Acne Skin: Causes, Treatments & How to Manage It

What is acne skin?

When hair follicles become plugged with dead skin cells and oil, then it results in acne skin condition. This skin condition can also cause blackheads, pimples, or whiteheads. Acne skin is common in young adults, but it can affect people of any age.

There are many effective treatments for acne are there, but they can heal slowly. Acne can be acute and also can be chronic, and the severe form of acne can lead to skin scars and emotional distress. If you start the treatment of acne early, then you can protect yourself from severe conditions.

Symptoms of acne

Some of the symptoms of acne skin are;

• Pimples/pustules
• Pus-filled and painful lumps in skin surface
• Blackheads and whiteheads
• Red bumps

Most commonly, acne appears on the forehead, face, upper back, chest, and shoulders.

Causes of acne

The most common cause of acne is hormonal change during the teenage. Some of the hormones combine with bacteria present on the skin surface and oil glands which results in acne skin. Other causes of acne are;

• Medications
• Picking at acne sores
• Air pollution or weather conditions
• Genetics
• Hormonal changes in women during periods
• Headgear and clothing
• Use of wrong skin care products

Treatment of acne skin

Medications used to treat acne uses the mechanism of lowering oil production and inflammation or curing bacterial infection. Acne medications that are prescribed show results in four or eight weeks of use. The total treatment of acne takes up several months or years to clean up.

Topical medications

· Retinoids and drugs

Medications containing components like tretinoin and retinoic acids are helpful in clearing up moderate acne. These are available as gels, creams and lotions.

· Antibiotics

Bacteria of the skin are removed with a reduction in inflammation and redness. In the start, the treatment begins with using both retinoid and an antibiotic, with the retinoid being used in the evening and the use of antibiotic in the morning. Antibiotic resistance is lessened when antibiotic is used with benzoyl peroxide.

· Azelaic acid and salicylic acid

Azelaic acid is present naturally, synthesized by yeast. It shows antibacterial properties. Azelaic acid 20% two times a day used as gel or cream are used as normal acne treatment.

· Dapsone

Dapsone (Aczone) 5% gel is used two times a day used for curing inflammatory acne, usually for women. Some side effects may occur, like dryness and redness.

Oral medications

· Antibiotics

Oral antibiotics are used to treat moderate to intense acne in order to kill bacteria. The first choice of treatment for acne is macrolide (azithromycin, erythromycin) or tetracycline (minocycline, doxycycline). Macrolide is a safe choice of drug for those that are unable to take tetracycline, like kids younger than eight years old and pregnant women.

· Isotretinoin

A derivative of vitamin A is known as Isotretinoin (Amnesteem, Claravis and others). For those individuals getting no results from various treatments in moderate or severe acne, this medication is suggested.

How to manage acne skin?

1. Gentle and best facial cleanser 

Wash your face with your hands two times a day using mild soap or gentle cleanser using warm water. Use shampoo daily to fight oily hair. Also, be tender while shaving areas that are affected.

Choose the facial wash which is made for acne skin and can treat acne and pimples. Some of the gentle, effective and best facial cleansers for acne skin are;

• Ducray Keracnyl Face & Body Foaming Gel For Acne 
• Cetaphil Pro Acne-Prone Wash Foam 
• Alba Acnedote Cleanser Deep Pore 
• Sukin Blemish Control Clearing Facial Wash 

2. Avoid irritants

Acne is worsened by using products that are oily or greasy, acne concealers, sunscreens, or hairstyling products. Try using products that are water-based or noncomedogenic, meaning there are fewer chances of developing acne.

3. Protect skin from the sun

From the discoloration that happens due to acne, the sun works to worsen it more. Acne medications also sometimes expose the person to sunburn. Show the medication to the doctor to see if any of these qualities are present in this medication. But if it does, keep away from the sun. Use a water-based moisturizer daily that have sunscreen properties too.

4. Avoid pressure on your skin.

Avoid contact of the skin liable to acne from items like helmets, tight collars or straps, phones and backpacks.

5. Avoid touching acne-prone areas.

Acne or infection, or scarring can occur by touching the areas unnecessarily.

6. Taking a shower regularly 

Sweat and oil can cause breakouts on the skin.