Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be a source of embarrassment and anxiety, particularly for teenagers and young adults. However, with a little bit of know-how about what causes acne and how to treat it you can get on top of your blemishes and discover a clearer, smoother complexion.
Contact Lumière Clinic for a free consultation with one of our expert skin therapists to discuss your acne-prone skin and what treatments can help achieve a flawless complexion.
What causes acne?
You have pores all over your skin. Each of these pores contain hair follicles, which in turn have sebaceous (oil) glands that secrete oil out of your pore and onto the surface of the skin. This keeps your skin soft, lubricated and protected.
Acne occurs when there is a breakdown in this secretion process. Your sebaceous glands either produce too much oil or dead skin cells, bacteria, oil, dirt or makeup clog pores and your hair follicles. This results in pimples, whiteheads and blackheads, or what are collectively known as the skin condition of acne.
Acne can be broken down into adult acne (hormonal acne), usually found in people older than 20 years of age and acne vulgaris, commonly found in teenagers.
Some people will only have a mild case of acne, with occasional outbreaks that are easily managed. However, other people will have more severe acne breakouts that affect large areas of their face and body and can be a little harder to manage.
Acne is a skin condition that causes pus filled pimples, plugged pores and blemishes to break out on your face, neck, back, shoulders and chest.
What are the risk factors for developing acne?
Although we don’t know exactly why some people experience severe acne, and others a little blemish here or there, we have found there are some risk factors.
- Hormonal changes associated with puberty.
- Hormonal imbalances or changes during pregnancy.
- Endocrine conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
- Certain medications.
- Genetics and family history.
- Poor sleep.
- Stress or anxiety.
- Certain beauty products, especially face cleansers or creams.
- Some people may also find certain foods can worsen their acne, such as milk, junk food or lots of sugar.
The different types of acne
There are several types of acne, each with its own characteristics and symptoms. You may notice you only have one, however it is not unusual for people to have a mix of the different types of acne.
The different types of acne include:
- Whiteheads: Small, closed bumps that appear on the skin’s surface and are typically white or flesh-coloured.
- Blackheads: Small, open bumps that appear on the skin’s surface and are typically black or dark in colour.
- Papules: Small, red, raised bumps that may be tender to the touch.
- Pustules: Similar to papules, but with a white or yellow centre that contains pus.
- Nodules: Solid, painful pimples that form deep beneath the skin’s surface.
- Cystic acne: Large, painful, pus-filled bumps that form deep beneath the skin’s surface and can cause scarring.
There are several different types of acne that can mark your skin, from whiteheads and blackheads to papules, pustules, nodules and cysts.
What is the difference between acne and pimples
The difference between acne and pimples, is that acne is the condition and pimples are one of its symptoms or they can occur alone. Think of it this way, if you have acne it is an ongoing condition. Pimples on the other hand can occur as part of your acne, or you could just be someone who gets the occasional pimple.Signs and symptoms of acne
You can develop acne anywhere on your body, however it is most commonly found on your face, neck, back, shoulder or chest. During a breakout you may notice one or more of the following common symptoms:- Whiteheads.
- Blackheads.
- Papules.
- Pustules.
- Nodules.
- Cysts.
In addition your skin texture can feel rough, uneven and tender due to the swelling and inflammation. You may also notice dark patches and spots of skin discolouration or redness known as hyperpigmentation.
What can make acne worse?
You may be wondering why your acne keeps getting worse or coming back. Well, there are several things that may worsen acne symptoms. Things like oil-based skincare products, washing your face too much, squeezing, popping and picking at your acne or smoking can all worsen acne.
If you are unsure what is exacerbating your acne, consider talking to a dermatologist or skin specialist. They may be able to help pinpoint what is causing your breakouts so you can avoid further acne flare-ups in the future.
Treatments for acne
There are many different treatments available for acne, depending on the severity and type you have. Your doctor or a dermatologist are great resources to help you find the best treatment for your particular skin type.
There are many different treatments to help control acne and prevent future breakouts, from skin ointments and cleansers to oral antibiotics and using oil free makeup.
- Medicated creams, face wash or cleaners: These include retinoids, antibiotics, azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid. They work by reducing inflammation, unclogging pores, removing dead skin cells and killing bacteria.
- Oral medications: Antibiotics, hormonal therapies, birth control pills and isotretinoin work by reducing inflammation, regulating hormonal imbalances, and reducing sebum production.
- Steroids are used to treat severe acne.
- Cosmetic treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, hydrafacials and light therapy to treat moderate to severe acne. These treatments help to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation .
- Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress levels and quitting smoking can also help to reduce acne symptoms.
- Home remedies: Some people may find relief from acne symptoms by using home remedies such as tea tree oil, aloe vera, and honey.
Say goodbye to acne, and hello to clear skin!
Acne can be a frustrating and embarrassing condition, but understanding its causes and available treatments can help to manage and reduce its symptoms. If you’re struggling with acne, don’t hesitate to reach out to a dermatologist or one of the friendly experts at Lumière Clinic for advice and treatment options. We also offer medical grade skincare services, based on an in-depth skin analysis and tailored to your unique needs. With the right approach, it is possible to achieve clear, healthy skin.Lumiere Acne Treatments:
Frequently Asked Questions
Read through the commonly asked questions about skin irritation and acne below.
There are many things you can do to prevent acne, such as using oil-free products on your skin, always removing makeup before bed, reducing stress, quitting smoking and only using water-based makeup.
You should see a doctor if you are experiencing painful or prolonged acne pimples and breakouts. They can help tailor a treatment plan to clear your acne breakout and take steps to prevent scarring.
Acne vulgaris affects teenagers, and adult acne affects those people older than 20 years of age. It is also commonly seen in people with endocrine disorders, polycystic ovary disease or those with hormonal changes or imbalances.
You can have acne breakouts anywhere you have hair follicles and pores, that is anywhere on the surface of your skin. However, it is most commonly found on your face, neck, back, shoulders and chest.
Cystic acne, the most severe acne, develops when oil and dead skin cells build up within your hair follicles and form large, cyst like pimples. They can be painful and inflamed and often lead to skin scars.
You can treat acne at home with some simple remedies like tea tree oil, green tea, zinc, aloe vera, honey or jojoba oil. You can also use cleansers and creams that have known ingredients for effectively treating acne. A pharmacist can provide advice about over-the-counter topical treatments you can use at home, without the need for a prescription.
If you are pregnant and suffering acne breakouts, it is always best to seek the advice of your doctor before taking any acne treatment.
Yes. Usually only severe or moderate acne causes scarring, however even mild acne can result in skin scars if you pick at your pimples and acne lesions.
Your oil glands are overly stimulated during your teenage years, contributing to oily skin. Therefore, during these years is most likely when acne develops.
