What Is Acne & Why Does It Occur?
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. It can cause pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and, in severe cases, cysts.
Acne is most common during teenage years due to hormonal fluctuations, but it can also affect adults. It appears on areas with the most oil glands, such as the face, chest, back, and shoulders. While acne is not harmful to overall health, severe cases can cause scarring, dark spots, and emotional distress.
Common Causes of Acne:
- Excess oil production: Overactive sebaceous glands clog pores.
- Bacterial growth: Propionibacterium acnes bacteria cause inflammation.
- Hormonal changes: Fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, or menstruation trigger acne.
- Clogged pores: Dead skin cells and dirt block hair follicles.
- Diet & lifestyle: High-glycemic foods and stress can worsen breakouts.
- Genetics: Some people are more prone to acne due to family history.
Who Needs Acne Treatment?
Acne treatment is recommended for individuals who:
- Experience persistent breakouts that don’t improve with skincare.
- Have inflamed, painful, or cystic acne.
- Struggle with acne scars or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Want to control oil production and prevent future breakouts.
- Suffer from hormonal acne related to menstrual cycles or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Best Ways to Treat Acne
Effective acne management involves skincare products, prescription treatments, and lifestyle adjustments to reduce breakouts and prevent scarring.
Topical Acne Treatments:
- Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation (Benzac, Duac Acne Gel).
- Retinoids: Help unclog pores and promote skin renewal (Differin, Epiduo Gel, Treclin).
- Azelaic Acid: Reduces redness and prevents bacterial growth (Skinoren, Finacea).
- Salicylic Acid: Helps exfoliate the skin and prevent clogged pores.
- Antibiotic creams: Fight acne-causing bacteria (Aknemycin, Zineryt, Inderm, Zindaclin).
Oral Medications for Severe Acne:
- Antibiotics: Reduce bacterial growth and inflammation (Doxycycline, Minocycline, Tetracycline, Tetralysal).
- Hormonal Treatments: Birth control pills help regulate acne caused by hormonal fluctuations (Dianette, Bella Hexal 35, Co-cyprindiol).
- Isotretinoin (Accutane): A powerful acne treatment for severe cases (Isotretinoin, Selgamis). This medication is highly effective but requires monitoring due to potential side effects.
https://env-transtoyou-staging.kinsta.cloud/store/diane-35-dianette/Daily Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin:
- Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to remove excess oil.
- Apply an oil-free moisturizer to maintain hydration without clogging pores.
- Use sunscreen daily to protect acne-prone skin from irritation and prevent hyperpigmentation.
- Avoid heavy makeup that clogs pores and worsens breakouts.
- Exfoliate 1-2 times per week with chemical exfoliants like glycolic or salicylic acid.
