Teenagers battle with this skin condition especially because they are undergoing hormonal changes. It is usually regarded as pimples by majority of them. Scientist has it that approximately three-quarters of 11 to 30 year-olds will get acne at some time.
Acne is a skin disease that involves the oil glands at the base of hair follicles and it commonly occurs during puberty, although it is not dangerous, but can leave skin scars, most of the time, black spots resulting from incessant squeezing of the pimple on the skin.
In the real sense if it, Acne can affect people of all races and all ages and experts believe the primary cause is a rise in androgen levels (hormone), sometimes, a susceptibility to acne could also be genetic.
Usually, treatment for acne may depend on how severe and persistent it is and it can be affected by the menstrual cycle, anxiety and stress, hot and humid climates, oil based makeup, greasy hair and pimple squeezing.
According to Gary Cole, Acne is primarily a hormonal condition driven by male or ‘androgenic’ hormones, which typically become active during the teenage years. Sensitivity to such hormones, combined with bacteria on the skin, and fatty acids within oil glands, cause acne. Common sites for acne are the face, chest, shoulders, and back — the sites of oil glands.
Only three types of drugs have proven to be effective for the treatment of acne — antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids. Most people require at least one or two agents, depending on the severity of their acne.
Antibiotics , either topically applied to the skin, or taken orally (tetracycline and its derivatives, control surface bacteria and reduce inflammation in the skin. Antibiotics are more effective when combined with benzoyl peroxide or retinoids. The oral retinoid is reserved for people with severe (nodular or cystic) disease. Isotretinoin shrinks the size of oil glands, the anatomic origin of acne. Without active, plump oil glands, acne actively diminishes. Side effects can include dry skin, elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, and birth defects.
Hormone therapy may be helpful for some young ladies with acne, especially for those with signs and symptoms (irregular periods, thinning hair) of androgen (male hormone) excess. The hormone therapy consists of low-dose estrogen , anti-androgen medications.
And to prevent acne and reduce its damage to your skin, follow these tips.
- Choose a cleanser specially formulated for acne. These products often contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which help to clear acne sores.
- Clean your face gently, as trauma to the acne breakouts may worsen the acne or cause scarring. When washing your face, use your hands or cotton pads, as any terrycloth or other scrubbing material may cause acne sores to rupture.
- If you need to use a moisturizer, use only light, noncomedogenic moisturizers, which do not aggravate acne.
- If you are a lady, use an oil-free foundation. Heavy makeup or other cosmetic products that block pores may cause a flare-up of acne.
