Understanding Acne: Discovering Your Path to Clear Skin

Acne is a medical condition that is treatable and should be treated early

Do you know up to 90% of adolescents and young adults have acne in some point of their lives? Wow!

Acne – a word that carries a lot of weight for many of us, conjuring up memories of our teenage years or even haunting us into adulthood.

Have you ever wondered who gets it and why is it worse for some people than others?

What is Acne?

Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells and become inflamed. All body areas with high concentrations of pilosebaceous glands are involved, but in particular the face, back and chest.

Types of Acne

1. Whiteheads and Blackheads: These are non-inflammatory acne lesions. Whiteheads are closed clogged pores, while blackheads are open and exposed to air, causing them to darken.
2. Papules and Pustules: These are inflammatory acne lesions. Papules are small, red bumps without pus, while pustules are red bumps with pus at the top.
3. Nodules and Cysts: These are severe forms of acne. Nodules are large, painful, solid lesions deep within the skin, while cysts are pus-filled, painful lesions that are prone to scarring.

What Causes Acne?

Several factors contribute to the development of acne:

1. Excess Oil Production: Our skin naturally produces oil (sebum) to keep it moisturized. However, too much oil can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores.
2. Clogged Pores: When pores become blocked, bacteria that normally live on the skin can multiply and cause inflammation.
3. Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, especially during puberty, pregnancy, or menstruation, can increase oil production and contribute to acne.
4. Certain Medications: Some medications, such as steroids or hormonal pills, can make individuals more prone to developing acne.
5. Dietary Factors: While the link isn’t fully understood, certain foods high in sugar and dairy products such as chocolate may exacerbate acne in some people.
6. Genetic Predisposition: If your family members have history of acne, your chances of developing acne can be as high as 3 times greater than those without a family history of the condition.

Complications of Acne

Acne is nerve-racking for many people due to its long-term consequences. Some of the consequences are summarised as below:

1. Scarring: This is one of the most significant complications of acne. Scarring happens when severe and long-standing acne damages the skin’s collagen and elastin fibres. This results in permanent depressions or bumpy scars (keloids) on the skin, affecting both appearance and self-esteem.
2. Hyperpigmentation: Darkening of the skin can occur after acne lesions heal. This happens due to increased melanin production in response to inflammation. Hyperpigmentation can be more noticeable in individuals with darker skin tones and may take months to fade on its own.
3. Redness: Dilated blood vessels on the skin can happen after resolution of acne inflammation. This condition leaves a pink-to-red discolouration on the skin that can persist for months.
4. Psychological Impact: Apart from the discomfort due to the appearance of acne, many people who suffer from acne experience other negative emotional and social impacts. These include low self-esteem, negative body image, exclusion from social relationships, discrimination at work or school, anxiety, depression and even higher unemployment rates.

Treatment Options

The good news is that acne can be managed and treated effectively. Here are some common approaches:

1. Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter or prescription creams, gels, or lotions containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinoids and antibacterial spray can help unclog pores, reduce bacteria and inflammation.
2. Lifestyle Changes: Gentle cleansing with a mild cleanser once daily, avoiding excessive scrubbing or picking at acne lesions, and using non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) skincare products can help.
3. Procedures: Microdermabrasion, microneedling treatment, picosecond laser and yellow laser can help to improve your skin tone after acne. Severe acne scars might need intensive treatments such as subcision and injections.

Acne scar subcision

When to Seek Help?

Many of us believe that acne is a natural part of growing up and it will resolve with time. This unawareness causes delay in proper treatments, resulting in unfortunate acne scar formation permanently.

Acne is a medical condition that is treatable and should be treated early to prevent the long-lasting effects of uncontrolled acne. It is acne scarring that causes more stress and worry than acne itself.

With the right approach and treatment, clear and smooth skin is achievable. Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional guidance – you deserve to feel confident in your skin, no matter your age!