Acne

What Is Acne?

Acne is one of the most common skin concerns, affecting millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact self-esteem and confidence, as well as cause physical discomfort.

Acne often appears on the face, back and shoulders, and can vary in severity – ranging from a few pimples to more extensive inflammatory breakouts – that may lead to scarring, or other long term skin symptoms, such as Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) or Post Inflammatory Erythema (PIE).

While acne typically first emerges during puberty, many people struggle with symptoms well into adulthood, or may only experience acne for the first time in their later years.

Symptoms

Acne is characterised by the presence of various blemishes, including pimples, blackheads, pustules, nodules, and/or cysts.
These blemishes can be inflamed and are often accompanied by redness, swelling, and tenderness.
While acne can appear anywhere on the body, it is typically more noticeable on the face and neck, back, shoulders, and chest.
Individuals with acne may experience periodic flare-ups and persistent breakouts, leading to uneven skin texture and a dull complexion.

Even after a blemish heals, it can leave behind dark spots or patches due to an overproduction of melanin, known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Alternatively, you may notice red or pink patches, known as post-inflammatory erythema. Both can contribute to an uneven skin tone and discolouration as the skin recovers and may take some time to fade.

In some cases, acne can also lead to scarring, which may appear as indentations or raised areas on the skin. These scars can persist long after the acne has cleared any may require specific treatments or procedures to improve their appearance.

Causes

Causes of Acne:

Acne occurs when pores in the skin become blocked with a combination of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.
Factors exacerbating this buildup include:
– Not cleansing the skin effectively
– Sleeping in makeup
– Using inappropriate products for your skin type
– This buildup can lead to congestion, blackheads, and pimples.

Contributing Factors:

Some individuals are more prone to acne if they have an oily skin type, or if anyone in their family also experienced acne symptoms.
Diet and certain medications can influence acne development and severity.
Environmental factors, such as pollution and humidity, can also contribute to acne symptoms.
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, pregnancy, and in conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), greatly influence oil production by the sebaceous glands.
Several factors do not directly cause acne but can worsen its symptoms:
– Stress
– Inadequate sleep
– Poor diet
– Excessive use of comedogenic/thick/greasy skincare products on the skin without effective cleansing.

Understanding these causes can help in managing and potentially preventing acne breakouts more effectively.