The Only Acne Guide You Will Ever Need

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Not only you, I also experienced Acne when I was Young...( Still I am , by the way )...

You might be curious, Why it spoiled my look ? What causes it ? How to get rid of it ?
I will explain it all (I know it because I'm Doctor)...
Let's go and Learn step-by-step...

What is Acne?

  • Acne Vulgaris, the Medical name for Common Acne is a skin condition that develops ,when the hair follicles get clogged with oil and cells of skin that is dead.
The main culprit for it are Oil Glands - Sebaceous Glands of the Skin.
Teenager just got her first pimple


So, let us first learn about it.

Sebaceous Gland : -

  • They are the glands primarily functioning to produce oily secretion, and mostly attached to the hair follicle.
  • The gland will release a fatty substance - Sebum in the follicular duct, which will then be transferred to the skin via hair. It keeps the skin soft and Lubricated.

It will get clogged so the person will develop Acne



  • These glands are abundant in the region of face, upper part of chest and back.
  • Interestingly, Acne will affect these body parts more than other.

Factors responsible for the development of Acne : -

  • Excess oil production in the Sebaceous Gland
  • Hair follicles blocked by oil and dead skin cells
  • Excessive load of Cutibacterium Acnes - the Bacteria growing in the Clogged sebaceous gland.
Whiteheads are mild but cyst will make the look of a person pathetic

  • Excess Hormonal activity (Androgens specifically)
  • Medications like Oral Contraceptives and Corticosteroids
  • High Sugar diet
  • Familial history of Acne

Also Know: -

  • Comedone - basic Acne lesion is defined as the hair follicle clogged with Oil and Dead skin cells.
  • Overtime, Comedones will develop in Blackheads and Whiteheads .
  • Products that trigger the formation of Comedones are called Comedogenic . Makeup products that are non- comedogenic are less likely to trigger the formation of Comedones, and Hence, Acne.

Types of Acne : -

  • When the hair follicle gets plugged with Oil, Bacteria, Dirt and Dead Skin cells, it will bulge and produce Whitehead.
  • If that plugged material gets exposed to the surface, it will become dark - Blackhead, which turns Brown when it comes in contact with the air.
  • Both - Blackheads and Whiteheads are mild lesions.

Progression from Blackheads to Cyst


  • When that Brown or Black head gets infected or inflamed due to Bacteria, raised red spot with white center will develop known as Pimple.
  • Due to blockage and inflammation, cyst like lumps will get developed under the skin surface, sometimes - Cystic Acne.

                                                           
What happens in skin

Issues due to Acne: -
  • Lowers self - esteem
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Emotional distress
  • Scarring of the Skin
  • Pigmentation

Important: -

  • Hormonal changes during puberty is the main reason for the occurrence of Acne in that age period as these changes will trigger the Sebum production.
  • But, the good news is, these hormonal issues will come back to normal by the time we reach Adulthood. So does the Acne problem.

How to Avoid Acne ?

  • Not wearing hats or tight headbands
  • Taking shower after exercise
  • Washing Face frequently with mild soap and water
  • Not touching face frequently

Do everything to reduce oil on face
  • Consuming food with less Sugar
  • Reducing stress
  • Using water based or Non - Comedogenic make - up products
  • Not squeezing pimple
  • Shampooing hair at - least twice a week.

Myths about Acne: -

It is believed that these two things will result in the lesion flaring up, but it's not true...!
  1. Eating Oily food : Eating Oily will not have any impact on the skin developing Acne; However, working at the place where oily food is made can worsen the lesion, as oil fumes can block the pours on the skin.
  2. Washing Face with Mild Soap : If you scrub your face too harshly and use very hard soap, the chemicals from it can irritate the face that will make the lesion worse.

Acne Medication: -

Treating Acne is a step -by -step process, going from mild therapy to Advanced Care.
----> Few Over - the - Counter medications - that could be purchased without Doctor's prescription are useful for curing the Lesions most of the times..

Oily skin to Make-up can cause Acne
  • Benzoyl peroxide - It is present in many Gels and Creams claiming to cure Pimples. It will dry out existing lesions and prevent new ones. Also, it can kill Cutibacterium Acnes - Pimple causing Bacteria.
  • Sulfur - This natural agent is found in few masks, lotions and cleansers .
  • Salicylic acid - This will prevent the pores from clogging. So, several Acne fighting Soaps and Washes use it.
----> If over - the - counter medicines are not effective, Doctor can prescribe --
  • Antibiotics to kill acne bacteria
  • Retinoic acid or Benzoyl peroxide - stronger than Over - the - Counter Benzoyl peroxide.
  • Hormonal therapy to balance the level of Hormones in the Body.

Alternative Therapies beside Medical Treatment : -

These therapies are given with Medicines upon the advice of Dermatologist...
  • Laser or Photo - dynamic Therapy
  • Chemical Peel - Applying Chemical frequently like Salicylic acid, Glycolic Acid, Retinoic Acid .
  • Extraction of Whiteheads or Blackheads
  • Steroid Injection in the lesion to reduce the Inflammation.
Different Doctors prefer different treatment guidelines , so speak to your Doctor before Initiating any therapy.

That was your Guide to Acne.....

If you want to know more, leave your Question below in the comment section...