Acne arises when oil and dead skin cells obstruct hair follicles, leading to inflammation and various types of blemishes, such as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, cysts, and nodules.
While several factors can trigger acne, the primary cause is considered to be increased androgen levels. These levels enlarge oil glands and boost sebum production, fostering bacterial growth.
Managing acne involves various approaches, including over-the-counter treatments for mild cases and prescription medications like antibiotics or retinoids for more severe or persistent acne.
Whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, cysts, and nodules are all types of acne.It is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans yearly.It commonly occurs during puberty, when the sebaceous glands activate, but it can occur at any age. It is not dangerous, but it can leave skin scars.The glands produce oil and are stimulated by male hormones produced by the adrenal glands in both males and females.At least 85 percent of people in the U.S. experience acne between the ages of 12 and 24 years.
Fast facts on acne
Acne is a skin disease involving the oil glands at the base of hair follicles.
It affects 3 in every 4 people aged 11 to 30 years.
It is not dangerous, but it can leave skin scars.
Treatment depends on how severe and persistent it is.
Risk factors include genetics, the menstrual cycle, anxiety and stress, hot and humid climates, using oil-based makeup, and squeezing pimples.
Home remedies
Acne is a common skin problem.There are many suggested home remedies for acne, but not all of them are supported by research.Diet: It is unclear what role diet plays in worsening acne. Scientists have found that people who consume a diet that offers a good supply of vitamins A and E and of zinc may have a lower risk of severe acne. One review describes the link between acne and diet as “controversial,” but suggests a diet with a low glycemic load may help.Tea-tree oil: Results of a study of 60 patients published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology suggested that 5-percent tea-tree oil may help treat mild to moderate acne.If you want to buy tea-tree oil, then there is an excellent selection online with thousands of customer reviews.Tea: There is some evidenceTrusted Source that polyphenols from tea, including green tea, applied in a topical preparation, may be beneficial in reducing sebum production and treating acne. However, the compounds in this case were extracted from tea, rather than using tea directly.Moisturizers: These can soothe the skin, especially in people who are using acne treatment such as isotretinoin, say researchers. Moisturizers containing aloe vera at a concentration of at least 10 percent or witch hazel can have a soothing and possibly anti-inflammatory effect.ADVERTISEMENTAmazon One Medical Skin CarePersonalized treatments for fine lines and wrinkles, with advanced formulas to even out skin tone and cutting-edge technology for firmer, smoother skin. Pricing starts at $10/month.
Causes
Human skin has pores that connect to oil glands under the skin. Follicles connect the glands to the pores. Follicles are small sacs that produce and secrete liquid.The glands produce an oily liquid called sebum. Sebum carries dead skin cells through the follicles to the surface of the skin. A small hair grows through the follicle out of the skin.Pimples grow when these follicles get blocked, and oil builds up under the skin.Skin cells, sebum, and hair can clump together into a plug. This plug gets infected with bacteria, and swelling results. A pimple starts to develop when the plug begins to break down.Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is the name of the bacteria that live on the skin and contributes to the infection of pimples.Research suggests that the severity and frequency of acne depend on the strain of bacteria. Not all acne bacteria trigger pimples. One strain helps to keep the skin pimple-free.
Hormonal factors
A range of factors triggers acne, but the main cause is thought to be a rise in androgen levels.Androgen is a type of hormone, the levels of which rise when adolescence begins. In women, it gets converted into estrogen.Rising androgen levels cause the oil glands under the skin to grow. The enlarged gland produces more sebum. Excessive sebum can break down cellular walls in the pores, causing bacteria to grow.
Other possible triggers
Some studies suggest that genetic factors may increase the risk.Other causes include:
some medications that contain androgen and lithium
greasy cosmetics
hormonal changes
emotional stress
menstruation
1. Wash the face twice daily
Acne is rarely the result of a dirty face, contrary to popular belief. However, it is important to remove excess dirt and oil from the skin by washing regularly and after sweating.Many people prefer to use a mild cleanser and warm water. Applying an oil-free moisturizer after washing can keep the skin from becoming too dry. Overwashing the face may cause the skin to become dry, which can aggravate pimples.However, over-washing of the face can dry the skin out, causing oil overproduction. This can result in more acne.
2. Refrain from harsh scrubbing
Some people scrub the skin with rough cloth pads or washcloths. This can irritate the skin and cause inflammation, making acne breakouts worse.Applying a gentle cleanser with clean hands or a soft brush for use on the face can help prevent pimples.
3. Keep hair clean
If excess oil in the hair travels to the skin, it can worsen acne. Regularly washing the hair may stop acne from developing, especially close to the hairline.Haircare products that contain oil can also cause pimples on the head and hairline. Avoiding these products can lower the risk of developing pimples.
4. Refrain from popping or picking at pimples
It may be tempting to squeeze a pimple, but it can cause inflammation and scarring.To reduce the appearance of blemishes, use a topical treatment instead. They may take some time to work, but they can also prevent new pimples from forming.
5. Apply topical treatments
Over-the-counter treatments, such as creams or serums, can reduce breakouts, particularly when they occur in certain areas.The following problem areas are common:
the chin
the nose
the forehead
Treatments often contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These products are not as potent as prescription-strength treatments, but they can help prevent mild acne and reduce breakouts.
6. Consider topical retinoids
Topical retinoids are products containing medicines derived from vitamin A, and dermatologists prescribe them to manage and prevent acne. These treatments help to shed and produce new skin cells faster, which helps to reduce pore-clogging.Most topical retinoids are only available by prescription, including tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova) and tazarotene (Tazorac). However, some topical retinoids, such as adapalene (Differin), are available over the counter.
7. Talk to a dermatologist about antibiotics
Topical antibiotics can fight an overgrowth of P. acne bacteria in the skin. Examples of antibiotics that treat this inflammatory acne include erythromycin and clindamycin, which are available by prescription.Alone, these antibiotics can cause bacteria to become resistant to treatment. As a result, doctors will prescribe antibiotic treatments in combination with benzoyl peroxide to reduce the risk of developing resistant bacteria.A person can identify inflammatory acne by its discolored, irritated appearance. It can also be painful.
Managing pimples
It is not always possible to prevent pimples from forming. The following can help people lessen inflammation around pimples and ultimately reduce their appearance.
Things to do
Things not to do
Wash the face before touching it.
Pick at, or pop the pimple.
Use a warm compress on pimples.
Apply untested home remedies, such as toothpaste, to the area.
Apply ice packs to reduce swelling.
Wash the face more than twice per day.
Apply products with benzoyl peroxide to kill acne bacteria.
Summary
Cleaning the skin regularly and gently, selecting skin care products carefully and avoiding contact with oil can help reduce acne.
Conclusion
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