Causes of acne and how to deal with them
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The pores in your skin can become blocked by germs, dead skin cells, oil, and dirt. This leads to a pimple or “zit.” If your skin is repeatedly affected, you develop acne. This is the most common skin problem in the USA. Although the condition is not life-threatening, acne is painful at its extreme. Moreover, it can severely affect you emotionally. Facial acne, for example, usually leads to low self-esteem which may can long-term physical scarring.
What is acne?
Acne is a skin condition caused by a blocked hair follicle. Oil, dirt, and dead cells block the pores which cause pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads to appear on the face, forehead, shoulders, chest, and upper back. The condition is most common among teenagers, though it impacts individuals of all ages.
What are the signs of acne?
Acne can be found practically anywhere on your body. It most frequently appears on your face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders. If you have acne, you’ll usually observe pimples that are white or black. Both whiteheads and blackheads are known as comedones. Blackheads open at the surface area of your skin, giving them a black appearance due to the effect of oxygen in the air. Whiteheads are closed just under the surface area of your skin, hence white.While blackheads and whiteheads are the most common sores seen in acne, other types can likewise occur. The inflammatory lesions listed below are more likely to cause scarring of your skin:
- Pustules are small red pimples with pus at the top.
- Papules are little red, raised bumps triggered by infected or irritated hair follicles.
- Cysts are large swellings found beneath your skin which contain pus and are generally painful.
- Nodules are solid, unpleasant swellings underneath the surface of your skin.
What are the causes of acne?
What to blame for acne?
Acne form when the pores are being blocked. Skin pores can be blocked by either dead skin, germs or oils. The pores are opening to roots. The hair follicle is made up of a hair and a sebaceous (oil) gland. The oil gland launches sebum (oil), which takes a trip up the hair, out of the pore, and onto your skin. The sebum keeps your skin oiled and soft. Acne can be triggered by one or more issues in this lubrication procedure. It can take place when:
- follicles produce too much oil
- dead skin cells collect in your pores
- germs develop in your pores
All of these problems add to the forming of pimples. When germs block the pores, and the oil cannot escape, then a zit appears.
What worsens acne?
Factors that may worsen acne
These factors can trigger or worsen acne:
Hormones worsen acne
Androgens in boys and girls increase during puberty causing the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. Hormonal modifications associated with pregnancy and using oral contraceptives also affect the production of sebum. Low amounts of androgens in the blood of women can also worsen acne.
Some medications worsen acne
Examples of such drugs that promote acne include corticosteroids, testosterone or lithium.
Your diet can worsen acne
Studies show that certain dietary factors, including skim milk and carbohydrate-rich foods– such as bread, bagels, and chips– may worsen acne. Chocolate is believed to worsen acne. However, there is little scientific backing to it.
Stress worsens acne
Stress can also worsen acne.
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Acne myths and misconceptions
Unproven claims about acne
There are many myths about acne. Many believe that foods like chips and chocolate lead to acne. In reality, there is no scientific backing for such claims.
Myths on the formation of acne
These factors have little effect on acne.
Greasy foods and acne
Consuming oily food has little to no effect on acne. However, operating in a greasy area with fry vats, like in a kitchen, can affect acne because the oil can stick to your skin, blocking the pores and hence causing acne.
Acne and hygiene
Acne isn’t brought on by unclean skin. In reality, scrubbing the skin roughly or cleansing with harsh soaps or chemicals irritates the skin and can worsen acne.
Acne and cosmetics
Cosmetics do not necessarily aggravate acne, especially if you use oil-free makeup that does not obstruct pores (noncomedogenic) and remove makeup regularly. Nonoily cosmetics do not hinder the efficiency of acne drugs.
What are the risk factors for acne development?
The following are risk factors for acne development.
- Hormonal changes caused by pregnancy or puberty
- Some medications, for example, some contraceptive pill or corticosteroids
- A family history of acne
- A diet full of carbohydrates or refined sugars, such as bread and chips
Teenagers are most at risk for developing acne throughout puberty. Throughout this time, your body undergoes drastic changes. The hormonal changes can set off oil production, leading to an increased danger of acne. Hormonal acne related to puberty generally reduces or improves as you pass puberty.
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How is acne diagnosed?
If you have signs of acne, your doctor can validate your diagnosis by examining your skin. The doctor will identify the types of sores and their severity to determine the best course of action.
Treating acne at home
Homemade acne remedies
You can use a variety of self-care remedies in your home to prevent pimples and to clear up your acne. Home remedies for acne includes:
- Cleaning your skin daily with a moderate soap to remove excess oil and dirt
- Avoiding picking or squeezing pimples, this spreads out germs and excess oil
- Using noncomedogenic makeup that does not clog the pores
- Not wearing hats or tight headbands
- Not touching your face
- Shampooing your hair routinely and keeping it out of your face
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Medication for acne
Over-the-counter acne medications
If self-care solutions don’t aid with your acne, a number of over-the-counter acne medications are readily available. The majority of these medications contain components that can assist kill bacteria, open pores, or reduce oil on your skin. These components includes:
- Benzoyl peroxide which exists in many acne creams and gels. It’s used for drying existing pimples and avoiding fresh ones. Benzoyl peroxide also kills acne-causing germs.
- Sulfur is a natural component found in some masks, lotions, and cleansers. It has a distinct smell.
- Salicylic acid is typically contained in soaps and acne washes. It helps prevent pores from getting plugged.
- Resorcinol is a component that’s used to eliminate dead skin cells.
Prescription acne medication
In some cases, symptoms may persist. If this is so, you might wish to seek medical advice. Your dermatologist can recommend medications that may help in reducing your signs and avoid scarring.
Oral or topical prescription antibiotics eliminate the bacteria that trigger pimples and reduce swelling. Usually, antibiotics are just used for a brief amount of time so that your body doesn’t develop resistance. Prescription topical creams such as prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide or retinoic acid are more powerful solutions than non-prescription treatments. These work to minimize oil production and open pores. Women with hormone acne may be treated with birth control pills or spironolactone. These medications control hormones that can trigger acne through the reduction of oil production. Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a vitamin-A-based medication that’s utilized to deal with particular cases of serious nodular acne. It can cause severe side effects, and it’s just utilized when other treatments have actually stopped working.
Medication for extreme acne conditions
Your physician might recommend further procedures to deal with extreme acne and avoid scarring. These work by eliminating damaged skin, opening pores or minimizing oil production.
Dermabrasion for acne
This procedure removes the top layers of your skin with a turning brush and would be best utilized to treat acne scarring rather than a treatment for acne. Microdermabrasion, a milder alternative, helps open pores and eliminates dead skin cells.
Photodynamic therapy for acne
This procedure uses medication and a special laser to decrease oil production and minimize germs. Other lasers may be utilized alone to assist improve acne or scarring.
Chemical peel for acne
This basically gets rid of the top layers of your skin. That skin peels off to reveal less broken skin beneath. They also help open pores and can improve moderate acne scarring.
Cortisone for acne
If your acne has a large cyst, your doctor might suggest using cortisone injections. This is a steroid produced by your body. It can minimize inflammation and speed healing. Cortisone is typically utilized together with other acne treatments.
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How to avoid acne?
Tips for preventing acne
Wash your face to prevent acne
Whether or not you have acne, it’s essential to wash your face twice every day to remove dead skin cells, germs, and additional oil from your skin’s surface. However, over cleaning is not necessarily good; it may do more harm. Avoid hot water, clean your face with warm water and a mild facial cleanser. A harsh soap can hurt already irritated skin and trigger more inflammation.Never scrub your skin harshly with a coarse washcloth (sponge). Gently wash it with an extremely soft fabric or your hands. Constantly wash well, and then dry your face with a clean towel. Avoid repeating towels and washcloths as they may spread germs.
Keep your hands off your face to avoid acne
Avoid touching your face, chin or cheeks. Not only can you spread out bacteria, you can likewise irritate the currently inflamed facial skin. Never ever pop pimples with your fingers, as it can cause infection and scarring.
Moisturize to prevent acne
Acne products have some moisturizer that dries the skin, so always utilize a moisturizer that minimizes dryness and skin peeling. Search for “noncomedogenic” on the label, which means it does not clog the pores. There are moisturizers made for dry skin, oily skin, or combination skin.
Use makeup with care to avoid acne
During a breakout, avoid the blush, foundation or powder. Ensure you wash makeup every day. If possible, select oil-free cosmetics with no chemicals and dyes. Select makeup that is labeled as “noncomedogenic.” Check out the ingredients list on the product label before purchasing.
Try non-prescription acne products
These acne products don’t need a prescription. The majority of them have active ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, or lactic acid, which suppress germs and dry your skin. They may trigger drying or peeling so start with a small amount. Another option is a new topical retinoid gel. It is made to keep the acne from forming. Use these items with caution if you have delicate skin.
Stay out of the sun to avoid acne
The sun’s ultraviolet rays can increase swelling and soreness and can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark staining). Some acne medications increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Therefore, reduce your time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and use protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved t-shirt, and a hat. You should always apply a broad-spectrum sunblock that is noncomedogenic. Always look at the labels before buying.
Be careful about what you use on your hair to avoid acne
Avoid using oils, gels, fragrances, or pomades on your hair. They can block your skin’s pores if they get on your face and aggravate your skin. Use a mild conditioner and shampoo. Oily hair needs to be washed often because it can add to the oil on your face. Keep long hair away from your face.
Workout daily to avoid acne
Routine exercise is good for your whole body, including your skin. When you work out, avoid using clothes or using exercise equipment that rubs your skin and might trigger irritation. Shower right after the workout.
Feed your skin healthy to avoid acne
The majority of experts agree that particular foods, like chocolate, do not trigger pimples. Still, it makes sense to avoid oily food and processed food and have more veggies, fresh fruits, and whole grains. Avoid dairy products and foods high in processed sugar.
Avoid stress to prevent acne
Some studies link stress to acne formation. Find out what is stressing you up and come up with a solution.
