Dealing Effectively With Acne
Dealing Effectively With Acne
One of the most common and difficult skin conditions is the problem with acne. Acne, which usually develops during puberty, is the development of scars on the face after oils secreted by the sebaceous glands merge with dead skin cells, blocking the pores and hair follicles. This leads to the hardening of oil being further secreted beneath the skin, allowing bacteria to thrive and cause skin damage or inflammation. Acne could be manifested in pimples and other infection. An estimated 5% to 15% of Americans have acne.
Acne could come in the form of comedones/microcomedones, blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules or pimples, cysts and nodule, or scars. To promote skin protection against and combat acne effectively, it is important to know its causes.
What Causes Acne?
Acne could result from extremely high hormonal levels, which is why it usually starts during puberty. Androgens like testosterone cause acne. Hormones are also the reason why pimples are more likely to develop during a woman’s menstruation period. Hyperactive oil or sebaceous glands also cause the onset of acne. When combined with heat and stress, acne becomes a bigger problem.
Studies show that stress is also a factor in the exacerbation of acne. Stress alters hormonal levels, which in turn causes acne. Dead skin cells, if not exfoliated or cleansed properly may also cause acne, as well as bacteria accumulated from one’s surroundings. Skin irritation, pollutants, and certain drugs are also found to affect the development of acne.
How to Treat Acne
Among other skin conditions, acne is one of those that cannot be cured. However, if given proper treatment it could be controlled and reduced. Acne treatment products work to prevent or reduce the development of lesions, which lead to acne. The following are the skin care basics you need to know if you are suffering from acne problems.
Over-the-counter treatments such as placebo are available in supermarkets and drugstores. However, they may not be as safe and effective as prescription drugs and products. If you are just beginning to seek treatment for acne, it is advisable to consult dermatologists and skin care experts.
Exfoliation – In itself, exfoliation is not as effective in controlling acne as much as it is when used as part of an acne treatment program. Exfoliation using alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) removes dead skin cells on the skin surface to maximize the effects of topical treatments.
Topical antibacterial – They combat the growth of bacteria in the pores but they might also cause irritation and damage if you have extremely sensitive skin. Topical antibacterials and antibiotics are good regimen for skin protection against acne if it is not too concentrated.
Oral antibiotics – Oral antibiotics are easier to use than their topical or cream counterparts. However, they may cause side effects such as colitis, diarrhea, and dysbacteriosis, among others. Oral antibiotics are more preferable if a large part of the body is affected by acne.
Hormonal treatments – Hormonal treatments are often recommended for women only because it may have sexual side effects. Antiandrogens like cyproterone balance androgens, which are a major contributing factor to the development of acne.
