Acne is a common dermatological condition that affects individuals of different ages. Although it is thought to be most common in teenagers, it is not a condition, and many people can experience severe forms of acne. Acne often occurs as a result of complex interactions between genetic, hormonal and environmental factors. Those with acne-prone skin suffer not only physically, but also psychologically. They often have low self-esteem, avoid social interactions, try to avoid the critical gaze of those around them. But acne has treatment and there are many solutions to treat the effects it has produced and to stop it. In this article you will discover the most important information about acne, types, causes that cause it, as well as acne treatment.

What Is Acne? 

Acne is an inflammatory disease of the hair follicle. Each hair corresponds to a sebaceous gland that secretes sebum, an oily fluid, whose role is to create a barrier that protects our skin and keeps it hydrated. In acne, the sebaceous gland is blocked by dead cells as well as sebum that has become too thick and is secreted in excessive amounts.

The secretion of the sebaceous glands is closely related to the male hormones secreted by the adrenal glands in both men and women. Acne is often localized, most commonly on the face, neck, chest, shoulders, arms and back. It is quite easily identified by the very visible effects it causes, being in the form of pimples, whiteheads or blackheads. Although the appearance of acne does not take into account age, it usually starts in adolescence, when the sebaceous glands are activated. It is important to identify the causes and treat it as early as possible, and a first step is to use acne skin care products .

The difference between Acne and Folliculitis

Although they are similar, folliculitis is not the same as acne, the differences being determined by the factors that cause them to appear. Folliculitis is a localized inflammation of the hair follicle, in the form of red, sensitive spots, and can last for a short period of time or can extend over the long term. In general, it is caused by infections, shaving, hair removal methods, or it can be caused by the consumption of certain medications. Visiting the dermatologist is essential when you are faced with a similar situation and it is difficult for you to classify it correctly. Both acne and folliculitis require special attention to prevent symptoms from worsening.

Causes of Acne 

There are several major causes of acne, and these include:

• Blockage of hair follicles with sebum and dead cells 

• Excessive secretion of sebum that causes pore blockage, being aggravated by the presence of unremoved dead cells. An optimal option is to exfoliate your face regularly to avoid the formation of pimples. If you have oily or problematic skin, you can use an AHA cleansing gel to exfoliate acne-prone skin. 

• Hormonal imbalance, especially the intense activity of androgenic hormones such as testosterone, activates a greater production of sebaceous glands. Male hormones are found in both men and women and are secreted by the adrenal glands, ovaries and testicles.

• Acne can also be triggered by certain bacteria on the skin. They meet a favorable ground, that is, the presence of hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands. Bacteria will multiply, leading to clogged pores and inflammation.

Risk Factors for Acne

In addition to the main causes that lead to the formation of acne, there are also factors that potentiate the negative effects of acne. Here they are:

• Stress, which affects the endocrine system and, in general, the whole body

• Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation. To stop the appearance of pimples and the worsening of the effects, you can opt for a pimple cream with AHA for exfoliation. This is a cream for oily skin that is suitable for treating all problems associated with acne.

• Pollution and humidity

• Eating certain foods, such as refined carbohydrates (refined sugars, refined grains), dairy products, chocolate

• Administration of certain medications

• Using products that block pores

• Touching your face with your hands This is a bad habit because you often don't have clean hands and can infect your skin, especially if you also have a tendency to squeeze pimples.

Types of Acne

First of all, acne is divided into two types:

Non-Inflammatory - Acne of this type refers to clogged pores that cause the appearance of comedones, i.e. blackheads or whiteheads. He is the gentlest guy and is easy to spot. People with oily skin with acne tendencies are advised to use anti-comedogenic care products. If you have oily skin, you can choose acream for oily skin that prevents clogging of pores, soothes irritated skin and reduces sebum secretion.

Inflammatory - Noticed by a reddish appearance. This can range from papules and pustules to nodules and cysts in severe forms. Papules are small bumps on the surface of the skin that are pinkish or red in color, and pustules are red at the base but have pus inside. Papules often turn into pustules.

Lumps and cysts are bumps that are larger than the usual pimple and feel like they are under the skin. They are very large and very painful. They are hard to the touch, being developed very deep cube skin.

Acne Rosacea - It is a subtype of Rosacea, which is characterized by broken blood vessels, oily skin, pimple-like bumps, very red skin. People who experience this type of acne often experience a burning and stinging sensation on the face. To reduce the symptoms of rosacea, azelaic acid serum is recommended, which has been shown to have beneficial effects on this condition.

Juvenile acne - It is the one that appears during puberty, due to hormonal changes and is located in the "T" area, forehead, nose, chin. It is the most common form of acne encountered and is often not treated seriously. Unfortunately, it will not be treated on its own and may develop into more serious forms.

Hormonal Acne - Another common type of acne. Also determined by hormonal changes, it is much more common in women. It can be caused by changes in the menstrual period, menopause or polycystic ovary syndrome. Blackheads appear on the cheeks and jawline. During these periods the skin suffers and you can choose to use a moisturizing cream for oily skin. Often, dehydration can cause pimples to appear. That is why it is good to prevent by maintaining a constant level of hydration of the skin.

Cystic Acne - It is the most severe type of acne, being characterized by the presence of large and very painful acne cysts. The complications it entails are the spread of the infection and the scars left behind by cysts and comedones.

Acne Treatment - Effective Anti-Acne Solutions

Considering the forms of acne, there are also numerous solutions that can be used to treat acne. There are those that are applied directly to the skin, on problem areas, or those that treat the causes from within, namely the pills.

Treatment with Salicylic Acid - Cosmetics and care products with salicylic acid helps to exfoliate the skin, remove dead cells and prevent pores from clogging, eliminating comedones. The benefit of salicylic acid is that it is soluble in oil, making it a wonderful ally for treating oily or acne-prone skin. You can find it in cleansing gels, creams, serums, body creams.

Benzoyl Peroxide - It is an effective pimple treatment because it dries and exfoliates the skin and problem areas. Weak formulas can usually be obtained without a prescription. In severe cases, the doctor may recommend stronger doses.

Retinoids - Often a retinol serum can be very helpful in treating acne due to its ability to reduce enlarged pores.

Antibiotics - Administered in the form of creams, gels, lotions or combined with other compounds. It helps reduce the bacteria that can cause acne. In very serious cases, it is administered orally, only under medical prescription.

Contraceptives - They are administered in case of hormonal imbalances, and their role is to reduce the level of androgen hormones. Helps treat acne in women.

There is also the option of a natural acne treatment. Among the most famous ingredients are: honey, jojoba oil, tea tree oil, green tea, aloe vera, zinc, rosemary. All these have an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, deep cleansing role. The effects may vary from one person to another, the time periods in which the healing effects appear being different.

Acne Skin Care Routine

To maintain the cleanest appearance of the skin and to achieve the desired results, it is important to maintain a daily care routine. Here are some simple steps you can take to treat acne and give your skin the care it needs.

1. Removing make-up or Cleansing the Skin

As is recommended for any skin type, for oily or acne-prone skin it is essential to remove make-up daily, morning and night. A gentle wash is recommended for problem skin care. If you are tempted to choose a cleanser with salicylic or glycolic acid, which are beneficial for exfoliation and fight the bacteria that trigger acne and excess sebum, we also recommend a milder option. Include a gentle, acid-free foaming cleanser in your twice-daily makeup removal routine. Another solution is to use them alternatively, to prevent excessive skin irritation or drying that acid solutions can cause. ​

2. Exfoliation

If you choose the variant of a delicate cleanser for the skin, you can opt for the second step, namely exfoliation. The most recommended chemical exfoliants are salicylic acid or glycolic acid. These ingredients have amazing effects, because they penetrate deep into the pores, effectively unclog them and prevent the reappearance of blackheads. The role of exfoliation is cell renewal, by removing dead cells. They also reduce the appearance of acne scars, leaving the skin smoother and more even. Regular use of a chemical exfoliant, 1-2 times a week, can improve the absorption of other acne-fighting products in your skin care routine, increasing their effectiveness.

Try to avoid physical exfoliators as much as possible that can cause irritation and micro-damage.

3. Other Alternative Treatments

A treatment option for acne is to use a cleansing mask to balance the complexion. A pimple mask with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide is specially formulated to reduce excess sebum and residue on the skin. Additionally, consider treating individual blackheads with a topical treatment. With powerful ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, the treatments are designed to penetrate deep into the skin, reducing inflammation. Finally, you can also opt for an antioxidant serum that contains vitamin C, beneficial for reducing scars.

4. Application of a Moisturizing Cream

Since acne treatment products have the potential to dry out the skin, you need to pay special attention to this. Hydrating acne-prone skin is essential to maintaining a healthy, balanced complexion. If the skin barrier is damaged or loses some of the lipids needed by the skin, it can respond by producing more sebum. This will lead to a recurrence of acne or worsening of its effects. Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer specially formulated for acne-prone skin, as it won't clog pores or exacerbate breakouts.

These lightweight formulas provide the necessary hydration without giving the skin a greasy appearance. Best suited is an anti-acne cream with moisturizing properties and enriched with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile or green tea to soothe any redness or irritation associated with acne. In addition, choose a cream for oily skin that contains hyaluronic acid, known for its wonderful skin moisturizing qualities. Daily use of an anti-acne cream, morning and evening, will keep your skin nourished and better prepared to fight acne, enjoying a clean and bright complexion.

5. Protection

Before leaving the house, regardless of the season, don't forget the protection against UV rays. They are harmful to the complexion and are an essential step in the care of acne-prone skin. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen bb cream that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Regular application of sunscreen will maintain overall skin health by preventing the harsh effects of the sun and premature aging.

Prevention

In addition to treatments and solutions to heal problem skin, there are also some tips to keep in mind when you want to reduce the signs and effects of acne. 

• Remove make-up twice a day with gentle formulas for the skin

• Avoid squeezing pimples because you will help spread the infection on the skin

• Avoid touching your face during the day as your hands are not always clean and this can contribute to the growth of bacteria

• Your phone is a source of germs and holding it close to your face can have negative effects on your skin

• Before any make-up removal or application of a cream/lotion, be sure to wash your hands very well

• Do not forget to remove make-up products before going to bed, to leave the pores clean, without blocking them

• Avoid exposure to the sun for too long as it causes more sebum production

• You have to keep in mind that anxiety and stress are invisible enemies that cause acne - they are maintained by high cortisol levels that are closely related to acne.

• Maintain a constant temperature in the room and a dry climate, so as to avoid sweating

• Take care of your diet, focus on healthy products, on fruits and vegetables, and less on sweets

In conclusion, acne is a very common skin problem with repercussions both on the physical aspect and on the emotional side. The benefits of acne treatments include skin improvements by reducing inflammation, preventing scarring, and improving self-esteem and overall skin health. It is important to combine the effective solutions that you can apply at home with the guidance of professionals for the fastest and most effective results. Adopt a constant skin care and you will easily manage acne, achieving a cleaner and healthier complexion.