What is acne caused by?
A multitude of factors can cause acne. The most common ones include:
- Excess oil (Sebum): Our skin produces a type of oil, known as sebum. It protects the skin and has antibacterial properties. However, excess sebum production, as seen during puberty, can cause acne.
- Clogged Hair Follicles: Excess sebum can also mix with dry skin cells and clog your hair follicles, also known as pores. This can give rise to acne.
- Bacteria: Skin bacteria are usually harmless. However, they can build up in the clogged pores and cause inflammation. This leads to red, pus-filled bumps or deeper cysts.
Are there different types of acne?
Yes, there are different types of acne. Here is a quick breakdown:
- Comedonal: Also known as non-inflammatory acne. They clog pores and cause acne. They usually manifest as whiteheads and blackheads.
- Inflammatory: Inflammatory acne is seen as red pimples (papules), and pus-filled spots (pustules).
- Nodular: These are large, painful bumps that are deep within the skin.
- Cystic: The most severe form of acne in which deep, inflamed, and often painful lesions prone to scarring develop.
Can diet truly influence acne?
Acne’s relationship to diet is a complex one and something that is not clearly understood. However, certain foods may play a role in increasing acne incidence. These are:
- High Glycemic Index (GI): A high glycemic index due to foods that spike blood sugar can influence your hormones and worsen acne.
- Dairy: Although research is divided on the role of dairy in acne, some people find breakouts get worse with dairy consumption.
- Individual Sensitivity: Everyone’s skin is different and reacts differently to various foods. Try keeping a food diary to see if certain foods increase your breakouts.
How to take care of acne-prone skin?
You can take the following steps to ensure that your acne-prone skin is taken care of:
- Cleanse twice daily: Start by cleansing your skin twice daily. You can use a gentle, non-comedogenic (product that does not clog pores) cleanser for this.
- Sunscreen: The Sun is an enemy of your skin. It can worsen acne and make it harder to get rid of. To combat this, you can use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.
- Avoid touching your face: Our hands are a cesspool of bacteria. This bacteria can be transferred to your face through constant touching and can worsen your acne. Avoid picking or popping acne, as it can lead to more inflammation and scarring.
Can you still get acne in your 30s and 40s?
Acne might be notorious for wreaking havoc on teenagers, but it is common in adults as well. Acne can continue well into your 30s, 40s, and even beyond. Some of the most common causes of acne in adults include:
- Hormones: Hormone fluctuations are common in women. Menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, or conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) can bring about significant hormonal fluctuations. These can ultimately trigger acne breakouts, even if you didn’t have them as a teenager.
- Stress: Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, can increase oil production. This increased oil production causes pores on your skin to clog, leading to acne.
- Medications: Medications, especially steroids, have acne as one of their side effects. So you have to be extra careful while using them.
Why do I get acne scars even when I don't pick?
Some acne is just more prone to scarring, even if you do not pick on it. Some of the reasons behind this are:
- Inflammatory Acne: If the acne is inflammatory, the chances of scarring increase. Make sure to take all necessary precautions to prevent infection.
- Deep Lesions: Nodular and cystic types of acne that affect the deeper layers of skin are more prone to scarring.
- Skin Tone: Unfortunately, darker skin tones may be more prone to a type of scarring called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots).
What are some unusual acne triggers?
Acne can also be caused by things you might not suspect:
- Laundry Detergent: Fragrances or harsh ingredients can irritate the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- Certain Supplements: Some supplements like whey protein or certain B vitamins have been linked to breakouts in some individuals.
- Hair Products: Ingredients in gels, mousses, or pomades can clog pores around your hairline or forehead.
- Dirty Makeup Brushes: These harbour bacteria and can re-introduce it to your skin every time you use them.
How do I treat my acne?
Acne treatment depends on the severity of the case. Depending on the severity, you can take the following steps to treat your acne.
- Mild: When acne is mild, over-the-counter (OTC) products containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or adapalene (Differin) can be used. They help reduce the oil content on your face, unclog pores, and fight inflammation.
- Moderate: For persistent or worsening acne, a dermatologist can prescribe stronger topical medications like retinoids or antibiotics.
- Severe: When acne becomes severe, often cystic or causing scarring, a dermatologist may recommend more intensive treatment options. This can include medications like isotretinoin (a powerful oral retinoid) or other procedures for specific needs.
How to treat fungal acne on the face?
Fungal acne, also known as Pityrosporum folliculitis, is a skin condition caused by an overgrowth of yeast naturally found on our skin.
To treat fungal acne, specific antifungal treatments are necessary. Over-the-counter products containing ingredients like ketoconazole, selenium sulphide, or pyrithione zinc can help, however, they might not always be effective. In cases where OTC medications do not work, consult a dermatologist. They can prescribe stronger antifungal medications or recommend other treatment options tailored to your specific case.
