Acne is a skin disorder that commonly affects the face as well as the shoulders, back, neck, chest area, and upper arms. It happens when oil and dead skin obstruct hair follicles, resulting in irritation. There are different types of acne such as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, cysts, and nodules.
Although it can occur at any age, it is most common during puberty, when the sebaceous glands are active. Although it is not hazardous, it may cause skin scars. The adrenal glands in both males and females release male hormones, which encourage the glands to create oil.
Causes Of Acne
There are four basic causes of acne:
- Excessive production of oil (sebum)
- Closed hair follicles due to oil and dead skin cells.
- Bacteria
- Inflammation
The areas of skin with the greatest oil glands (sebaceous glands), such as the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders, are where acne most frequently develops. Oil glands are linked to hair follicles. If the follicular wall enlarges, a whitehead may form. If the plug is exposed to the surface and darkens, a blackhead may form. Dirt may appear to be lodged in the pore of a blackhead. However, the orifice is plugged with germs and oil, which turns dark when exposed to air. Pimples emerge as raised red spots with a white center when clogged hair follicles enlarge or become infected with microorganisms. Cyst-like lumps appear below the surface of your skin as a result of obstructions and inflammation within the hair follicles. Acne typically does not affect other skin pores, which are the openings of the sweat glands.
Other causes of acne include:
Heredity
There is strong evidence that acne is influenced by genetics. Acne does run in families, therefore chances are good that you will get it too if either or both of your parents did.
Stress And Anxiety
Psychological and emotional stress has a major impact on cortisol and adrenaline levels, which exacerbate acne. These stress chemicals cause the creation of testosterone by the oil glands, which increases oil production and clogs pores.
Medications
Acne can get worse when taking medications that contain androgens, corticosteroids, or lithium.
Sunburns
Your skin dries out after getting a sunburn, which causes extra oil to be produced to make up for it. More acne is brought on by too much oil.
Pressure On Skin
Acne may worsen if you frequently touch your face or expose it to friction. Perspiration and bacteria can be trapped against your skin by cell phones, sweatshirts, hats, tight collars, helmets, and even your own hands, clogging pores and causing pimples.
How To Prevent Acne?
Mild body acne can be cleared up using a variety of techniques without the requirement for dermatological care. You can choose from any of these acne-clearing methods once you’ve determined the main reason for your outbreaks.
Clear Your Skin Everyday
Regular face washing is the first line of defense against acne. After perspiring, do this twice daily to help wash away pollutants like oil and dead skin cells. Using your fingertips, gently cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser. Avoid using scrubs, washcloths, and other items that could irritate your skin.
Avoid Cosmetics That Clog The Pores
Examine the body and hair care products you frequently use. Reduce those that contain:
- Oils
- Silicones
- Waxes
Instead, pick grooming items that have a non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic declaration on the label.
Avoid Too Much Sun
If you’re going to be outside during the day, be sure to use lots of sunscreen. Choose a product that is a broad-spectrum, non-comedogenic sunscreen with SPF 30+.
Manage Stress
You’ve probably observed that stress frequently makes your acne worse. Reducing your stress can help you avoid getting acne. This is because stress increases the amount of oil the skin produces, which is one of the causes of acne. There are easy but effective methods you can do to help your body feel calmer if you struggle with stress and acne:
- Get lots of rest.
- Try mindfulness exercises like walking or meditation.
- Plan and prioritize your daily objectives.
- Find your stressors and try to avoid them whenever you can.
- Keep Your Skin Fresh And Clean
Regularly take a shower, especially if you’ve been wearing bulky clothing or have been perspiring a lot. Make sure the cleanser has non-comedogenic components while using a gentle, non-drying cleanser. While washing, be gentle with your skin, and then pat it dry with a fresh towel. Make sure to at least change into clean, dry clothes after an exercise if you are unable to immediately freshen up.
Consider Your Diet
According to some research, dairy products and diets with a lot of sugar and fat can make you more likely to break out. This includes high-glycemic items like bread, white rice, and potatoes. If you frequently break out, keep track of your diet to determine whether any particular foods are to blame.
When to Consult a Dermatologist?
Acne may be frustrating and embarrassing for many people. The good side is that acne can be treated. Mild acne can frequently be helped by over-the-counter topical treatments, but it might take a bit of experimentation to find what works for your skin. If your acne doesn’t get better, is leaving dark patches or scars, or is growing worse, then seek medical assistance from the best skin clinic in Kochi. Several treatments will likely be required to reduce your acne. It’s crucial to get treatment because acne scars, which are even more difficult to remove, can develop if acne is not addressed.
As the editor of the blog, She curate insightful content that sparks curiosity and fosters learning. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she strive to bring diverse perspectives and engaging narratives to readers, ensuring every piece informs, inspires, and enriches.
