Overview of acne

Most of us suffer minor acne at some time in our life, whether we refer to it as blemishes, pimples, or zits. Acne vulgaris, which affects teenagers more frequently than adults, begins when dead skin cells and excess oil clog pores.

Most of us suffer minor acne at some time in our life, whether we refer to it as blemishes, pimples, or zits. Acne vulgaris, which affects teenagers more frequently than adults, begins when dead skin cells and excess oil clog pores.

Up to 50 million Americans have acne each year, making it the most prevalent skin ailment in the country. Between the ages of 12 and 24, 85 percent of individuals have at least mild acne. According to a recent poll, acne affected 50% of people between the ages of 20 and 29; 35% of people between the ages of 30 and 39; 26% of people between the ages of 40 and 49; and 15% of those over the age of 50.

Although such statistics may seem discouraging, there is a bright side: because acne is so common, there are more research studies on the many varieties of acne and more treatment choices than ever before.

What Are Acne?

Not simply throughout puberty, pimples can appear. As it turns out, adult acne is also becoming more prevalent, and there are many different ways acne may manifest itself on your skin.

What precisely is acne, then? Hair follicles become clogged by oil and dead skin cells, causing the widespread skin ailment that affects up to 50 million Americans. Numerous factors, such as hormonal fluctuations, food, stress, bacteria on the skin, inflammation, and stress all contribute to acne development.

Types

The three most typical forms of acne are. For further details on each, see:

Acne Cystic

What it looks like: These are deep, below-the-surface lumps with no heads that are typically found on women's chins and jawlines. When they heal, they can leave behind dark patches and scars can be painful and red.

Why it occurs: People who have oily skin frequently get this form of acne when a mixture of oil (sebum), dirt, and dead skin cells clogs the pores. This frequently occurs during the week leading up to or following your period since estrogen can increase sebum production throughout those times of the month.

Blackheads/Whiteheads

What it appears to be: Blackheads are black because they are open comedones (also known as bumps) on your skin, and when they come into touch with the air, the contents of the pore oxidize, or darken. Since whiteheads are closed comedones, their contents are kept in a white-ish hue since the impurities are under the skin and don't come into touch with the air. These two lesions are regarded as non-inflammatory.

Why it occurs: "Sebum plugs" in a pore or hair follicle are the origin of both of these pimples. Sebum, germs, and dead skin cells that clog the pore's entrance make up a blackhead. Whiteheads are created when a clogged pore closes. Given that the T-zone contains the most sebaceous glands on the skin, both frequently develop there.

Skin imperfections

What it looks like: Acne doesn't just affect your face; it may also affect your neck, back, and other areas where sports bras collect perspiration.

Why it occurs: Even if you have a clean complexion, you could still deal with body breakouts that are brought on by the same factors as facial breakouts (dirt, oil, sweat, and dead skin).

Treatment

Depending on the kind you have, your therapy will vary. Here are a few typical methods for treating acne:

Acne Cystic

What to do: Take care of your skin by maintaining a regular skincare regimen. Apply a retinoid at night after washing twice a day with a cleanser that contains a chemical exfoliator like glycolic acid. A prescription could be helpful if that doesn't work.

prescription: The FDA has allowed the use of certain birth control tablets that include progesterone and estrogen to treat acne. These hormones can reduce the levels of androgens, such as testosterone, which cause acne and encourage the sebaceous gland to create more sebum. Since Spironolactone, a blood pressure drug, functions similarly for women by inhibiting androgens but without hormones, it may be administered off-label even though it is not FDA-approved for the treatment of acne. Accutane, the brand name for isotretinoin, is the gold standard and has the ability to put cystic acne into remission in more severe instances. Isotretinoin should be avoided by women who are pregnant or trying to conceive since it might result in birth abnormalities.

Blackheads and Whiteheads

Use a product containing salicylic acid, which acts to pore-penetrate and unclog them. If you want to keep your skin clear, think about scheduling a facial with a professional who can do the necessary extractions.

Skin imperfections

Use an exfoliating benzoyl peroxide cleanser on your skin, particularly after exercise, to get rid of germs that causes blemishes.