Acne is a very common skin condition in which the pores become blocked, causing pimples to develop. Acne is frustrating, embarrassing, and can be a source of significant emotional distress. If left untreated, it can lead to scarring and poor self-image. There are several effective treatments available to treat acne.
HOW DOES ACNE DEVELOP?
Acne is caused when hair follicles under your skin get clogged. Hair follicles become blocked with normal skin cells. The cells combine with an oily substance called sebum to create a plug in the hair follicle. Sebum is a naturally occurring oily substance produced by glands called sebaceous glands. We all have several sebaceous glands on our face, neck, back, chest and shoulders. If our sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, it allows for overgrowth of bacteria that normally lives on our skin. This can cause inflammation that ruptures the follicle and forms a pimple.
Sebaceous glands produce more sebum in response to hormones called androgens that increase in adolescence. Hormone changes related to pregnancy, or starting/stopping the birth control pill can cause acne. Acne can flare just prior to a woman’s menstrual period. Oils and greases in hair products or oil-based cosmetics can contribute to and worsen acne. Stress may worsen acne. There is no strong evidence that diet plays a role in causing acne. There may be an association with cow’s milk, due to the hormones found in milk.
TREATMENT FOR ACNE
If your acne is mild, you can use non-prescription topical products such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur, alpha hydroxy acids, and tea tree oil. Wash your face twice daily with a gentle facial cleanser and warm water. Do not scrub too vigorously or wash excessively because this can irritate your skin and worsen the acne. Use your hands to wash your face. This helps remove excess sebum and helps control the acne. If you have oily hair, shampooing daily decreases the amount of oil from your hair that reaches your skin. Choose oil-free skin products labeled “non-comedogenic†(does not cause blackheads or whiteheads) or “non-acnegenic†(does not cause pimples). If you have oily skin, choose a gel-based moisturizer. If you have dry skin, choose a cream or lotion. Choose a moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher. When using hair products, shield your face to prevent product from getting on your skin. Men who shave and who have acne should test both electric and safety razors to see which is more comfortable. Soften your beard with soap and water before applying shaving cream.
Consult your doctor if you have moderate or severe acne, or if the over the counter regimens are not helping. Depending on the type of acne you have, your family doctor may treat your acne with a topical medication, oral antibiotic, and/or a hormonal treatment. Dermatologists also use laser and light-based technologies to treat acne. If you have severe acne with nodules or cysts, then you may need to see a dermatologist to discuss Accutane.
Acne treatments prevent new pimples from forming. It takes 1- 2 months to effectively treat acne. Do not pick, pop, or squeeze pimples while waiting for treatment to work. This can worsen the acne and cause scarring. Be patient and work with your family doctor to find a treatment that works for you!