What is acne: Acne is a condition in which the pores of the skin get clogged due to oil, dead skin cells, dirt, or bacteria, which leads to the formation of various types of skin blemishes, such as pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and sometimes more severe lesions like cysts or nodules. Acne can affect people of all ages but is most commonly associated with teenagers and young adults.

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Causes of Acne

The exact cause of acne can be complex, and it often involves a combination of factors. Here are the primary causes of acne

1. Excess Sebum Production: Sebum is an oily substance that keeps your skin hydrated and protected. Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. In individuals with acne-prone skin, these glands can overproduce sebum, which can lead to clogged pores and the formation of acne lesions.
2. Clogged Hair Follicles: When excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells, it can block hair follicles. This blockage can lead to the development of blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of acne lesions.
3. Bacterial Growth: Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is a type of bacteria that resides on the skin. However, when hair follicles become clogged, P. acnes can multiply and contribute to inflammation and the formation of inflammatory acne lesions.
4. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can exacerbate acne. Androgens, hormones present in both males and females, can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum.
5. Genetics: There is a genetic component to acne. If either of your parents has a history of acne, you may be more prone to developing it.
6. Diet and Lifestyle: While research is ongoing, some dietary and lifestyle factors may influence acne in some individuals. Diets high in sugary and high-glycemic-index foods, as well as excessive dairy consumption, have been associated with acne in some studies.
7. Cosmetic and Skincare Products: The use of certain makeup or skincare products that are comedogenic (tend to clog pores) can contribute to the development of acne. It’s essential to choose non-comedogenic products if you have acne-prone skin.
8. Environmental Factors: Exposure to environmental pollutants and certain workplace conditions can also influence the development of acne.
9. Psychological Stress: High levels of stress can trigger or exacerbate acne in some individuals. Stress stimulates the production of hormones that can lead to increased sebum production and inflammation.
10. Comedogenic Products: Hair and skin care products containing ingredients that clog pores can lead to acne, especially if they come into contact with the skin.

How to treat acne

The treatment of acne can vary based on the severity of the condition. Still, in most cases, it involves a combination of proper skin care practices, lifestyle changes, over-the-counter (OTC) products, and, for more severe cases, prescription medications. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to treat acne:

1. Skincare Practices:

• Gentle Cleansing: Wash your face twice daily with a mild, sulphate-free, and pH-balanced cleanser.
• Avoid Overwashing: While keeping your skin clean is important, excessive washing can strip the skin of its natural oils and potentially worsen acne. Stick to twice-daily cleansing.

2. OTC Products:

• Salicylic Acid: OTC products containing salicylic acid can help exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation. Use a product with a concentration of around 2%.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is an effective antibacterial agent that can help reduce acne-causing bacteria and unclog pores. Start with a lower concentration (2.5% to 5%) to minimize irritation.
• Topical Retinoids: Some OTC creams or gels contain retinoids like adapalene, which can help prevent clogged pores and reduce inflammation.
• Tea Tree Oil: A natural alternative, tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties and can be effective for some people in reducing acne.
• Spot Treatment: For individual blemishes, use an OTC spot treatment with active ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

3. Lifestyle Changes:

• Diet: While the relationship between diet and acne is still being studied, some people find that certain foods, such as sugary and high-glycemic-index foods, dairy products, and fast food, can exacerbate their acne. Consider reducing or eliminating these items from your diet to see if it makes a difference.
• Stress Management: Stress can contribute to acne. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as exercise, meditation, yoga, or deep breathing into your routine.
• Hydration: Drink an adequate amount of water daily to keep your skin hydrated and help flush out toxins.

4. Sun Protection:

• Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, especially when using acne treatments. Some treatments can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

5. Professional Treatment:

• Dermatologist Consultation: If OTC products do not yield the desired results, consult a dermatologist. They can provide a good treatment plan.
• Prescription Medications: Dermatologists may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics, hormonal treatments (for hormonal acne), or stronger topical treatments, such as retinoids.
• In-Office Procedures: For severe acne or scarring, your dermatologist may recommend in-office treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser therapy.

6. Patience: Be patient, as acne treatments may take several weeks to show results. Avoid the urge to pick or squeeze blemishes, as this can worsen inflammation and potentially lead to scarring.

Remember that effective acne treatment varies from person to person, and it may require some trial and error to find the right combination of products and lifestyle adjustments that work for you. Consulting a dermatologist is particularly important if your acne is severe, causing scarring, or not responding to OTC treatments. Early intervention can help prevent long-term skin damage and improve your skin’s overall health.

As oily skin is more prone to acne You should check out our ‘Skin care routine for oily skin’