Acne What it is and What Causes It?

The common skin condition knows as acne is an affliction that many of us are all too familiar with. Usually making its first appearance at the onset of puberty, it often starts to retreat once the teen years have passed, but it can last well into adulthood for an unfortunate few.

This inflammatory skin disorder stems from the overproduction of sebum – a natural, oily and waxy substance that our skin needs to stay lubricated and healthy.

Too much of it acts as an irritant that clogs pores, which in turn can get infected and result in what we know as a pimple, or “zit.” The condition usually appears on the face and shoulders, but may also occur on the trunk, arms, legs, and buttocks. In case you are in the dark about the symptoms of acne, here is a short list of common signs to watch for:

• Blackheads – yellow or blackish skin plugs that form as a result of the overproduction of sebum, which mixes with our skin’s naturally occurring keratin; the term “blackhead” results from the oxidation of these plugs, which darken once they are exposed to air

• Whiteheads – these are simply blackheads that still maintain a sheath of skin covering them, thus not allowing for the darkening effects of oxidation

• Nodules – these are under-skin lesions that may not appear red and inflamed, but usually contain pus and a deep-rooted whitehead; these can be incredibly painful and even destroy underlying skin tissue

• Papules – these small, solid, red bumps sit on the skin’s surface; they do not yet contain pus, but they usually serve as precursors to inflamed pustules

• Pustules – As papules progress, they come to form what is known as a pustule – we know these as the typical pimple or “zit”; the red bumps become inflamed and swell at the head with a mix of bacteria, dead skin cells, and invading white blood cells that form pus (this is the body’s attempt at fighting off the bacteria)

• Cysts – the worst of the bunch! These are large, red, inflamed lumps on the skin that are filled with fluid and tend to be very painful; cysts usually get infected and can damage healthy skin, resulting in probable scarring; a visit to a dermatologist is highly recommended for those who suffer from cystic breakouts

There is quite a bit of controversy about just what causes acne. In spite of the popular belief that consumption of certain foods (chocolate, greasy pizza, French fries, etc.) leads to an increase in breakouts, this does not seem to be the case. Nor does the condition stem from infrequent face washing or general uncleanliness. In fact, too much scrubbing can cause irritation and make the condition worse (this is no excuse to forego good hygiene habits, however).

It seems hormones, bacteria, stress, heredity (yes, you can blame your parents to a degree!) and age (the onset of the teenage years) are the main culprits. In the case of adult acne, triggers may include bodily changes brought on by menstruation, birth control pills, pregnancy (in women, of course), certain medications, high humidity that is conducive to excessive sweating, and even the stresses of daily life. Of course, there are many products on the market that claim to lessen the effects of acne, or even get rid of it entirely, but many of these so-called cures are simply a lot of hype. Some tried and true methods of helping to lessen the effects are as follows:

• Gently cleanse your skin twice daily with a mild, non-drying soap, making sure to remove all dirt and makeup

• Avoid touching your face with your hands or fingers, and by all means, try not to pick at or squeeze the pimples, no matter how tempting it may be!

• If your hair tends to be oily, make sure you shampoo every day; keep it out of your face if at all possible

• Avoid greasy cosmetics, lotions, and creams. Water-based or “non-comedogenic” products are your best bet (and don’t forget to wash it all off at night!)

Over-the-counter acne medications that contain benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, or salicylic acid may have some positive effects, as they work to kill the bacteria and dry up the oil. However many people experience side effects from these solutions such as increased redness, irritation and peeling of the skin. If your particular case of acne is extreme and it’s causing you undue emotional stress and low self-esteem, the best course of action is to find a reputable dermatologist.

These skin specialists definitely know a thing or two about acne, and they can evaluate your particular condition, prescribe stronger medications, and even discuss other options with you if the case so dictates.