Understand Acne: Causes, Types, and Treatments

Acne doesn't play by the rules when it comes to location — zits are equally in love with faces, necks, shoulders, backs, and chests. Pores, or the tiny openings on your skin, can become clogged with oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and dirt. When this happens, a pimple pops up (we see what you did there), also known as a zit or blemish.

A Closer Look at Acne

Clusters of pimples that seem to appear out of nowhere are often signs of acne. The skin condition affects about 9.4 percent of the world's population, making it the eighth most prevalent skin condition in the United States, according to research from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

Acne is generally considered a manageable condition, not a serious threat to overall health. However, severe acne can result in scarring over time. And in some cases, it can be emotionally and psychologically painful, leading to self-esteem issues, confidence problems, and even anxiety and depression.

Different Types of Acne

Acne is a complex condition with several distinct forms that can appear on the skin at different times, each with unique traits and possible consequences. For the traveler of acne’s troubling waters, a variety of pimple types may be strewn in his or her path, creating an intricate image of the common condition.

At the front line of acne lesions are the all too common comedones, or as they are known by those on familiar terms, whiteheads and blackheads. These are the initial flag bearers of acne’s arrival.

Whiteheads: also known as closed comedones, are raised bumps under the surface of your skin. They can be flesh-colored and don’t open at the surface.

Blackheads: or open comedones, are open at the surface and are filled with oxidized melanin. It’s not dirt that gives the top of the pimple it’s dark appearance. It’s oxygen.

There are four types of inflammatory lesions:

• Papules are small, red, raised bumps caused by inflamed or infected hair follicles.

• Pustules, typically referred to as pimples, are small red pimples that have pus at their tips.

• Nodules are solid, often painful lumps beneath the surface of your skin.

• Cysts are larger lumps beneath your skin and they’re filled with pus. They are likely to leave scars and can be quite unpleasant.

Recognizing Acne Signs

You can get acne just about anywhere on your body. Acne most commonly appears on your:

• face and neck

• back

• shoulders

• chest

Pimples can give your skin a bumpy, uneven texture.

With acne, you might also experience:

• skin discoloration, such as dark patches or spots (hyperpigmentation) and redness

• swelling and inflammation

• pain and tenderness

When not treated right away, acne can lead to scarring and discoloration of the skin.

Be aware that the chances for scarring increase when you pick, squeeze, or pop pimples. While it might be tempting to get rid of a pimple right away by popping it, this can actually enable bacteria to spread, causing more or deeper breakouts.

What Causes Acne?

Acne develops when your skin's pores get clogged with oil, dead skin cells, or bacteria.

Each skin pore is an opening to a follicle, which consists of a hair and an oil (sebaceous) gland.

This oil gland secretes sebum (oil), which moves up the hair, exits the pore, and spreads over your skin to keep it moisturized and smooth.

Disruptions in this oil distribution process can trigger acne.

For instance, acne can form when:

• there's an overproduction of oil by the follicles,

• dead skin cells gather in your pores,

• bacteria accumulate in your pores.

These issues can cause pimples, which are the result of bacteria growth in a clogged pore stopping the oil from getting out.

A Closer Look at Acne

Clusters of pimples that seem to appear out of nowhere are often signs of acne. The skin condition affects about 9.4 percent of the world's population, making it the eighth most prevalent skin condition in the United States, according to research from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

Acne is generally considered a manageable condition, not a serious threat to overall health. However, severe acne can result in scarring over time. And in some cases, it can be emotionally and psychologically painful, leading to self-esteem issues, confidence problems, and even anxiety and depression.

Different Types of Acne

Acne is a complex condition with several distinct forms that can appear on the skin at different times, each with unique traits and possible consequences. For the traveler of acne’s troubling waters, a variety of pimple types may be strewn in his or her path, creating an intricate image of the common condition.

At the front line of acne lesions are the all too common comedones, or as they are known by those on familiar terms, whiteheads and blackheads. These are the initial flag bearers of acne’s arrival.

Whiteheads: also known as closed comedones, are raised bumps under the surface of your skin. They can be flesh-colored and don’t open at the surface.

Blackheads: or open comedones, are open at the surface and are filled with oxidized melanin. It’s not dirt that gives the top of the pimple it’s dark appearance. It’s oxygen.

There are four types of inflammatory lesions:

• Papules are small, red, raised bumps caused by inflamed or infected hair follicles.

• Pustules, typically referred to as pimples, are small red pimples that have pus at their tips.

• Nodules are solid, often painful lumps beneath the surface of your skin.

• Cysts are larger lumps beneath your skin and they’re filled with pus. They are likely to leave scars and can be quite unpleasant.

Recognizing Acne Signs

You can get acne just about anywhere on your body. Acne most commonly appears on your:

• face and neck

• back

• shoulders

• chest

Pimples can give your skin a bumpy, uneven texture.

With acne, you might also experience:

• skin discoloration, such as dark patches or spots (hyperpigmentation) and redness

• swelling and inflammation

• pain and tenderness

When not treated right away, acne can lead to scarring and discoloration of the skin.

Be aware that the chances for scarring increase when you pick, squeeze, or pop pimples. While it might be tempting to get rid of a pimple right away by popping it, this can actually enable bacteria to spread, causing more or deeper breakouts.

What triggers acne?

What triggers acne? Acne arises when the pores on your skin become obstructed with oil, dead skin cells, or bacteria.

Each pore on your skin connects to a follicle, comprising a hair and a sebaceous gland.

The sebaceous gland secretes sebum (oil), which moves along the hair, exits the pore, and spreads across your skin. Sebum aids in maintaining your skin's moisture and suppleness.

Disruptions in this lubrication process can contribute to acne.

For instance, acne may develop when:

• Your follicles generate excessive oil.
• Dead skin cells accumulate within your pores.
• Bacteria multiply within your pores.

Any of these issues can result in pimples, which form when bacteria thrive in a blocked pore, impeding the release of oil.

What factors increase the chances of getting acne?

A combination of genetic, hormonal, environmental, and lifestyle elements are the "known causes" of acne. 

But what causes acne remains a mystery, but the severity and frequency of outbreaks is influenced by the following factors:

• Genetics: A family history of acne can increase your risk, suggesting a genetic predisposition to developing this condition.

• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, especially during puberty, pregnancy, and menstrual cycles, or while using birth control pills, can trigger acne. Androgens, hormones that increase in boys and girls during puberty, cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum.

• Diet: Certain dietary factors, such as consuming a high amount of dairy products and foods high in glycemic index (sugary foods and carbohydrates), might contribute to the risk of developing acne, although the connection is still under study.

• Stress: While stress doesn't directly cause acne, it can exacerbate existing conditions, making acne worse.

• Cosmetics: Oil-based or greasy cosmetics, sunscreens, and hair products can block pores, increasing the risk of acne.

• Medications: Certain medications, including corticosteroids, testosterone, and lithium, are known to cause acne or worsen existing acne.

• Environmental Factors: High humidity and pollution can clog pores and increase the risk of acne.

• Friction or Pressure on the Skin: Constant pressure or friction against the skin, such as from helmets, backpacks, tight collars, or cell phones, can contribute to the development of acne.

Understanding these risk factors can help you manage and reducing the occurrence of acne by adopting the right measures and lifestyle changes.

Effective Treatments and Home Remedies for Acne

Acne, a common skin condition, can be distressing and affect self-esteem. While it's essential to consult a dermatologist for severe or persistent acne, several treatments and home remedies can help manage mild to moderate cases effectively.

Medical Treatments:

1. Topical Treatments:

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills bacteria and reduces inflammation.

• Salicylic Acid: Unclogs pores and reduces acne.

• Retinoids: Help unclog pores and promote skin cell turnover.

2. Oral Medications:

• Antibiotics: Reduce bacteria and inflammation.

• Oral Contraceptives: Regulate hormones that can contribute to acne.

• Isotretinoin: Reserved for severe acne; reduces oil production and prevents clogged pores.

3. Procedures:

• Chemical Peels: Remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.

• Laser Therapy: Targets bacteria and reduces inflammation.

• Extraction: Removes stubborn blackheads and whiteheads.

Home Remedies:

• Tea Tree Oil: Has antibacterial properties; apply directly to affected areas.

• Honey and Cinnamon Mask: Mix honey and cinnamon to create a paste; apply as a mask for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Dilute with water and apply as a toner; has antimicrobial properties.

• Aloe Vera: Soothes inflammation and promotes healing; apply gel directly to affected areas.

• Green Tea: Brew green tea and apply cooled tea bags to affected areas; has anti-inflammatory properties.

Lifestyle and Skincare Tips:

• Cleanse Gently: Avoid harsh scrubbing and use a gentle cleanser twice daily.

• Moisturize: Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep skin hydrated without clogging pores.

• Protect Skin: Apply oil-free sunscreen daily to protect against UV damage.

• Avoid Trigger Foods: Limit dairy, sugary, and processed foods, which can exacerbate acne for some individuals.

• Manage Stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques like yoga or meditation to prevent flare-ups.

When to See a Dermatologist:

• If acne is severe, causing scarring, or not responding to over-the-counter treatments.

• If acne is affecting mental health or self-esteem.

• If there are underlying health conditions contributing to acne.

Takeaway

Acne is a challenging condition for millions of people, but it is manageable. Treating acne involves a combination of medical treatments, home remedies, and lifestyle adjustments. While mild cases can often be managed at home, it's crucial to seek professional guidance for persistent or severe acne to prevent long-term skin damage.