Acne is a stubborn and pesky skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. From teenagers to adults, acne can be a real pain in the neck – or face, rather. The disadvantages of living with acne are numerous, and they go far beyond just the physical appearance of your skin.
Acne (https://edwinlimclinic.sg/conditions/acne-treatment/) can cause redness, inflammation, and unsightly bumps on the skin, which can be embarrassing and difficult to conceal. It is like having a colony of tiny aliens camping out on your face rent-free, and the worst part is, there is not much you can do about it. As a result, people with acne often feel self-conscious and anxious about how they look, which, in turn, can lead to a lack of confidence and social withdrawal. It takes a toll on a person’s self-esteem and mental health, as it is hard to feel good about yourself when you are constantly battling a skin condition that seems to have a life of its own. In this article, we will explore the various factors that contribute to acne and how to combat them – once and for all – for a clearer complexion.
Types of acne
Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It can appear as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or cysts and affects people of all ages, but it is most common during puberty and adolescence. Hormonal changes during this time can cause an increase in oil production, which eventually lead to breakouts.
Understanding the different types can help determine the best course of treatment. The most common types of acne include:
- Whiteheads and blackheads: These are non-inflammatory types of acne that occur when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Whiteheads appear as small, white bumps on the skin’s surface, while blackheads are open pores filled with dark debris.
- Papules and pustules: These are inflammatory types of acne that develop when a hair follicle becomes inflamed. Papules appear as small, red bumps on the skin’s surface, while pustules are red bumps with white or yellow pus.
- Cysts: These are severe types of acne that appear on the skin when hair follicles become infected with bacteria. Cysts are large, painful bumps that can cause scarring if left untreated.
Common acne causes
Consider yourself warned – hormones, genetics, diet, and lifestyle are the culprits behind the breakouts.
During puberty, the body produces more androgens, male hormones that stimulate oil production in the skin’s sebaceous glands. This excess oil can clog hair follicles, leading to breakouts. Women may also experience hormonal acne during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause.
Acne can also be hereditary, as genetics can influence the skin’s oil production, inflammation response, and overall skin health. This means that if your parents or siblings have acne-prone skin, you may be more likely to experience breakouts, too.
While there is no one specific food that causes acne, some studies suggest that a diet high in processed foods, dairy, and sugar can contribute to breakouts.
And lastly, poor lifestyle habits can contribute to acne. Stress, lack of sleep, and smoking can all affect the skin’s health and cause those unsightly acne spots to appear.
How to avoid acne
Preventing acne requires a combination of good skincare habits and healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some tips for avoiding breakouts:
- Wash your face twice a day: Cleanse your skin in the morning and evening to remove excess oil and debris that can clog pores.
- Use non-comedogenic products: Look for skincare and makeup products that are labeled as non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores.
- Avoid touching your face: Touching your face can transfer bacteria and oil from your hands to your skin.
- Keep hair off your face: If you have long hair, tie it back to prevent oil and hair products from making contact with your forehead and cheeks.
- Never pop pimples: It is tempting to pop pimples every now and then (we all do this, right?) but avoid it if you want to avoid scarring and (even worse) breakouts.
Acne can leave behind marks and scars, especially if it is severe or left untreated, so early prevention is crucial.
Best products for acne-prone skin
Using the right skincare products can help combat acne, so make sure that you read the tips on below on how to choose the good ones:
- Cleansers: Look for a gentle, non-drying cleanser that removes excess oil and debris without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
- Spot treatments: Spot treatments containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can help reduce inflammation and kill acne-causing bacteria.
- Moisturizers: Choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that will not clog pores and helps soothe irritated skin.
You may add more products to this list as you like; just remember to do a thorough research or better yet, consult with your dermatologist, to find out if a product is suitable for your skin type and condition.
Acne treatment options
There are many acne treatment options available today, ranging from over-the-counter medications to prescription medications and skincare treatments. Over-the-counter acne medications containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or alpha-hydroxy acids can be effective for mild to moderate acne. These medications work by reducing oil production, unclogging pores, and reducing inflammation.
If over-the-counter medications aren’t effective, a dermatologist may prescribe topical or oral medications. Topical medications may include retinoids, antibiotics, or azelaic acid. Oral medications, on the other hand, may include antibiotics, hormonal treatments, or isotretinoin.
Skincare treatments, such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser therapy, can also be effective for treating acne and acne scars. These treatments work by exfoliating the skin, reducing inflammation, and stimulating collagen production.
In addition to skincare treatments and medications, making changes to your lifestyle creates a huge difference. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can help keep the skin healthy and acne-free. Remember, clear skin takes time and patience, but with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, it is achievable.
Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetic Clinic
East Clinic
#02—12/13 Changi City Point Shopping Mall
Orchard Clinic (By appointment only)
#05-51 Lucky Plaza, Orchard Medical Specialists Centre
Phone: +65 69042218
Whatsapp: +65 96372218
