Understanding Acne

Posted on 23. Feb, 2009 in Cosmetic Imperfections

Acne is a very common problem that the majority of adolescents and many adults face. Irrespective of gender, colour or nationality, acne crosses all barriers and is amongst the most prevalent skin disorder in the world. 90% of teenagers suffer from acne and are the most affected group. Common acne does not cause as much physical discomfort as it does mental agony and embarrassment. Adult acne can develop later in life as a result of hormonal changes due to menstruation, childbirth or menopause.

The hormone testosterone is considered the culprit behind the outburst on the skin. This causes the oil secreting or sebaceous glands to become hyperactive. Consequently, the excess oil mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria, clogs the pores, and leads to whiteheads, blackheads and pustules. Severe acne, if left untreated can cause permanent scarring.

Keeping Acne under Control

Some basic do’s and don’ts help avoid aggravating the skin and keep the acne in check.

• Wash your face with warm water and a mild cleanser twice a day to keep it oil and dirt free. Dirt does not cause acne but it does make it worse.
• Don’t overdo the washing. Also, do not scrub vigorously.
• Do not squeeze or pick your acne and do not touch your skin often.
• Watch your diet. Wrong food is not a cause but it does worsen the existing condition.
• Keep cosmetics at bare minimum. Avoid oil-based moisturizers and make-up.
• NEVER leave make-up on at night.

Treating Acne

Acne treatments and medication options are numerous. There are various types of acne and treatments could vary. It is best to go about the process with care and in consultation with a dermatologist. Many cosmetic surgery clinics offer free consultations (until the end of March, Transform offer a free mini Microdermabrasion).

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) clearly states that ‘Acne is not curable, but it is controllable’. It is necessary to understand that there is no magic potion to make acne disappear. Prevention of acne is deemed the best line of treatment for acne. A strict skin care regime helps cut down on the bacterial activity on the surface of the skin.

Acne complexes are Over-The-Counter (OTC) or non-prescription kits containing a complete skin regime and medication for local application. This would normally constitute of cleansers, sunscreens and moisturizers suited for acne-affected skin and spot-treatment creams or solutions. It is imperative that only oil-free and non-comedogenic products are used on acne-affected skin.

Regime

Cleansers: Their job is to clean the skin of accumulated oil, dirt, make-up and sweat making it easy for the skin to absorb topical applications. Twice-a-day use is recommended in most cases. Overuse can cause dryness and irritation.

Topical applications: The AAD indicates that dermatologists most commonly use Benzoyl Peroxide, Retinoids and Antibiotics for topical treatment of acnes. These also form an important part of any acne complex kit.

• Benzoyl peroxide – The vital function of benzoyl peroxide is skin oxygenation. As a result, acne bacteria are killed. It also works as a mild peeling agent, thereby, unclogging the pores. Benzoyl peroxide is available in different concentrations. Lower strengths cause less irritation and are available OTC.
• Retinoids – They are chemical compounds derived from vitamin A. First generation retinoids like Retin-A or retinol are used for acne treatment. They help unclog the pores further enhancing the absorption of other topical medication such as antibiotics. They are usually best used at night. Topical retinoids do cause sensitivity to the sun and redness of the skin, hence care must be taken.
• Topical Antibiotics – Anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory antibiotics like Clindamycin, Erythromycin or Sulfacetamide are used to enter the hair shaft and fight underlying infection.

Antibiotics are used in combination with benzoyl peroxide or retinol for overall effectiveness. Combination therapy such as this ensures that the skin does not develop resistance to the antibiotic and the antibiotic requirement remains low.

Clear Pores Cleansing System, Murad’s Acne Complex, Revitol Spot Gel are some of the many acne treatment systems available in the market today.

Stronger medication, hormone treatments or laser and surgical treatments may be required for the more severe cases. In any case, it is always recommended that you consult your dermatologist to ascertain that the acne treatment you undertake is the best for your skin.

Tags: acne, acne complexes, treating acne, treatment for acne