Understanding Acne Causes and Treatments

Acne Causes and Treatments

What is Acne?

Definition

Acne is a skin condition that causes pimples or “zits.” Whiteheads, blackheads, and red, inflamed patches of skin (such as cysts) may develop.

Acne occurs when hair follicles get clogged with oil. It also happens when dead skin cells accumulate, resulting in the formation of whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples. While it primarily affects teenagers, individuals of all ages can experience this condition.

Alternative Names

Acne vulgaris; Cystic acne; Pimples; Zits

What is the main cause of acne?

Acne is prevalent among adolescents, although individuals of any age, including infants, can experience acne. It often appears to have a hereditary link.

Acne can be triggered by various factors, such as:

• Changes in hormones can make your skin more oily. This usually happens during puberty, your period, pregnancy, when taking birth control pills, or even when you’re stressed out.
• Greasy or oily cosmetic and hair products.
• Certain drugs (such as steroids, testosterone, estrogen, and phenytoin). Birth control devices, such as some drug-containing IUDs, can make acne worse.
• Heavy sweating and humidity.
• Excessively touching, resting on, or rubbing the skin.

There is no definitive evidence to support the claim that chocolate, nuts, or greasy foods cause acne. A high intake of refined sugars or dairy products might be linked to acne in certain individuals. This relationship is still debated.

How can acne go away?

SELF-CARE

Steps you can take to help your acne:

• Clean your skin gently with a mild, nondrying soap.
• Look for water-based or “noncomedogenic” formulas for cosmetics and skin creams. (Noncomedogenic products have been tested and proven not to clog pores and cause acne in most people.)
• Remove all dirt or make-up. Wash once or twice a day, including after exercising.
• Avoid scrubbing or repeated skin washing.
• Shampoo your hair daily, especially if it is oily.
• Comb or pull your hair back to keep the hair out of your face.

What NOT to do:

• Try not to aggressively squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub the pimples. This can lead to skin infections, slower healing, and scarring.
• Avoid wearing tight headbands, baseball caps, and other hats.
• Avoid touching your face with your hands or fingers.
• Avoid greasy cosmetics or creams.
• DO NOT leave make-up on overnight.

If these steps do not clear up the blemishes, try over-the-counter acne medicines that you apply to your skin. Follow the directions carefully and apply these products sparingly.

• These products may contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, adapalene, or salicylic acid.
• They work by killing bacteria, drying up skin oils, or causing the top layer of your skin to peel.
• They may cause redness, drying, or excessive peeling of the skin.
• Be aware that benzoyl peroxide containing preparations can bleach or discolor towels and clothing.

A small amount of sun exposure may improve acne slightly, but tanning mostly hides the acne. Too much exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet rays is not recommended because it increases the risk for wrinkles and skin cancer.

Medicine from Medical Provider

If pimples are still a problem, your provider can prescribe stronger medicines. They can discuss options like antibiotics, creams, or gels applied to the skin. These may include derivatives of vitamin A such as retinoic acid cream or gel, tretinoin, or tazarotene. Your provider might also suggest prescription formulas of benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or topical azelaic acid.

For women whose acne is caused or made worse by hormones, birth control pills may help in some cases. However, they may make acne worse in some women.

Minor procedures or treatments may also be helpful:

• HydraFacial
• Chemical Peels

Most of the time, acne goes away after the teenage years, but it may last into middle age. The condition often responds well to treatment. However, responses may take 6 to 8 weeks. Acne may flare up from time to time.

Failure to treat severe acne can lead to scarring, which may significantly impact a person’s mental well-being and overall quality of life.

When to contact a medical professional?

Contact your provider if:

• Self-care steps and over-the-counter medicine do not help after several months.
• Your acne is very bad (for example, you have a lot of redness around the pimples, or you have cysts).
• Your acne is getting worse.
• You develop scars as your acne clears up.
• Acne is causing emotional stress.

Minor procedures or treatments may also be helpful in improving acne. In most cases, acne resolves after the teenage years, but it can persist into middle age. Treatment is highly effective, but it may take around 6 to 8 weeks to see noticeable results. It’s important to address acne promptly, as untreated severe acne can lead to scarring, which can have a substantial impact on a person’s mental well-being and overall quality of life. If you have concerns about your acne or if it is severe or persistent, it is advisable to contact a medical professional.