ACNE

 WHAT IS ACNE?

Your skin has tiny holes called pores that can become blocked by oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and dirt. When this occurs, you may develop a pimple, sometimes also called a zit or blemish, this condition is regarded as ACNE. If you get pimples often, especially several at once repeatedly, you may have acne. In other words, acne is a skin condition that causes pimples.

Acne is very common. In fact, research estimates that 9.4 percent of people worldwide have acne. While acne doesn’t pose a serious risk to your overall health, it can still be painful, particularly if you have severe acne. Over time, acne might also cause scarring. There’s no denying that acne can contribute to emotional distress. Acne and acne scars on your face and other visible body locations can affect self-esteem and self-confidence, and they can even contribute to feelings of anxiety or depression.

If you live with acne, know that it’s a common condition! Keep in mind, too, that acne is very treatable. Several effective treatments exist, so you have options for reducing the number of pimples you get and minimizing your chances of scarring.

TYPES

If you have acne, you might notice a mix of pimple types.

Whiteheads and blackheads, both also referred to as comedones, are the most common acne lesions.



A comedo, or basic acne lesion, is a hair follicle that has become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Comedones (the plural of comedo) can develop into bumps called whiteheads and blackheads. Products that may trigger comedones are called "comedogenic products." Makeup labeled "noncomedogenic" is less likely to clog pores and contribute to acne.

Blackheads are open comedones that are open at the surface of the skin. They are filled with excess oil and dead skin cells. It's not dirt that causes the comedone to turn black but oxygen in the air gives the top of these pimples their darker appearance. The black hue results from the irregular reflection of light coming from clogged hair follicles.  Blackheads can frequently be treated with over-the-counter medications.



Whiteheads, or closed comedones, form as raised bumps under the surface of your skin this happens when oil and skin cells prevent a clogged hair follicle from opening. They remain flesh-colored and stay closed at the surface of the skin. Many of the same over-the-counter medicines that treat blackheads are also effective against whiteheads.



Inflammatory lesions, which are more likely to cause scarring of your skin, include:

  • Papules. These small, red, raised bumps are caused by inflamed or infected hair follicles.
  • Pustules. These small red pimples have pus at their tips.
  • Nodules. These solid, often painful lumps develop beneath the surface of your skin.
  • Cysts. These large lumps beneath your skin contain pus and are usually painful.

What are the symptoms of acne?

Acne can be found almost anywhere on your body, but you’ll most commonly notice breakouts on your:

  • face
  • neck
  • back
  • shoulders
  • chest

With acne, you might also experience:

  • rough skin and discoloration, including dark patches or spots (hyperpigmentation) and redness
  • swelling and inflammation
  • pain and tenderness when touched or not

Popping pimples can raise your chances of scarring, so avoid squeezing no matter how tempting it feels to get rid of the pimple immediately.

What Are The Causes Of Acne?

Acne occurs when the pores of your skin become blocked with oil, dead skin, or bacteria.

Each pore of your skin opens to a follicle. The follicle is made up of hair and a sebaceous (oil) gland.

The oil gland releases sebum (oil), which travels up the hair, out of the pore, and onto your skin. Sebum helps keeps your skin lubricated and soft. One or more mishaps in this lubrication process can contribute to acne.

Acne may also occur 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.

RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING ACNE

Experts still don’t know exactly why some people experience acne and others do not. That said, they do recognize several risk factors that can contribute to or worsen acne, these include:

·       Age. People of all ages can get acne, but it's most common in teenagers.

·       Hormonal changes. Such changes are common during puberty or pregnancy.

·       Family history. Genetics plays a role in acne. If both of your parents had acne, you're likely to develop it too.

·       Greasy or oily substances. You may develop acne when your skin comes into contact with high oil content or oily lotions such as cleansers, moisturizers, creams, and other beauty products.

·       Friction or pressure on your skin. This can be caused by items such as telephones, cellphones, helmets, tight collars, and backpacks.

  • polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and other endocrine conditions
  • cigarette smoking
  • poor sleep
  • stress
  • certain medications, including lithium, some types of hormonal birth control, anticonvulsants, and steroids.

You have the highest risk of developing acne during puberty. During this time, your body undergoes many hormonal changes. These changes can trigger oil production, leading to an increased risk of acne. Hormonal acne related to puberty usually improves when you reach adulthood, and your breakouts may even stop completely.

According to a 2021 review by Hilary and Jerry, certain foods or diets may have an effect on acne:

  • Low glycemic index diet. Cutting out processed meats and refined carbs could help reduce acne lesions.
  • Milk products. Consuming certain milk products, like milk and ice cream, seems to worsen acne for some people. Nonmilk dairy products, like cheese, don’t seem to worsen acne.
  • Fat and fatty acids. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may help reduce acne breakouts.
  • Probiotics. While probiotics — found in yogurt, other fermented foods, and supplements — could help improve acne, experts have yet to find conclusive support for probiotics as an acne treatment.

DIAGNOSIS

If you suspect you have acne, a good next step involves getting a diagnosis from a board-certified dermatologist. A dermatologist can make a diagnosis by examining your skin. They can help identify the types of lesions and their severity to develop a treatment plan that works for you. Teenage girls and women may also be asked about their menstrual cycles, as breakouts are sometimes related. Sudden, severe acne outbreaks in older people can sometimes signal another underlying disease that requires medical attention.

TREATMENT

Acne treatment generally depends on its severity, acne can be classified as mild, moderate, and severe.

Mild Acne

You can use over-the-counter (OTC) medicated creams, cleansers, and spot treatments to help address pimples as they pop up.

Common ingredients you’ll find in acne creams and gels include:

  • Benzoyl peroxide- helps dry out existing pimples, prevents new ones from forming, and kills acne-causing bacteria.
  • Salicylic acid- helps exfoliate your skin to prevent pores from getting clogged with acne-causing bacteria.

Moderate Acne

If you continue to experience symptoms after using OTC acne treatments for several weeks, you may want to consider reaching out for professional treatment.

A dermatologist or other healthcare professional can prescribe medications that may help reduce your symptoms and prevent scarring.

If you have moderate acne, a dermatologist may recommend:

  • prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide
  • antibiotics, like erythromycin or clindamycin
  • retinoids, such as retinol

In some cases, they may suggest an oral antibiotic or hormonal birth control to help manage acne. Typically, you’ll only use antibiotics for a short time, so your body doesn’t build up a resistance and leave you prone to infections.

Severe Acne

For severe acne, a dermatologist may recommend treatment that combines one or more of the following:

  • oral antibiotics
  • benzoyl peroxide
  • topical antibiotics
  • topical retinoids

They may also suggest hormonal birth control or oral isotretinoin, also known by the brand name Accutane  (a vitamin-A medication used to treat certain cases of severe nodular acne). It can cause serious side effects, and doctors usually only prescribe it when other treatments don’t work.

Can you keep taking acne medication during pregnancy?

Many acne treatments, including Accutane, can have severe consequences for a developing fetus. If you plan to become pregnant or believe you could be pregnant, ask the doctor or clinician who prescribed your medication if you can continue taking it.

Your dermatologist may also recommend medical procedures to treat severe forms of acne and prevent scarring. These procedures work by removing damaged skin and reducing oil production. They include:

·       Photodynamic therapy (PDT): PDT uses medication and a special light or laser to reduce oil production and bacteria. Other laser treatments can also help improve acne and scarring.

  • Dermabrasion: This type of exfoliation removes the top layers of your skin with a rotating brush. The procedure works best for treating acne scarring, not acne itself. Microdermabrasion is a milder treatment that helps remove dead skin cells.
  • Chemical peel: This treatment removes the top layers of your skin to reveal less damaged skin underneath. Chemical peels can improve mild acne scarring.
  • Cortisone injections: These injections can help reduce inflammation and speed healing. Cortisone is usually used along with other acne treatments, particularly for acne that involves large cysts.

PREVENTING ACNE

It’s not always possible to completely prevent acne, but you can take certain steps to help lower your chances of getting pimples or acne breakouts.

Prevention and management tips

Here are some tips for looking after skin that has acne or is prone to it.

  • Wash your face no more than twice each day with warm water and a mild soap made especially for acne.
  • Do not scrub the skin or burst the pimples, as this may push the infection further down, causing more blocking, swelling, and redness.
  • Avoid popping pimples, as this makes scarring likelier.
  • A specialist can treat a pimple that requires rapid removal for cosmetic reasons.
  • Refrain from touching the face.
  • Hold the telephone away from the face when talking, as it is likely to contain sebum and skin residue.
  • Wash hands frequently, especially before applying lotions, creams, or makeup.
  • Clean spectacles regularly as they collect sebum and skin residue.
  • 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.
  • Choose makeup for sensitive skin and avoid oil-based products. 
  • Remove makeup before sleeping.
  • Use an electric shaver or sharp safety razors when shaving. Soften the skin and beard with warm soapy water before applying shaving cream.
  • Keep hair clean, as it collects sebum and skin residue. Avoid greasy hair products, such as those containing cocoa butter.
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure, as it can cause the skin to produce more sebum. Several acne medications increase the risk of sunburn.
  • Avoid anxiety and stress, as it can increase the production of cortisol and adrenaline, which exacerbate acne.
  • Try to keep cool and dry in hot and humid climates, to prevent sweating.
  • Try an OTC acne cleanser to help remove excess oil.
  • Use water-based makeup or products labeled “noncomedogenic” this means they’re less likely to clog your pores.
  • Tie back long hair to keep it out of your face.
  • Eat a balanced diet, and stay hydrated.

A dermatologist can offer more tips and guidance on managing and preventing acne.

Longer-term acne remedies

Several other natural acne treatments are effective with consistent, long-term use. Although the remedies below might not get rid of pimples quickly, they can help prevent and heal acne over time.

Take a zinc supplement

The mineral zinc plays a role in wound healing and can help reduce inflammation. Research has indicated that people with acne tend to have lower levels of zinc in their blood than those with clear skin. Zinc is available in many forms, each containing a different amount of elemental zinc. Regardless of what form you choose, it’s probably best not to take more than the recommended upper limit of 40mg of zinc per day. Taking too much zinc may cause adverse effects, including stomach pain and gut irritation.

Consume brewer’s yeast

A specific strain of brewer’s yeast called Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS also seems to help decrease pimples when consumed by mouth. Brewer’s yeast tends to be a good source of B vitamins, chromium, copper, iron, and zinc. However, its ability to treat pimples is most likely due to its antibacterial effects.

Fish oil supplement

Fish oils contain the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA). Studies show that consuming EPA can help manage oil production, prevent pimples, and help the skin maintain adequate hydration. High levels of EPA and DHA have also been shown to decrease factors that contribute to inflammation, which may ultimately reduce the risk of pimples. You can also get omega-3 fatty acids by eating walnuts, chia seeds, ground flaxseeds, salmon, sardines, and anchovies.

Other ways to help reduce pimples

Although people have been using natural acne remedies for years, research on the topic is still emerging. The remedies listed below may benefit acne-prone skin, but no studies exist on their ability to treat pimples:

  • Witch hazel. Applying witch hazel to the skin has been shown to fight bacteria and reduce inflammation, which could help prevent pimples.
  • Apple cider vinegar. The organic acids in apple cider vinegar may help kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce the appearance of scars.
  • Limit dairy intake. Two large studies reported that people who drank more milk tended to have more pimples, but more research is needed.
  • Try a honey and cinnamon mask. Honey and cinnamon have antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, so they may benefit acne-prone skin when applied to it.
  • Reduce stress. Some studies have linked stress to an increase in acne severity. Ask your healthcare provider about relaxation techniques and lifestyle changes that might help you reduce your stress levels.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

What’s the outlook for someone with acne?

No matter how uncomfortable it is to have this skin condition, it could help to remember that you’re not alone. Pretty much everyone will get a pimple at some point in life, and many people deal with different forms of acne well into adulthood.

Getting acne treatment sooner rather than later can also help prevent scarring. Even with treatment, flare-ups can still happen. Persistent acne may require additional or long-term treatment. It’s always best to work with a dermatologist to find the most effective treatment for regular or severe acne breakouts.

Why do so many teenagers get acne?

One of the causes of acne is a surge in hormones called androgens (specifically testosterone), which both women and men produce. Those hormones tend to be at their peak during the teen years.

Do certain foods cause acne?

For the most part, hormonal changes in the body drive acne. There is some evidence that skim milk, whey protein, and diets high in sugar may cause acne breakouts, although this remains controversial.

Eating a balanced, nutritious diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in vitamin C and beta carotene, helps reduce inflammation. There is also some evidence that eating fish can help.

Can acne cause scars?

Acne does sometimes result in scarring. It happens when acne penetrates the skin and damages the deeper layers. Inflammation makes the acne pores swell and breakdown occurs in the wall of the pore. Scarring can, of course, be a source of anxiety, which is normal. But before it can be treated, your healthcare provider will determine what type of acne caused the scars.

There are several available treatment options. Chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, micro-needling, and surgery can all be used to treat acne scars.

How severe can acne get?

Dermatologists rank acne by severity:

  • Grade 1 (mild): mostly whiteheads and blackheads, with a few papules and pustules.
  • Grade 2 (moderate, or pustular acne): multiple papules and pustules, mostly on your face.
  • Grade 3 (moderately severe, or nodulocystic acne): numerous papules and pustules, along with occasionally inflamed nodules. Your back and chest may also be affected.
  • Grade 4 (severe nodulocystic acne): numerous large, painful, and inflamed pustules and nodules.

ACNE MYTHS

These factors have little effect on acne:

·       Chocolate and greasy foods. Eating chocolate or greasy food has little to no effect on acne.

·       Hygiene. Acne isn't caused by dirty skin. In fact, scrubbing the skin too hard or cleansing with harsh soaps or chemicals irritates the skin and can make acne worse.

·       Cosmetics. Cosmetics don't necessarily worsen acne, especially if you use oil-free makeup that doesn't clog pores (non-comedogenic) and remove makeup regularly. Nonoily cosmetics don't interfere with the effectiveness of acne drugs.

COMPLICATIONS

People with darker skin types are more likely than people with lighter skin to experience these acne complications:

·       Scars. Pitted skin (acne scars) and thick scars (keloids) can remain long-term after acne has healed.

·       Skin changes. After acne has cleared, the affected skin may be darker (hyperpigmented) or lighter (hypopigmented) than before the condition occurred.

CONCLUSION

Pimples are a common problem that can be frustrating to treat. Conventional treatments can cause redness, dryness, or irritation, and many natural alternatives just don’t seem to work.

Nevertheless, applying various essential oils, green tea, and aloe vera to the skin seems to be the quickest way to get rid of pimples, while supplements may require longer-term use according to some limited research.


Yours beaute,

Kaosara.


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