What is Acne?
Acne occurs when hair follicles and pores (the follicle's opening) become clogged. Hormonal imbalances cause the skin's oil glands to overproduce sebum (oil). When excess oil is combined with abnormal skin cell shedding debris and bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) can become trapped in the follicle. This accumulation can become inflamed and cause a blockage or plug. This inflamed blockage or plug is acne.
Who Suffers?
Acne affects teenagers the most, but for some people acne continues well past adolescence into their adulthood. Women and men who were clear-skinned as teenagers often experience adult acne in their twenties, thirties and forties. This may be due to either genetics or hormonal fluctuations. Acne is hereditary but certain triggers can aggravate flare ups at any age. These triggers include hormonal imbalances, stress, cosmetic and hair products, certain drugs, perspiration and humidity.
How can I clear my acne?
Acne is not curable but it is controllable. The first step to controlling acne is a consistent, daily skin care routine with a product containing either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide oxidizes skin and helps kill acne-causing bacteria. Salicylic acid exfoliates dead skin cells, slows skin cell shedding, removes acne-causing bacteria and unclogs pores. Both ingredients are an effective and inexpensive way to control acne. However salicylic acid can be tolerated by more skin types and is generally a better choice for adult acne.
To help stop acne breakouts wash with a mild cleanser designed for your skin type. Apply a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide based treatment product every day. Avoid heavy creams, lotions, and hair styling products. Make sure all your make up is labeled "non-comedogenic" meaning it will not clog pores or allow bacteria to grow.
Most importantly, be sure to treat your skin regularly on a daily basis even when skin clears up. Daily skin care maintenance is the key to enjoying clear skin and preventing future acne breakouts.
Teenage Acne
As teenagers go through puberty, hormones can stimulate sebaceous glands to overproduce oil. 8 out of 10 teenagers suffer from acne, usually acne vulgaris, which can show up on the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders. Since overactive oil glands are the main culprit in teenage acne, teenagers should try skin care solutions designed to normalize and regulate oil production and dissolve surface oils. Wash with warm water and a soap-based cleanser twice a day. This will help break down surface oil. Follow with a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid based treatment product. Try a weekly clay mask and look for skin care ingredients like aloe, zinc pca, cucumber or tea tree oil which help combat oiliness, remove bacteria and unclog pores.
Adult Acne
Fluctuating hormones can cause acne at any age and 1 out of 4 adults will experience acne between ages 25-44. Adult acne is often triggered by stress which stimulates hormones and oil glands. Adults usually have drier and more sensitive complexions than teenagers and sometimes cannot tolerate benzoyl peroxide or other aggressive acne treatments. To gently treat blemishes, blackheads and large pores, look for salicylic acid based products which will not over dry or further irritate adult skin. Adult acne also responds well to alpha hydroxy based cleansers and lotions which help control flaking and refine texture. After cleansing and treatment, be sure to apply a light moisturizer to keep skin from dehydrating or flaking.
Female/ Hormonal Acne
Many women experience acne breakouts before or during their menstrual periods, while pregnant or nursing, or when taking birth control pills. If you experience hormonal acne try using a calendar each month to chart when your breakouts are the worst. Premenstrual acne usually shows up in the chin area about 5-7 days before your period starts. If this is the case, try adding an acne treatment product to your skin care routine one week before your usual flare up. This will help keep pores clear when stress and hormones stimulate oil production.
Body acne
Along with acne on the face can come acne on the neck, back, chest and shoulders.
For body acne, use an antibacterial cleanser every time you shower. Add an exfoliating scrub once a week. Wear loose-fitting, moisture absorbing clothes when exercising and towel off after the gym, sports or workouts. Never let perspiration and sweat sit on the skin where bacteria can breed.
Acne Prevention
Clear skin is all about daily prevention and maintenance. If you take time to treat your skin each day, you can greatly reduce your acne breakouts and enjoy much clearer, healthier skin.