Acne 101: What is acne and how to treat it?
Dimitra Karagiannidi
What is acne?
Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder caused by blocked hair follicles beneath the skin. Sebum (oil that keeps skin from drying out) and dead skin cells clog pores, resulting in outbreaks of lesions known as pimples or zits. The outbreaks are most common on the face but can also arise on the back, chest, and shoulders.
While it does not endanger your overall health, it can be painful, especially if you have severe acne. It can also cause scars over time.
Acne, without a doubt, can add to emotional disturbance. Pimples and scars on your face and other visible body parts can impact your self-esteem and confidence, and they can even lead to feelings of anxiety or depression.
Acne can be a persistent skin issue, so you're not alone. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most frequent skin disorder in the United States (AAD).
Also, keep in mind that it is very treatable. There are a lot of effective treatments available, so you have alternatives for reducing the number of pimples you get and lowering your risk of scarring.
What causes acne?
Acne develops when your skin's pores become clogged with oil, dead skin, or germs.
Every pore in your skin leads to a follicle. The follicle is composed of hair and an oil gland. The oil gland secretes sebum (oil), which travels up the hair shaft, and onto the skin. Sebum keeps your skin smooth and moisturized.
It can be exacerbated by one or more errors in the lubrication process. It may appear, for example, when:
your follicles produce too much oil
dead skin cells accumulate in your pores
bacteria build up in your pores
Any of these concerns can lead to pimples, which develop when bacteria grow in a clogged pore, and the oil can't escape.
What are the different types of acne?
Acne can cause a variety of lesions or pimples. Comedones are swollen or clogged hair follicles, according to doctors. Acne types include:
Whiteheads: are blocked hair follicles that remain beneath the skin and form a white lump.
Blackheads: are plugged follicles that reach the skin's surface and open up. They seem black on the skin's surface because of air discoloration of the sebum, not because they are unclean.
Papules: are inflamed lesions that appear as little, pink bumps on the skin and are painful to the touch.
Pustules or pimples: Papules topped with pus-filled lesions that may be scarlet at the base.
Nodules: are large, painful, solid lesions embedded deep beneath the skin.
Severe nodular acne (also known as cystic acne): Deep, painful, pus-filled ulcers
How to treat acne?
The severity of the condition generally determines acne treatment.
Mild
You can use over-the-counter (OTC) medicated lotions, cleansers, and spot treatments to treat pimples when they appear.
Treatments and gels commonly contain the following ingredients:
Peroxide of benzoyl. This chemical aids in the drying of existing pimples, the prevention of new ones, and the killing of acne-causing bacteria.
The acid salicylic. This substance exfoliates your skin, preventing acne-causing germs from clogging your pores.
Moderate
If you still have symptoms after utilizing over-the-counter acne remedies for several weeks, you should seek expert help.
A dermatologist or other healthcare provider can prescribe drugs to alleviate symptoms and prevent scarring.
If you have moderate acne, your dermatologist may advise you to:
antibiotics, such as erythromycin or clindamycin
benzoyl peroxide
retinoids, such as retinol
Antibiotics are typically only used for a limited period to prevent your body from developing resistance and making you susceptible to infections.
Severe
A dermatologist may recommend a combination of the following treatments for severe acne:
oral antibiotics
topical antibiotics
benzoyl peroxide
topical retinoids
They may also recommend hormonal birth control or oral isotretinoin, or Accutane.
Accutane is a vitamin A drug used to treat severe nodular acne. It has substantial side effects and is usually prescribed only when other therapies have failed.
Your dermatologist may advise you on medical methods to treat severe acne and avoid scarring. These treatments function by eliminating damaged skin and lowering oil production.
How to Prevent Acne?
Although it is not always feasible to avoid acne entirely, there are some things you may do at home to reduce your chances of acquiring pimples or breakouts.
Consider the following suggestions:
Use an oil-free cleanser to wash your face every day.
To assist in eliminating excess oil, use an over-the-counter acne cleanser.
Use water-based cosmetics or "noncomedogenic" products, which are less prone to clog your pores.
Avoid using oil-based skincare and cosmetics products.
Before going to bed, remove your makeup and properly cleanse your skin.
After working out, take a shower or wash your face.
Tie long hair back to keep it out of your face.
Tight-fitting caps, headbands, and apparel that conceals breakout-prone regions should be avoided.
Maintain a healthy diet and remain hydrated.
Take steps to alleviate tension.
In conclusion
Acne is difficult to treat, but many effective treatments are available to help reduce breakouts and repair your skin.
If you continue to have severe or chronic breakouts, a dermatologist can assist you in developing a treatment plan that is effective for your skin and prevents scarring.