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Thursday, 21 December 2006

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Keira Knightley: I wish my acne could be airbrushed

Actress admits she suffers with spots

She may have been voted one of the sexiest movie stars of all time, but Keira Knightley doesn’t feel like it.

In fact, she admits that she’s plagued by self-consciousness because of her bad skin. ‘I’ve got really awful skin,’ she admits. ‘My on-screen look actually takes about four hours of make-up.’

It’s a surprising confession coming from the 20-year-old actress who looks as though she has a porcelain smooth complexion, but she reveals this is all due to a bit of digital trickery. ‘I always get acne, so it’s incredibly nice when they take it out digitally,’ she has said. ‘I wish they could do that for me in everyday life.’

It’s a sentiment that many women share, as acne often persists beyond teenage years and can flare up for the first time in adulthood. Recent studies revealed that 40 to 50 per cent of adults experience acne – other celebrity sufferers include Victoria Beckham, Cameron Diaz, Billie Piper, Britney Spears and Kate Moss.

But what is it that suddenly triggers the condition?

Constant changes in our bodies and added stress

‘Acne develops when the skin becomes sensitive to normal levels of male hormones, which can happen in teenage or adult years,’ explains Dr Colin Holden, consultant dermatologist and Hon Secretary of the British Skin Foundation (www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk).

‘Our bodies are constantly changing, which causes the hormones to fluctuate, but if you previously had smooth skin but, as an adult, you suddenly get a flare-up and experience irregular periods, then you should consult a GP.’

Factors that can contribute to the onset of acne include a change in sleeping patterns, certain types of contraceptive pills or lifestyle factors such as smoking and emotional stress, all of which can have an impact on hormone levels.

Stress could certainly have played a part in Keira’s condition. Her career has gone stellar in just a few short years since appearing in the British film Bend It Like Beckham and the actress is now so busy that she’s been forced to hire a PA to help her out.

‘There was correspondence from builders, scriptwriters and friends,’ she says. ‘Just piles and piles of it everywhere, which sent my stress levels through the roof.’

Added to this, a two-year on-off relationship with Irish model Jamie Dorman is bound to take its toll.

A good beauty routine

Keira also says that she spends hours in make-up for every film role, which Dr Holden believes can be a factor in skin complaints. ‘Although you can’t wash acne away since blockages aren’t caused by dirt, blocking pores with heavy make-up or greasy ointment will contribute to inflammation and worsen acne,’ he says. ‘That’s not to say you can’t wear make-up, but you should keep it light and not wear it all the time.’

So how does Keira deal with problem skin?

As well as having regular appointments with a dermatologist, she follows a good beauty routine and advises that you should always wash your face before bed. But there are other options.

There are numerous over-the-counter treatments, though success with these can be a case of trial and error.

Treatments available

Clinical trials suggest that tea-tree oil and topical creams or gels containing benzoyl peroxide are effective, although both can dry the skin. For more severe cases, stronger topical treatments can be prescribed by your GP, such as Retin-A, a vitamin A derivative that helps boost skin cell renewal.

If topical treatments prove ineffective, there are several oral treatments available. These include antibiotics, such as tetracycline, or the contraceptive pill Dianette, which helps combat the effects of the male hormone testosterone.

A whole new range of technological treatments have also been developed. NLite and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments use light and heat that work to kill bacteria forming in the skin and boost skin cell renewal.

In a study of NLite, three quarters of those who took part in a 12-week trial reported a significant improvement to their skin (NLite and IPL treatments cost from £100 at The Private Clinic, visit www.theprivateclinic.co.uk or call 0870 4292220).

These might be something Keira could think of trying – though with self-confidence beyond her years, she doesn’t look like she needs to.

Adult acne explained

What is it? An inflammatory skin condition that affects the pores and oil glands.

What causes it? An abnormal response in the skin to normal levels of the male hormone testosterone, which is present in both sexes. Spots result when pores are blocked with dead skin cells, which restrict the flow of oil to the skin. This oil then becomes infected with bacteria, causing redness, pus formation and pain.

Who does it affect? It’s most common in adolescents, but can continue into adulthood or even appear for the first time in an adult.

What treatment is available? Topical and oral treatments, antibiotics, the contraceptive pill, drugs and a range of new technological treatments such as NLite and IPL – Intense Pulsed Light.

For more information about possible treatments, consult your GP or contact the British Association of Dermatologists at www.bad.org.uk.

Rachel Woolston