Acne is a skin condition in which pores become blocked with oil and dead cells, creating whiteheads, blackheads (comedones), or inflamed pimples that block out sunlight from penetrating deep enough. Though acne affects people of all ages, teenage teens seem most prone.
Acne is caused by hair follicles becoming blocked with debris known as pores, leading to blockages that contribute to its development. There may be several contributing factors:
1.Sebum: an oily substance produced by our bodies as a protective barrier, however excessive production can clog pore openings and lead to acne formation.
2.Bacteria: Our skin naturally harbors some bacteria. C. acnes is known to flourish in oily environments, proliferating rapidly to cause acne breakouts by multiplying in clogged pores.
3.Dead Skin Cells: Our stratum corneum layer sheds to make room for new cell development; dead cells also play an integral part of pore blockage issues.
Factors Contributing to Acne
Tight clothing such as sports helmets, hats and masks can contribute to acne breakouts. Working in environments which expose you frequently to oil – like restaurants using frying oil for instance – or exposure to high humidity with heavy lotions can also increase acne flare-ups.
Stress increases cortisol hormone levels, leading to elevated cortisol hormones that in turn aggravate acne. Certain medications may have acne as a side effect. Squeezing or picking at pimples increases inflammation levels further still while cosmetic products might contribute to acne formation as well. New studies indicate high-glycemic index sugary food products could worsen acne problems further still.
Adult Acne: What It Is and How it is Treated Adult acne refers to any acne which persists after age 25 (or begins after this age), whether continuing from its original source or new outbreaks starting after this point. Treatment options similar to adolescent acne may include topical products containing retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or oral antibiotics including isotretinoin; ultimately however the choice of treatments are made after seeing a dermatologist following examination; factors that influence these decisions include severity of disease type left scars due to presence or absence of pitted scars on patient skin type tolerance tolerance tolerance as well as whether patient plans pregnancy.
Can Adult Acne Be Prevented? Research suggests that only some adults suffering from adult acne have hormonal imbalances related to polycystic ovary syndrome gynecological issues which, if present, must be addressed immediately in order to be effective treatments of adult acne. Therefore treating any potential underling conditions is key for treating adult acne successfully.
Particularly for acne-prone skin, having a meticulous skincare routine is of vital importance. Proper cleansing should always take precedence – sleeping with makeup on or skipping evening routines increases pore blockage risk leading to acne breakouts; excessive washing disrupts skin barriers leading to redness and increased sensitivity.
Cleansing should involve using an effective cleansing gel and lathering it onto skin for 20 seconds before rinsing with warm water at least twice daily, including one application before bed. Cleansers containing salicylic acid have proven particularly helpful at clearing away debris such as excess keratin from pores to minimize acne formation risk.
Your dermatologist can work with you to develop an appropriate skincare routine tailored to the severity and treatment plan for acne. In addition to cleansing gels, those prone to acne should use toners or serums with AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids), BHA (beta-hydroxy acids), or in sensitive cases PHA (poly-hydroxy acids). These acids help remove dead skin, decreasing risk of pores clogging.
Moisturizing should be part of an everyday skincare regime for all skin types. Moisturization strengthens the protective barrier and increases tolerability for medical treatments such as acids or acne creams, helping keep them under control more easily. People prone to acne should look out for moisturizers labeled’suitable for acne-prone skin’ when selecting moisturizers for daily use.
Fungal Acne: What it Is and How is it Differ from Adult Acne
Fungal acne, also referred to as Malassezia Folliculitis or Pityrosporum Folliculitis, occurs when hair follicles (pores) become infected by Malassezia fungi and inflamed; unlike acne it is considered an inflammation of hair follicles rather than acne itself.
Malassezia folliculitis causes red, itchy bumps that itch like crazy (papules). Over time these may progress into larger whiteheads or small yellow pustules that ooze pus.
Comedones may appear differently to acne; rather than red small bumps and inflamed bumps are typical symptoms. A dermatologist can make an accurate differential diagnosis through examination and provide appropriate treatments using antifungal medicines or creams.
