What do you know about Acne?
Acne is the most common skin condition, which occurs during puberty when the sebaceous glands activate, but it can occur at any age.
At least 85 percent of people experience acne between the ages of 12 and 24 years.
Acne is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that results in whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, cysts, and nodules. It is not dangerous, but it can leave skin scars.
Human skin has pores that connect to oil glands under the skin. Follicles connect the glands to the pores. Follicles are small sacs that produce and secrete liquid.
The glands produce an oily liquid called sebum. The sebum carries dead skin cells through the follicles to the surface of the skin. A small hair grows through the follicle out of the skin.
Pimples grow when these follicles get blocked, and oil builds up under the skin.
They tend to appear on the face, back, chest, shoulders, and neck.
Skin cells, sebum, and hair can clump together into a plug. This plug gets infected with bacteria and swelling results. A pimple starts to develop when the plug begins to break down.
Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is the name of the bacteria that live on the skin and contribute to the infection of pimples.
Research suggests that the severity and frequency of acne depend on the strain of bacteria. Not all acne bacteria trigger pimples. One strain helps to keep the skin pimple-free.
Common Causes of Acne:
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Hormones: Fluctuating hormone levels in teens, men, and women during different periods in their lives
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Certain medications such as corticosteroids or lithium can cause acne to develop
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Diet
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Stress
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Smoking
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Greasy cosmetics
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Poor skin hygiene
Possible Acne Types:
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Whiteheads: These remain under the skin and are small
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Blackheads: Clearly visible, they are black and appear on the surface of the skin
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Papules: Small, usually pink bumps, these are visible on the surface of the skin
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Pustules: Clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are red at their base and have pus at the top
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Nobules: Clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are large, solid, painful pimples that are embedded deep in the skin
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Cysts: Clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are painful and filled with pus. Cysts can cause scars.
Treatments for Mild Acne
Over the counter acne remedies may contain the following active ingredients:
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Resorcinol: helps break down blackheads and whiteheads
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Benzoyl peroxide: kills bacteria, accelerates the replacement of skin, and slows the production of sebum
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Salicylic acid: assists the breakdown of blackheads and whiteheads and helps reduce inflammation and swelling
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Sulfur: exactly how this works is unknown
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Retin-A: helps unblock pores through cell turnover
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Azelaic acid strengthens cells that line the follicles stops sebum eruptions and reduces bacterial growth. There is a cream for acne, but other forms are used for rosacea.
Treatments for Moderate to Severe Acne:
It’s advised to visit one of our specialized dermatologist. They may prescribe a medical-grade gel or cream, over the counter medications, or oral or topical antibiotics or hormone regulation.
Recently Dermatologists have started using Mesotherapy; an injected active substance that fights the formation of new acne as well as subsiding existing eruptions.
15 tips for managing acne
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Wash your face no more than twice each day with warm water and a mild soap made especially for acne.
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Do not scrub the skin or burst the pimples, as this may push the infection further down, causing more blocking, swelling, and redness.
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Avoid popping pimples, as this makes scarring likelier.
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A specialist can treat a pimple that requires rapid removal for cosmetic reasons.
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Refrain from touching the face.
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Hold the telephone away from the face when talking, as it is likely to contain sebum and skin residue.
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Wash hands frequently, especially before applying lotions, creams, or makeup.
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Clean spectacles regularly as they collect sebum and skin residue.
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If acne is on the back, shoulders, or chest, try wearing loose clothing to let the skin breathe. Avoid tight garments, such as headbands, caps, and scarves, or wash them regularly if used.
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Choose makeup for sensitive skin and avoid oil-based products. Remove makeup before sleeping.
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Keep hair clean, as it collects sebum and skin residue. Avoid greasy hair products, such as those containing cocoa butter.
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Avoid excessive sun exposure, as it can cause the skin to produce more sebum. Please note that several acne medications increase the risk of sunburn.
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Use an electric shaver or sharp safety razors when shaving. Soften the skin and beard with warm soapy water before applying shaving cream.
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Avoid anxiety and stress, as it can increase the production of cortisol and adrenaline, which increase acne.
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Try to keep cool and dry in hot and humid climates, to prevent sweating.