Acne is a condition of the skin when hair follicles become blocked with dead skin cells and oil. The dead skin is a result of routine shedding of dead skin cells within hair follicles. The oil is a substance called sebum, which is secreted by sebaceous glands that prevent the skin from drying out. The excess sebum along with an abundance of dead cells results in the blockage of hair follicles. Bacteria found on the skin can enter these blocked hair follicles where it thrives within the sebum and leads to inflammation. Acne generally occurs on the face, upper back, chest, and shoulders. The result of acne is a variety of follicle blockages, including whiteheads (closed blocked pores), blackheads (open blocked pores); small red, tender bumps (papules), pimples (papules with pus at the tip); large hard, painful lumps (nodules); or painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin (cystic lesions). [1]
There is no concrete evidence why certain people experience acne and others do not, but there are certain factors recognized to either trigger or worsen acne. One of the most prevalent contributors to acne is hormonal changes such as during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. During puberty, sex hormones such as androgens increase. Elevated levels of androgens cause sebaceous glands to enlarge resulting in more production of sebum which increases the risk of developing acne. Certain medications that contain corticosteroids, testosterone, lithium, and anticonvulsants may contribute to the development or worsening of acne. Another big contributor to the management of acne is the diet you follow. Certain foods should certainly be either avoided or ingested minimally, depending on the severity of the acne individuals experience. Foods such as processed meats, refined carbohydrates, and certain milk products may worsen acne for some people. On the other hand, healthy fats including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may help reduce the probability of acne developing. [2]
The treatment of acne and to lighten its symptoms can be done with many different medications. Benzoyl peroxide kills the inflammation-causing bacteria, dries up excess oil, and removes dead cells that clog pores. Salicylic acid slows down the loss of skin cells to prevent pores from clogging and can even contribute to the breakdown of white- and blackheads. Alpha-hydroxy acids such as lactic acid help remove dead skin cells from follicles, reduce inflammation, and stimulates the growth of new and smoother skin. For more severe cases, medications such as vitamin A, topical or oral antibiotics, or isotretinoin may be considered.
The chemicals found within these treatments are harsh and may irritate sensitive skin such as the face. For these reasons, exact directions of use must be applied.
A good skincare routine is essential for reducing acne symptoms and supporting skin health. This means washing the affected areas with mild soap two times a day. These areas should be washed gently, and scrubbing should be avoided. To treat dry skin, you can make use of an oil-free, water-based moisturizer. Skincare products should preferably be non-comedogenic, which means that it does not result in clogged pores. It is especially important to not damage or squeeze any blemishes as it can lead to infection or scarring of tissue.
In conclusion, acne can be quite a nuisance, but fortunately, there is an array of treatments that can help relieve breakouts and improve skin health.
