Acne is the most common skincare issue among teenagers. Let’s dispel all the myths about acne today and learn the ins and outs of its structure.
Regardless of our age, we all have clear skin. We try our best to achieve it by using a lot of creams, face washes, and other skincare products, but we are not able to achieve our dream skin tone. The reason is that we are unaware of the exact issues that our skin is facing. In this post, we discuss acne in detail, including its causes and practical remedies.
What is Acne?
When hair follicles fill with oil and dead skin cells, acne, a common skincare condition, develops. It results in a variety of skin abnormalities, including pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads.
How does acne develop?
When dead skin cells and excess oil (sebum) clog hair follicles, it results in acne. This creates an environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to inflammation and the appearance of pimples.
In normal skin, the sebaceous glands produce sebum, which is released through pores by opening the follicles (keratinocyte follicles). However, in acne-prone skin, sebum and keratinocytes combine in the pores, preventing sebum from reaching the skin surface, where it can combat bacteria. These blocked follicles lead to inflammation, causing swelling, redness, and pain.
Causes of Acne:
1. Excess oil (sebum): The Sebaceous glands producing more than the required oil on the skin surface leads to clogged pores.
2. Bacteria: Propionibacterium acnes, a type of bacteria, can thrive into clogged hair follicles. These bacteria can cause inflammation and lead to pimples.
3. Dead skin cells: The majority of dead skin cells remain on the skin when a proper skin care regimen is not followed, which encourages the growth of bacteria that can result in acne.
4. Hormones: Androgens, which rise during adolescence, can grow and enhance sebum production in the sebaceous glands.
5. Diet: An irregular diet will cause improper blood flow to each of the body parts and have a chance of affecting skincare.
Types of acne:
The major types of acnes are Comedonal also known as non-inflammatory, and Inflammatory acne:
Comedonal (or) Non- inflammatory acne:
Comedonal acne, also known as clogged pores, is considered “non-inflammatory,” meaning the skin isn’t inflamed. This type of acne occurs when the skin pores are blocked. Clogged pores can result from an excess of oil, bacteria, improper shedding of dead skin cells, or hormonal changes. This blockage can lead to the formation of whiteheads and blackheads.
a)Whiteheads:
Whiteheads, also referred to as “closed comedones,” occur when pores become fully clogged, resulting in a small white or flesh-coloured bump on the skin’s surface. It’s important not to attempt to remove or fix whiteheads by squeezing them, as this can lead to scarring.
b)Blackheads:
Unlike whiteheads, blackheads look black on the skin’s surface because of the pigment melanin and air exposure—not dirt. The reason they are called “open comedones” is that the pore is partially clogged yet stays open at the same time. Squeezing blackheads can get rid of them, but it’s not advised because it might leave scars.
Inflammatory acne:
Red, swollen, and painful pimples are a common symptom of inflammatory acne. Pus, dead skin cells, and excess oil are present in these pimples. On your shoulders, chest, back, and face, they are typical.
a)Papule acne:
Papule acne, also known as little red pimples, occurs when a pore is clogged with oil or extra skin cells and combines with skin germs. This combination results in an inflammatory lesion, forcing the contents of the clogged pore into the surrounding skin tissue. Papules usually measure less than 5 millimeters in diameter and lack a pus-filled center that is white or yellow. However, a papule can turn into a pustule if pus builds up inside of it. It often takes a few days for most papules to develop into pustules.
b)Nodular Acne:
Severe acne that develops hard lumps or nodules beneath the skin’s surface is known as nodular acne. These skin nodules manifest as red pimples devoid of a blackhead or whitehead in the middle. They are excruciating and can go on for weeks or even months. Cutibacterium acnes, or C. acnes, is the bacteria responsible for this condition. It gets trapped under the skin in these nodules, causing inflammation and infection.
c)Pustule Acne:
A bump filled with pus is called a pustule. They have huge white centers surrounded by red, purple, or brown-bloated skin. On the chest, face, or back, they typically appear in clusters. Similar to papules, pustules can develop as a result of an infection in a blocked pore, but they can also result from internal hormonal imbalances. Unlike papules, pustules usually contain pus and are often white in color. A pustule may appear to be sensitive to touch.
d. Cystic acne:
A form of inflammatory acne that forms deep under the skin, cystic acne is painful and pus-filled pimples. When dead skin cells and oil clog pores in the skin, acne forms, resulting in big lumps under the skin. These bumps, called cysts, may contain pus and are typically uncomfortable. Bacteria that penetrate the pores and cause swelling or inflammation also cause cystic acne. The most severe kind of acne, cystic acne, is more likely to leave scars because of the painful, inflamed acne cysts.
Acne in women:
Compared to men, women are more likely to develop adult acne. Many adult cases of acne are believed to be brought on by fluctuations in hormone levels that many women encounter periodically. Among these times are:
1. Periods: Acne flare-ups sometimes occur right before a woman’s menstrual cycle.
2. Pregnancy: During the first three months of their pregnancy, many women encounter acne problems.
3. Polycystic ovarian syndrome: This widespread ailment can result in weight gain, acne, and the development of tiny cysts inside the ovary.
Acne treatments:
There are various treatments available for acne, ranging from over-the-counter solutions to prescription medications:
1. Topical Treatments: These comprise goods that contain alpha hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide. They assist in fighting bacterial infections, decreasing the production of oil, and accelerating the turnover of skin cells.
2. Oral Medications: To lessen bacteria and combat inflammation, oral antibiotics may be prescribed by physicians for moderate to severe cases of acne. In some cases, hormonal regulation is another benefit of oral contraceptives for women.
3. Therapies: Various therapies can be used to treat acne, including laser and light-based therapies, chemical peels, and drainage and extraction procedures.
4. Natural Remedies: Some people find relief using natural remedies such as tea tree oil, green tea extract, and aloe vera.
How to Prevent Acne:
While it might not be possible to prevent acne completely, certain practices can help reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks.
1.Wash your face twice daily. Use a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil and dead skin cells.
2.Avoid harsh scrubbing. Be gentle with your skin. Avoid harsh scrubs that increase acne.
3.Moisturise: Use a moisturiser suited to your skin type to keep your skin hydrated.
4.Use Over-the-counter Acne Treatments: Look for products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
5.Stay Hydrated: To maintain the health of your skin, drink a lot of water.
6.Avoid Touching Your Face: Touching your face can transfer oils and bacteria from your hands to your face.
7.Protect Your Skin from the Sun: Use sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which can worsen acne.
Debunking Acne Myths:
There are a few misconceptions concerning acne that may cause uncertainty regarding its prevention and treatment:
1. Poor Hygiene: Unclean skin does not cause acne. Using harsh soaps or scrubbing the skin too vigorously can aggravate the skin and exacerbate acne.
2. Diet: Although a nutritious diet might enhance general health, there isn’t enough evidence to say that oily or sugary meals are the direct cause of acne.
3. Makeup: Not all makeup is the source of acne. Non-comedogenic products are designed to avoid clogging pores.
Conclusion:
Acne is a common but challenging condition that can affect people both physically and emotionally. It is essential to understand the causes and treatments of acne to manage and reduce outbreaks. Individuals can take control of their skin health by debunking myths and adopting preventive measures. If acne is persistent or severe, it is crucial to seek advice from a healthcare professional to find an effective treatment plan. The skincare journey is not always about beauty; it’s about health and well-being.