ACNE

Although acne is associated with puberty, over 80% of cases of adult acne occur in women. This is often caused by changes in hormone levels such as before a period or early on in pregnancy.

Acne usually occurs on oily skin as it produces excess oil (sebum). Oily skin is when the T-zone (forehead, nose, cheek) seems to appear glossy or oily. Other causes of acne can be hair follicles clogged with oil and dead skin cells since hair follicles are connected to the oil glands. Genetics also plays a role in whether a person is prone to acne or not while stress triggers the oil glands to produce more oil which results in acne flaring up. Certain medications and lifestyles can also trigger acne to flare up.

Acne typically appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders because these areas of skin have the most oil (sebaceous) glands. 

During puberty, the levels of hormone production change. This causes the sebaceous glands under the hair follicles to go into overdrive. This results in pimples, zits, or spots in teenagers.

It is said that women are more likely to have adult acne than men. It is because of the hormonal levels that women have at certain times which include,

Periods: Some women experience acne monthly just before their period.

Pregnancy: During the first trimester, many women have symptoms of acne.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): A hormonal disorder common among women in today’s world where the symptoms are irregular periods, weight gain, excessive hair growth, and acne.

There’s no denying acne can scar the skin which can contribute to emotional distress. When acne or acne scars on the face or any other visible locations, this can trigger and affect one’s self-esteem and self-confidence which can lead to anxiety or depression.

Acne signs vary depending on the severity.

Whiteheads: These are closed plugged pores also known as closed comedo. They appear under the skin as small, flesh-colored papules. They usually occur in small clusters and are considered annoying as they seem to develop at the worst times.

Blackheads: These are open plugged pores also known as open comedo. They are clearly visible on the surface of the skin as black or dark brown according to the oxidation of melanin (the skin’s pigment)

Pimples:

Papules: These are tiny, red, raised bumps on the skin. They don’t have a pus-filled tip. They are less than 1 centimeter (cm) wide. They might be slight white or yellowish color that makes it tempting to pop, but they should not be popped as it only can exacerbate the problem.

Pustules: These are small tender white bumps on the skin filled with yellowish fluid called pus. It is also known as Pustular psoriasis. This type of acne is recommended to be popped because even if left, they pop themselves anyway.

Nodules: These are abnormal tissue developed below the skin and appear on the surface as red bumps. They are also known as Nodular melanomas and can appear as reddish-blue, dark brown, or blackish-blue bumps. These usually don’t have any whiteheads or blackheads in the center. This is considered a severe type of acne and its size is said to be at least 1 centimeter.

Cystic Lesions: This is the most serious type of acne. It is an inflammatory type of acne that causes painful, pus-filled lumps deep under the skin. In this type of acne, bacteria enter the pores and cause swelling and inflammation. Painful bumps usually don’t go away on their own and do require medical care.

Mostly acne prone skin can be treated with home remedies. They are a few healthy habits, one can implement to reduce their acne problem.

• Washing the face twice a day with a cleanser 
• Regular exfoliation helps to scrub away dead skin cells.
• Use a warm compress or ice accordingly to soothe the pain.
• Using over-the-counter creams or natural remedies like aloe vera, honey, essential oils, etc
• Always stay hydrated. Healthy life, healthy skin.
• Meditation can help improve the quality of the skin barrier by reducing the body’s inflammatory stress response.
• Eating a healthy and balanced diet.
• Reduce carbs and sugar intake as the food rich in them tends to have high glucose levels which cause increased insulin production, which results in acne inflammation, etc.
• Practice good skincare every night.
• Sleep on your back so that the skin doesn’t come in contact with the pillowcase.
• Avoid touching the face as the dirt, oil, and bacteria from the hands to the face can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.

These remedies might not apply to all since each person has a different skin type which would react differently. But sometimes, when these remedies don’t work, it is advisable to get a professional consultation.

ACNE TREATMENTS AT KLARA SKIN & HAIR CLINIC

Treatment for acne, especially adult acne, depends on the severity. We offer a range of acne procedures that can help provide a noticeable difference in skin tone, texture, and radiance.