Acne is a common skin disorder that is usually treatable. If you have acne, it is important to understand it and the treatments available to eliminate it.
Acne breakouts:
There are small sebaceous glands that lie just beneath the skin surface. These glands make sebum that keeps the skin smooth and supple. The tiny pores on the skin surface allow sebum to reach the skin surface. Hairs grow through these pores, too. Sebum, along with hair and dead skin cells, can clog pores, leading to whiteheads, blackheads, or acne.
During the teenage years, more sebum is produced than at other ages. This is due to hormonal changes during puberty. The more sebum the skin makes, the greasier it is likely to feel, and the worse the acne will be.
Trapped sebum also creates an ideal condition for a germ called Propionibacterium to thrive and multiply. Some bacteria generally live on the skin and cause no harm. However, when there are many bacteria, the immune system may react, leading to inflammation. When inflammation develops, it can cause the surrounding skin to become red and the spots to enlarge and fill with pus. In certain cases, the pustules can enlarge, forming cysts and small nodules.
Acne can happen to adults, too. Generally, hormonal changes happen either around the monthly menstrual cycle or during the menopausal shift. Stress and dietary imbalances can also lead to flare-ups.
Different acne treatments:
There are various topical preparations available to treat acne. Acne treatment aims to clear the spots as much as possible and prevent scarring. Different types of treatments work in different ways. Your dermatologist is the best person to offer the right solution for your requirement, and their advice will depend on the type of your acne and its severity. Treatments can be in the form of topical solutions, such as a ret gel, or tablets.
Benzoyl peroxide – It is a common topical treatment that has three actions: it destroys germs, reduces inflammation, and helps unclog blocked pores. The solution, therefore, works well to clear the inflamed spots and helps to get rid of whiteheads and blackheads.
- The compound works best if you wash the skin 20-30 minutes before usage.
- It may bleach bed linen, hair or clothes that come in contact with it. Therefore, you must be careful while using it.
- It can lead to mild skin irritation. If the skin becomes irritated, stop using the compound till the irritation goes away.
Retinoids – These help unplug blocked pores. They include tretinoin, adapalene, and isotretinoin, which are available under different brand names. These also help reduce inflammation. Therefore, they are often used in the initial stages of acne to unblock pores and treat whiteheads, blackheads, and mildly inflamed spots. You will need a prescription to buy Tretinoin gel. The following may happen when you use a retinoid:
- You may develop skin peeling and redness. However, this generally settles over time.
- Acne can sometimes worsen before improving.
- It is recommended that you apply the product at night, as your skin may be sensitive to sunlight.
- Some common side effects of using the cream include irritation, dryness, and skin burning.
- Retinoids can cause harm to unborn babies. It is, therefore, best to avoid it if you are pregnant or are trying to become so.
Topical antibiotics – There are several kinds of topical antibiotic preparations that you can use to treat acne. These help reduce bacterial growth and eliminate inflammation. However, these do not have much effect on unplugging blocked pores. Therefore, these antibiotics are generally good at treating inflamed acne. However, the whiteheads and blackheads may remain.
You can buy topical antibiotics with a prescription. These may sometimes cause mild irritation, but generally cause fewer side effects than the other topical preparations. Your dermatologist may prescribe topical antibiotics in combination with other products. If you use these alone, it can increase the risk that the germ becomes resistant to the antibiotic, making the treatment less effective.
Azelaic acid – an effective alternative that works by unclogging blocked pores. Therefore, like retinoids, it is good at eliminating whiteheads and blackheads. It helps clear up inflamed acne, but maybe not as much as benzoyl peroxide or antibiotics.
Combinations of drugs – Some acne treatment preparations comprise a mixture of ingredients. For example, benzoyl peroxide in combination with a retinoid or an antibiotic. These may sometimes work better than either ingredient on its own.
No matter what treatment is used, it generally takes up to four weeks to notice any improvement. Some topical treatments may cause the skin to become dry. If this happens, it is best to use a water-based moisturising cream to wash your face before applying the products.
Some Skin Care Tips and myths associated with acne:
It is essential to follow certain skincare tips when treating your acne. Avoid washing your face more than twice a day. Use mild soap and lukewarm water to wash your face and refrain from scrubbing too hard. Avoid abrasive soaps, cleansing granules, astringents, or exfoliating agents. Use a soft washcloth and fingers instead. Keep in mind that excessive washing can worsen your acne and increase inflammation.
Acne Myths
While following a treatment plan for your acne, it can help to keep the following things in mind.
- Acne is caused by dirt and poor hygiene; this is not true. In fact, excessive skin cleaning may make it worse.
- Acne is another simple skin issue: it is not so, as a complex interaction among sebum, hormonal changes, inflammation, etc, causes it.
- Acne cannot be cured medically: This is not true, as treatments work very well if used correctly.
Once you start an acne treatment plan, it can take 1 to 3 months to notice any improvement, depending on the severity of the acne. It can take 1 to 3 months to notice any improvement, depending on the severity of the acne.
