Written by Dr. Sanjana V.B Bhms,dbrm,cdn
Founder & medical director of siahmsr wellness.in

Reviewed by SIAHMSR

All rights reserved with siahmsr digital healthcare[siahmsr wellness]

   Acne is an inflammatory disorder of sebum secreting sebaceous gland duct system of skin, occurring most commonly in adolescence. Acne occurs mainly on the face, neck, upper back and chest.

 The acne appears as open (black) and closed (white) comedones, inflammatory papules, pustules, nodules and cysts, which may lead to scarring and discolorations or pigmentations.

Grades of acne

 Treatment for acne vulgaris should aim to reduce severity and recurrences of skin lesions as well as to improve appearance.

Acne has multifactorial causations. Acne appears on the skin due to various reasons such as:

·       abnormal follicular keratinization

·        increased production of sebum secondary to increased male hormone secretion by ovaries [hyperandrogenism]

·       Proliferation  of Propionibacterium acnes and inflammation as a result of this.

Tips to manage acne

The American academy of dermatology has put forward certain skin care instructions for  achieving  better acne free skin.

o   Keep your skin clean and healthy

 Gently wash your face twice daily. Choose a cleanser which is gentle on your skin  and apply with your fingertips. 

o   Avoid irritant skin care products

Stop using products which are irritants to your skin such as astringents, toners, and exfoliants. These products can irritate and dry your skin more and make acne appear worse. These may be suitable to normal skin but in people with inflamed acne on face these skin care agents may do more harm. Taking acne treatment from a healthcare provider  may help you address the causes of acne as well as improving the skin health. Face packs may help to get rid post inflammatory pigmentations naturally once acne or pimples are healed completely.

o   Shampoo your hair regularly.

The oil on your hair and scalp can cause acne on your forehead. If you have oily hair, shampoo your hair regularly. 

o   Do not change your medications too often.

Trying new medications very often can irritate your skin and cause acne breakouts. Give your treatment time to work. 

o   Don’t touch your face often to rub acne

Touching your face may cause acne to flare up and increase your risk for scarring and dark spots called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 

o   Reduce your sun exposure

Going in bright sunlight increases your risk for skin cancer, tanning , UVrays induced skin damage ,ageing and  worsening of acne.

Protect your skin by wearing sun-protective clothing, and applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher .Purchase a sunscreen that  is “non-comedogenic”. That means the sunscreen wouldn’t clog the pores of your skin or cause acne. 

o   Avoid oily clogging skin products for make up

Many skin and hair care products, contain oil or other ingredients that can cause acne breakouts and post inflammatory pigmentation or blemishes on skin. 

Even non-comedogenic makeup can cause acne if you go to bed without removing makeup. Remove your makeup before you sleep. If you feel too exhausted to wash your face, at least use a makeup remover towelette. 

o   Manage your skin dryness

                    If your skin feels dry, apply a moisturizer made for acne-prone skin.

o   Eat balanced diet with less sugars to reduce acne break outs

Low carb diet is recommended for acne prone people. But it should be a balanced diet including proteins, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. [ Readmore ]

o   Weight loss

Maintain optimum weight to prevent obesity and associated hormonal imbalances –insulin resistance, androgen excess which predisposes women to comedones in association with polycystic ovarian syndrome .

References

1.    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3080563/

2.    https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/tips

3.    https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/habits-stop