Just when you think you’ve finally outgrown your awkward pimply stage, you start experiencing breakouts again. Acne is arguably everyone’s worst enemy because it affects roughly 80 percent of teenagers and adults. Plus, it tends to pop up when you least expect it—and in the most conspicuous places. Not only are zits very unsightly to behold, but in severe cases, they may also leave scars on your face (not to mention your ego)!
Nip this annoying problem in the bud and get a clearer complexion in no time by arming yourself with knowledge on what acne is, what causes it, and how you can avoid or treat it..
WHAT IS ACNE?
Acne vulgaris, more commonly known as zits or pimples, refers to an inflammation of sebaceous (or oil-producing) glands that are found on the face, chest, and back areas. When these glands are stimulated, they produce too much sebum, which tends to clog the follicles or pores. These can, in turn, get inflamed and give rise to papules, nodules, or cysts. Dead skin cells also become trapped in the enlarged pores, resulting in the non-inflammatory form of acne called comedones, also known as blackheads and whiteheads.
CAUSES
The bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, which is naturally present in your skin, plays a role in the formation of acne. The clogged pores promote the growth of the bacteria, so when the body’s immune system starts to fight it, the acne gets inflamed and painful, resulting in the angry red zits that many of us just can’t resist popping!
Male hormones, or androgens, also stimulate our sebaceous glands into producing too much oil; these hormones are normally at their peak levels in our bodies during puberty. However, certain conditions that cause hormonal changes may trigger or aggravate breakouts, even for those who are well beyond their teenage years. These include menstruation, pregnancy, certain gynecologic conditions, and stress.
Other factors that are thought to contribute to acne breakouts include a family history of acne; use of oil-based, pore-clogging cosmetics‘ abrasions caused by vigorous scrubbing; and the use of certain drugs, such as glucocorticoids (steroids), artificial androgens and the like.
TREATMENT
Many over-the-counter medications claim to be effective in combating breakouts. The most popular ones include those with antibacterial properties (benzoyl peroxide) and keratolytics that help unclog pores (salicylic acid). Retinoids, such as tretinoin and adapalene, also act to open up pores, but these need to be prescribed by your doctor. Take note that tretinoin is deactivated by sunlight, so it must be applied at bedtime; applying oil-free sunscreen during the day is also advisable so as to avoid sun sensitivity.
These “pore decloggers” are often prescribed with benzoyl peroxide or topical or oral antibiotics to get more effective results. Other treatment options may include oral contraceptives, oral corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory drugs), antiandrogens (reduce androgen productions), or natural alternatives. A number of side effects are associated with these medications, so it’s always best to consult with your dermatologist to find out which drug or drug combination is most suitable for your skin type.
Never, ever pop your zits! Yes, we know you want them to disappear right away, but popping them isn’t the solution. Instead of healing normally, popping your pimple forces the overlying skin to break, which may or may not lead to scarring and pigmentation. There is no overnight treatment for acne. Be patient; the occasional zit will normally go away after a few days. On the other hand, if your breakout worsens instead of improving or if your meds aren’t working, it’s time to visit a dermatologist.
PREVENTION
Whoever said an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure got it exactly right—at least in the case of acne. Washing your face with a mild cleanser daily will prevent oil and dead skin cells from building up in and clogging your pores. Take care not to do it too often, though—overzealous cleansing, as well as using harsh skin products, strips your skin of the natural oils that keep it soft and supple. Also, vigorous scrubbing injures your skin and promotes inflammation, which may actually worsen the breakouts!
For people with naturally oily skin, using a mild toner after cleansing will get rid of the excess oil. Contrary to popular belief, moisturizers are still recommended for these skin types. The best ones to use are the oil-free water-based moisturizers, and ones that come in the form of gels instead of creams, which have more water content. Also, just because your skin is oily, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need a stronger cleanser—this might totally strip your face of moisture! Tip: if your skin feels dry and tight after washing, your cleanser is probably too strong. Ask your dermatologist what skin care products are best for you.
For those who love putting on makeup, check the labels to see if the words “non-comedogenic” are present—according to SkinCareGuide.com, this means that “these products are less likely to cause blackheads (open comedones) or whiteheads (closed comedones).” The site also cautions patients to note that products that may be non-comedogenic for most may not give you the same effect, so you may need to try a few before you hit the jackpot. You should also use oil-free cosmetics to help lessen your chances of developing breakouts.
Lifestyle changes might also help. De-stress every once in a while. Get enough sleep if you can. Also, maintain a healthy diet. Although there have been conflicting studies on the acne-promoting effects of chocolates, junk food, sweets, and the like, many people (this writer included) still swear that zits start popping up on their faces after eating these food items! If you want, you can use the trial and error method to check if you’re one of these people.
Read these articles for more skin care tips:
- Pimple problems? Milk and sugar may worsen acne breakouts!
- FN Wants to Know: What is your biggest beauty problem?
- Get Drenched: 5 Facts You Should Know about Moisturizing
- The Naked Truth: 5 Things You Should Know about Skincare
(Photo by Adam D. via Flickr Creative Commons)
