Every person has experienced acne in their lifetime. It is an extremely common problem that mainly affects teenagers but can also affect adults alike. Acne can occur on any part of the body where hair follicles and oil glands are present; however, they are more commonly visible on the face, chest, back, and shoulders. The presence of acne can be a frustrating problem for many, and if left unaddressed or poorly treated, it can cause scarring.
In this blog, we will go over what causes acne, different types of acne, and how to treat them. If you experience frequent acne breakouts or want to manage your acne better, this blog is for you.
A] What Causes Acne on the Face
Factors like hormonal changes, excess oil, clogged pores, poor lifestyle, and cosmetics are some of the common causes of acne.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal imbalances like an increase in androgens can cause sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum, leading to acne. Androgen levels are at their peak during puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and PCOS. These times
- Excess oil (sebum) production: Sebum is an oily substance that provides a protective barrier for your skin. Excess sebum or extremely oily skin can clog up your skin pores and irritate hair follicles. These create breeding grounds for bacteria, which cause acne outbreaks. If you have oily skin, you are more likely to develop acne.
- Dead skin cells and clogged pores: While dead skin cells naturally shed, this process can become inefficient due to various factors. If the dead skin cells start to accumulate on the skin due to poor hygiene, they can block skin pores. This clogging leads to blackheads, whiteheads, and eventually inflamed pimples.
- Bacterial growth: Cutibacterium acnes is a common bacterium affecting the skin of the face. If it gets trapped in pores, it can cause inflammation, redness, and swelling of the skin. This is one of the key triggers of pus-filled pimples.
- Lifestyle triggers: Lifestyle is one of the most common yet overlooked triggers of acne. Poor diet, lack of sleep, and extensive stress increase cortisol, a hormone that can promote oil production. While a healthy diet consisting of occasional sweets and fried food won’t affect acne, their excessive intake can flare up acne in some people.
- Comedogenic products: Products labelled “comedogenic” contain ingredients that can clog pores and trigger acne. Avoid makeup, sunscreens, and moisturisers with heavy oils or silicones.
B] Different Types of Acne
Acne is differentiated into different categories based on the severity and types of lesions. These include:
1. Comedonal Acne (Blackheads & Whiteheads)
Comedonal acne is a non-inflammatory form of acne, meaning they do not swell or become red. As these acne are filled with sebum, dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria, they appear either black or white in colour. When these pores are closed, they appear white and are called whiteheads. When they are exposed to air, they turn darker in colour and are called blackheads.
2. Papules and Pustules
Papules and pustules are both types of red and inflamed pimples. They are usually small and raised bumps on the skin. Papules are caused by ingrown hair follicles and have a red centre. Meanwhile, pustules are filled with pus and have a yellow and white centre. A papule can grow into a pustule if it doesn’t heal quickly.
3. Nodular and Cystic Acne
Nodular and cystic acne are extremely severe forms of acne that can be extremely painful and leave lasting marks. Nodular acne is often deep under the skin and is firm and painful. Meanwhile, cystic acne is larger, softer, and pus-filled. Cystic acne is more likely to rupture and spread infection.
4. Fungal Acne
Fungal acne can be of many types, all causing redness and itchiness. Unlike acne caused by clogged pores or excess sebum (oil), fungal acne occurs when fungus, like yeast, grows in hair follicles. While bacterial acne is often concentrated on the face, it can also be found on the chest and back. Our clinic offers fungal infection treatment in Mumbai, ensuring treatment and future prevention.
C] In-Clinic and Prescription-Based Treatment Options
1. Topical treatments
The initial treatment for acne is usually suggested through topical acne medications, such as retinoids, antibiotic creams, azelaic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. If you have a mild acne problem, your doctor will recommend ointments according to your skin type and acne. You can apply them similarly to a moisturiser or sunscreen.
2. Oral medications
Oral medication is a common solution for acne caused by bacterial or fungal infection or hormonal imbalance. Antibiotics, hormonal therapy, or isotretinoin for severe or hormonal acne are some of the most common treatments. Hormonal therapy is recommended for people experiencing acne flare-ups during menstruation or menopause. Oral acne medications should only be prescribed by a professional doctor.
3. Chemical peels
Chemical peel treatment removes the top layer of your skin, removing excess oil, dead skin cells, bacteria, and acne scars. The skin that grows is healthier and smoother. At our skin care clinic in Mumbai, you can choose between three degrees of chemical peels based on your needs.
4. Light and laser therapies
Light and laser therapies target acne inflammation and bacteria and reduce active acne and scarring. You may require multiple visits to the doctor’s clinic for the best results. Light and laser therapy are used to reduce the visible effects of acne, but they are not permanent solutions.
5. Intralesional injections
If your acne is diagnosed to be nodular or cystic, intralesional injections, specifically with corticosteroids like triamcinolone, are recommended. Corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce redness and swelling.
D] Common Mistakes to Avoid in Acne Management
- Popping or squeezing pimples increases the risk of infection and acne scarring.
- Overwashing the face strips the skin’s healthy oils and triggers more oil production.
- Switching products too frequently or using too many actives at once can trigger allergic reactions.
- Skipping sunscreen leads to pigmentation after breakouts.
E] Conclusion
Acne is a common skin condition that can be caused by oily skin, hormonal changes, bacterial infection, clogged skin pores, etc. They are categorised into different types based on their causes, texture, and filling. While over-the-counter products may help with mild acne, moderate to severe cases often require professional intervention. In-clinic treatments like chemical peels and laser therapy are effective ways to reverse the lesions and acne scars.
If you are looking for solutions to acne scars, Auro Skin Clinic is here for you. We are one of the leading dermatologists, offering safe and effective treatment. Book an appointment today.
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