Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point. It causes spots, oily skin and sometimes skin that is hot or painful to touch. Acne is very common in teenagers and younger adults. About 95% of people aged 11 to 30 are to some extent affected by acne. It is most common in girls from the ages of 14 to 17, and in boys from the ages of 16 to 19. Most people have acne on-and-off for several years before their symptoms start to improve as they get older. Acne often disappears when a person is in their mid-20s. In some cases, acne can continue into adult life. About 3% of adults have acne over the age of 35.
SYMPTOMS OF ACNE
Acne most commonly develops on the:
Face – this affects almost everyone with acne
Back – this affects more than half of people with acne
Chest – this affects about 15% of people with acne
Types of spots
There are six main types of spot caused by acne:
Blackheads – small black or yellowish bumps that develop on the skin.
Whiteheads – have a similar appearance to blackheads, but may be firmer and will not empty when squeezed.
Papules – small red bumps that may feel tender or sore.
Pustules – similar to papules, but have a white tip in the centre, caused by a build-up of pus.
Nodules – large hard lumps that build up beneath the surface of the skin and can be painful.
Cysts – the most severe type of spot caused by acne, they are large pus-filled lumps that look similar to boils, and carry the greatest risk of causing permanent scarring.
CAUSES OF ACNE
No one factor causes acne. Acne occurs when sebaceous (oil) glands attached to the hair follicles are stimulated at the time of puberty or due to other hormonal changes. Associated with increased oil production is a change in the manner in which the skin cells mature, predisposing them to plug the follicular pore, resulting in the various types of spots.
In some patients, the following may be contributing factors:
Heredity: Parents with pre-existing issues of acne.
Pressure: In some persons, pressure from helmets, chinstraps, collars, suspenders, etc. can aggravate acne.
Drugs: Some medications may cause or worsen acne, such as those containing iodides, bromides, or oral or injected steroids. Other drugs that can cause or aggravate acne are anticonvulsant medications and lithium. Most cases of acne, however, are not drug-related.
Occupations: In some jobs, exposure to industrial products like cutting oils may produce acne.
Cosmetics: Some cosmetics and skincare products are pore-clogging. When choosing a facial product, those that are water based are best for persons with acne-prone skin.
WHEN SHOULD SOMEONE START ACNE TREATMENT?
Since everyone gets acne at some time, the right time to treat it is when it becomes bothersome, or when the potential for scarring develops. This can be when severe acne flares suddenly, for mild acne that just will not go away.
LIFESTYLE
Moderation and regularity are good things, but not everyone can sleep eight hours, eat three healthy meals per day, and drink plenty of water a day. Probably the most useful lifestyle changes one can make is to never pick or squeeze pimples. Playing with, or popping pimples, no matter how careful and clean one is, nearly always makes bumps stay redder and swollen longer.
OPEN THE PORES
Occasional visits to an aesthetician (Beauty Parlour), who is an expert at safely removing blackheads during a facial, can be beneficial.
CLEANSING AND SKIN CARE
There is no magic product or regimen that is right for everyone and for all situations.
Mild cleansers: Washing once or twice a day with a mild cleansing bar or liquid (for example, Dove, Neutrogena, Basis, Purpose, and Cetaphil are all inexpensive and popular) will keep the skin clean and minimise sensitivity and irritation.
Exfoliating cleansers and masks: A variety of mild scrubs, exfoliants, and masks can be used. These products may contain salicylic acid in a concentration that makes it a very mild peeling agent. These products remove the outer layer of the skin, and thus open pores. Products containing glycolic or alpha hydroxy acids are also gentle skin exfoliants.
Retinol: this derivative of vitamin A can help promote skin peeling.
REDUCING BACTERIA
Antibacterial cleansers: The most popular ingredient in over-the-counter antibacterial cleansers is benzoyl peroxide, sulphur, and resorcinol
REDUCE EXCESS OIL
One cannot stop oil glands from producing oil. Nevertheless, it is possible to get rid of excess oil on the surface of the skin and reduce the appearance of a shiny face.
Use a gentle astringent/toner to wipe away oil.
Products containing glycolic acid or one of the other alpha hydroxy acids are also helpful in clearing the skin by causing the superficial layer of the skin to peel (exfoliate).
Masks containing sulphur and other ingredients draw out facial oil.
Antibacterial pads containing benzoyl peroxide have the additional benefit of helping to wipe away oil.
HOME REMEDIES FOR ACNE
Cosmetics: Do not be afraid to hide blemishes with flesh-tinted cover-ups or even foundation, as long as what is used is water-based.
Facials: While not essential, steaming and “deep-cleaning” pores are useful, both alone and in addition to medical treatment, especially for people with “whiteheads” or “blackheads.” Having these pores unclogged by a professional also reduces the temptation for one to do it personally.
Pore strips: to “pull out” oil from pores. These are, in effect, a do-it-yourself facial. They are inexpensive, safe, and work reasonably well if used properly.
Toothpaste: One popular home remedy is to put toothpaste on boils. The same applies to vinegar.
Cleanse gently twice daily.
Apply a gel or cream containing 5% benzoyl peroxide; an alternative is sulphur or resorcinol. Use a pad containing 2% salicylic acid to help exfoliation each morning.
At night, apply a spot cream containing sulphur to the affected areas.
Use a light skin moisturiser and water-based makeup.
Treating acne requires patience and perseverance. Any of the treatments listed above may take two or three months to start working. Unless there are side effects such as excessive dryness or allergy, it is important to give each regimen or drug enough time to work before giving up on it and moving on to other methods.
