bondi Road doctors can refer you to a dermatologist for advanced treatments like chemical peels and light therapy, which can reduce acne and improve skin texture.
Acne and Mental Health
The impact of acne isn’t just physical—it can affect self-confidence and mental well-being. Our Bondi doctors understand that acne can be emotionally challenging, and our GPs are here to provide empathetic support and guidance. We can also refer you to a psychologist under a Mental Health Care Plan where required.
When to See a Bondi GP for Acne
If over-the-counter treatments aren’t helping, it’s essential to see a doctor. The doctors at our Bondi Medical Centre can help develop a tailored plan to tackle acne effectively, using evidence-based treatments.
Clear, healthy skin is achievable with the right guidance and treatment. It is important to remember that the above is general advice only. Not all triggers are the same and each individual is unique. Our team of Bondi GPs are here to support you on your journey to better skin health. To book an appointment, click here.
