Darrick Robles Skin plays a huge role in how we perceive ourselves, so the appearance of acne can bring emotional distress and affect our self-confidence. But the good news is that there’s a lot you can do about it, both through self-help and medical treatments.
What Causes Acne?
There are countless oil glands in the skin, located in the top layer of skin (dermis) and connected to hair follicles. The sebum they produce is a fatty substance that keeps hair and skin soft.
During puberty, the skin’s sebum production is boosted and often more sebum is produced than necessary, which then leads to acne. This is because the excess sebum and debris can clog the hair follicle or sebum gland; or because the bacteria enter the hair follicle and cause inflammation or infection there.
Teenage boys in particular often suffer from acne, as testosterone levels also rise sharply during puberty, which triggers the overproduction of sebum. Of course, girls can also suffer from acne during puberty. Most of the time, however, they don’t develop acne until later in puberty. Acne can also occur in adults.
Different forms of acne
Acne most often occurs on the areas of skin where there are more hair follicles that produce sebum. Therefore, the face, back and chest are usually the most affected. Acne can come in a variety of forms.
Non-inflammatory acne
Whiteheads are small closed blackheads made up of sebaceous glands where the wall of the hair follicle is closed. They appear as whitish bumps under the skin.
Blackheads are small dark spots that appear when the hair follicle is open and sebum and bacteria there have turned black from exposure to air.
Inflammatory acne
Pimples are small red and swollen blemishes that can progress to the types listed below.
Papules and pustules are usually hardened, clogged pores. While papules are small palpable nodules, pustules are small pus-filled sacs – colloquially known as pimples.
Nodules and cysts are hardenings that mostly consist of horny material. These can also be painful and inflamed.
The difference between mild, moderate and severe acne
- Mild Acne – Mostly whiteheads and blackheads, with the occasional pimple.
- Moderate Acne – More inflammatory papules and pustules that are less than 5mm in diameter, as well as pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.
- Severe acne – nodules and cysts larger than 5mm in diameter (along with all or some of the above). In very severe cases, these can join together and fluid will leak out.
What helps against acne?
Mild cases of acne can often be treated at home – a consultation at the pharmacy is sufficient. Over-the-counter products are available for mild acne and can take up to 8 weeks to produce a change. These include creams, cleansers, gels, and lotions that work to treat mild acne that comes back and can also help prevent it.
For moderate or mild acne that isn’t getting better, you can get advice from our doctors and talk to them about treatment options and possible causes. There are also a number of prescription creams and medications that are used to treat moderate to severe acne. The doctor can issue you with a prescription if necessary.
In severe cases of acne, our doctors can also refer you to a dermatologist for advice on treatment options for acne and acne scars.
You can do this yourself for acne
1. Avoid Over-Cleaning Pimples are not due to poor hygiene—it’s a myth. Cleaning too aggressively will irritate your skin, and using creams, lotions, and gels will cause an uncomfortable burning sensation. In addition, by washing too much, you attack your skin’s natural acid mantle, which leads to dry skin.
Ideally, you should wash your skin twice a day with a gentle cleanser that is pH balanced. Follow with a non-greasy moisturizer. Don’t pop pimples.
2. Quit smoking Subsurface pimples (acne inversa) are common among smokers. The toxins in cigarettes and the resulting constriction of blood vessels are generally not good for the skin. Here you can learn more about the health benefits of not smoking and how to become a non- smoker .
3. Avoid stress Stress can make any skin condition worse, and research has found that high levels of stress can increase the severity of acne, particularly in women. Sometimes stress is inevitable, but with a few stress management tips, you can better manage it. For relaxation, e.g. such as yoga or meditation. Here you can find out what exactly happens in your body when you are stressed and what you can do about it .
4. Eat a balanced diet Fatty foods, sugar and processed foods can promote acne. It is therefore best to ensure a balanced diet with lots of fruit, vegetables, whole grain products and lots of healthy proteins, e.g. B. through lean meat and fish. Also, make sure to drink enough water, as dehydration increases inflammation, including in the skin.
