What is acne?
Acne is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. It is a common problem that affects most people in their teens especially during puberty. However, changes in the hormonal balance of all ages can get it e.g. some adult woman get moderate acne with pregnancy, menstrual cycles, or due to birth control pills. For some, acne can take a long time, even years to treat successfully. There is no known timeline to when these lesions are likely to disappear. It can cause emotional distress and lead to severe scarring of the skin.
What causes acne?
Overproduction of oil in the skin
People with oily skin are more prone to acne than any other type of skin. Oil glands are more commonly known as sebaceous glands. These glands secrete oil in the face, neck, chest and others parts of the body.
Buildup of bacteria
When your body encounters unwanted bacteria, it sends an army of white blood cells to attack the bacteria. This process is simply the inflammatory response. This is what causes pimples to become red, swollen and painful.
Inflamed follicles
P. acnes (Propionibacterium) are regular resident in all skin types. Once a follicle is plugged, P. acnes bacteria multiply rapidly, creating the chemical reaction we know as inflammation in the follicle and surrounding skin.
Normally, dead cells within the follicle get rid of gradually and are expelled onto the skin’s surface. But in patients with overactive sebaceous glands — and in nearly everyone during puberty — these cells are shed more rapidly. Mixed with a surplus of sebum, the dead skin cells form a plug in the follicle, preventing the skin from finishing its natural process of renewal.
Greasy or oily cosmetic and hair products
Acne induced by use of cosmetics can be identified by tiny whiteheads clustering over the cheeks, forehead and chin. Cosmetic acne does not result in scarring but it is as unpleasant as any other form of acne. Many people are unaware of this form of acne and end up worsening the lesions by using more cosmetics to hide the acne.
Hormonal changes
For the majority of acne sufferers, the trouble begins at puberty, when the body begins to produce hormones called androgens. These hormones cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge, which is a natural part of the body's development. In acne sufferers, however, the sebaceous glands are over stimulated by androgens, sometimes well into adulthood. Androgens are also responsible for acne flare-ups associated with the menstrual cycle and, on occasion, pregnancy.
Who Gets Acne?
People of all races and ages get acne. It is most common in adolescents and young adults. Nearly 85 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24 develop the disorder. For most people, acne tends to go away by the time they reach their thirties; however, some people in their forties and fifties continue to have this skin problem.
How to treat acne?
Acne affects almost everyone — more than 90% of all adolescents, nearly 50% of all adult women and 25% of all adults. It is one of the most widespread medical conditions in the world. Even though there is no known cure there are steps you can take to lessen its effects:
Topical treatments
Acne lotions and creams such as benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, sulfur, or salicylic acid may dry up the oil and kill bacteria. If your acne doesn't seem to improve to these treatments, you may want to see a doctor or dermatologist to get a stronger prescription.
Antibiotics
For moderate to severe acne, prescription oral antibiotics may be needed to reduce bacteria and fight inflammation. You may need to take these antibiotics for months, and you may need to use them in combination with topical products.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is a powerful medication available for scarring cystic acne or acne that doesn't respond to other treatments. People who take this medication must be closely monitored by a dermatologist because of its severe side effects.
Oral contraceptives
Lo-estrin birth control pills have been shown to improve acne in women.
Laser and light therapy
Laser and light-based therapies reach the deeper layers of skin without harming the skin's surface. Laser treatment is thought to damage oil (sebaceous) glands, causing them to produce less oil. Light therapy targets the bacterium that causes acne inflammation. These therapies can also improve skin texture and lessen the appearance of scars so they may be good treatment choices for those with acne and acne scars.
Cosmetic procedures
Chemical peels and microdermabrasion, a cosmetic procedure using a machine to quickly discharge super-fine crystals onto the skin's surface, have been traditionally been used to lessen the appearance of fine lines, sun damage, and minor facial scars may be proven helpful in controlling acne.
Sun exposure
A small amount of sun exposure may improve acne. However, excessive exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet rays is not recommended because it increases the risk of skin cancer.
Prevention
Be Clean
Clean your skin gently with a mild soap
Remove all dirt or make-up. Wash once or twice a day, including after exercising. However, avoid excessive or repeated skin washing.
Shampoo your hair daily, especially if it's oily. Comb or pull your hair back to keep the hair out of your face.
Try not to squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub the pimples.
Avoid touching your face with your hands or fingers.
Avoid greasy cosmetics or creams. Look for water-based formulas. Take make-up off at night.
Keep Skin Moist
In dry areas or during winter months the skin may dry up or peel which may lead to further acne breakouts. Using moisturizer may help reduce this risk.
Avoid Frequent Handling of the Skin
People who squeeze, pinch, or pick their blemishes risk developing scars or dark blotches. People should avoid rubbing and touching their skin lesions.
Shave Carefully
Men who use a safety razor should use a sharp blade and soften their beard thoroughly with soap and water before applying shaving cream. Scratching blemishes can be avoided by shaving lightly.
Avoid a Sunburn or Suntan
Many of the medicines used to treat acne can make a person more prone to sunburn. A sunburn that reddens the skin or suntan that darkens the skin may make blemishes less visible and make the skin feel drier. However, these benefits are only temporary.
Choose Cosmetics Carefully
People being treated for acne often need to change some of the cosmetics they use. All cosmetics, such as foundation, blush, eye shadow, and moisturizers, should be oil free.