What is Acne?

When oil and dead skin cells clog hair follicles, acne, a common skin disorder, results. It can appear on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders and frequently results in whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples. Although it affects people of all ages, teenagers are most commonly affected by acne.

Remember that acne is highly curable as well. There are several efficient treatments available, so you can lessen the frequency of your pimples and lower the likelihood that they will leave scars.

Acne breakouts can occur anywhere on your skin. The face and neck, shoulders, back, and chest are among the most often affected areas.

Common Areas Affected by Acne

• Face and neck
• Back
• Shoulders
• Chest

Types of Acne

The most common forms of acne are blackheads and whiteheads, which are also known as lesions.

Blackheads

Open comedones, often known as blackheads, appear at the skin’s surface. The darker look on top of these pimples is caused by oxygen in the air, not filth.

Whiteheads

Closed comedones, often known as whiteheads, appear as elevated pimples beneath the skin’s surface. They still have a flesh-colored appearance.

Hormonal Acne

Cystic Acne

Teenage Acne vs. Adult Acne

Symptoms of Acne

• Hyperpigmentation, or dark patches or spots on the skin
• Redness
• Swelling
• Inflammation
• Discomfort and tenderness whether or not touched

Causes of Acne

When bacteria, oil, or dead skin cells clog your skin’s pores, acne breaks out. Every skin pore leads to a follicle. The hair and sebaceous (oil-producing) gland comprise the follicle. Sebum, or oil, is released by the oil gland and enters the pore, travels up the hair, and then lands on your skin. Sebum keeps your skin supple and moisturized.

Acne May Result From:

• Too much oil is produced by your follicles
• Dead skin cells build up in your pores
• Germs accumulate within your pores

Pimples can result from any of these issues because they are caused by bacteria that grow in closed pores and prevent oil from escaping.

Risk Factors for Developing Acne

The exact reason why some people develop acne and others do not is still unknown to experts. Nevertheless, they acknowledge that a variety of risk factors might cause or exacerbate acne:

• Alterations in hormones brought on either during pregnancy or puberty
• PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and other hormonal disorders
• Smoking cigarettes
• Poor sleep
• Stress
• High-oil-content cleansers, moisturizers, creams, and other cosmetics
• Various drugs, such as steroids, anticonvulsants, lithium, and some hormonal birth control methods
• An acne history in the family

Diet and Acne

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

• Low Glycemic Index Diet: Reducing your intake of high-glycemic foods, like added sugars and processed carbohydrates, may help lessen acne blemishes.
• Milk Products: For some people, eating certain dairy products—like milk and ice cream—seems to exacerbate acne. Cheese and other dairy items without milk, however, don’t seem to exacerbate acne.
• Fatty Acids and Fat: Fatty acids with omega-3 and omega-6 compositions may lessen acne outbreaks.
• Vegetarian and Vegan Diets: There is not much research to support vegan and vegetarian diets specifically for the treatment of acne, despite the fact that they can have many positive health effects.
• Probiotics: Probiotics, which are present in yoghurt, other fermented foods, and supplements, may help reduce acne, but there isn’t enough proof to recommend them as a cure for acne, according to specialists.

Treatment for Acne

Mild Acne

Spot treatments, cleansers, and medicated over-the-counter (OTC) lotions can help treat pimples as soon as they appear. Typical components of gels and creams for acne include:

• Benzoyl Peroxide: This chemical eliminates acne-causing germs, helps dry out existing pimples, and stops new ones from forming.
• Salicylic Acid: This component aids in skin exfoliation to keep acne-causing germs out of your pores.

Moderate Acne

After taking over-the-counter acne remedies for a few weeks and your problems haven’t improved, you might want to think about getting expert help. Medication prescribed by a dermatologist or other medical expert may help lessen your discomfort and avoid scars. In the event that your acne is moderate, a dermatologist might advise:

• Prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide
• Antibiotics, such as clindamycin or erythromycin
• Retinoids, such retinol

Severe Acne

A dermatologist may suggest a combination of one or more of the following treatments for severe acne:

• Oral medication
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Topical antibiotics
• Topical retinoid

Acne Home Remedies

Rather than using toothpaste on your face, consider these at-home remedies to help reduce acne and stop breakouts in the future:

• Put some tea tree oil on.
• Put aloe vera to use.
• Put on a mask made of honey.
• Give yourself a green tea facial.
• Refrain from touching your face.
• Never pick or squeeze pimples. It can also spread bacteria and extra oil, increasing the likelihood of scarring.

Preventing Acne

Try these ideas:

• Use an oil-free cleanser to wash your face every day.
• To help get rid of extra oil, try an over-the-counter acne cleanser.
• Make use of “noncomedogenic” makeup or water-based cosmetics, as they are less likely to clog your pores.
• Steer clear of makeup and skin care products with oil in them.
• Always wash your skin well and remove makeup before going to bed.
• After working out, wash your face or take a shower.
• To keep long hair out of your face, tie it back.
• Steer clear of headbands, tight headgear, and anything that covers regions that are prone to breakouts.
• Maintain hydration and eat a balanced diet.
• Make an effort to feel less stressed.