Overview
Most teenagers will have a few blackheads and pimples, and some will have more severe and inflamed acne As the body’s hormone levels change, especially during adolescence, the hair follicles and oil glands of the skin may be affected Although it is most common in teenagers, acne can occur at any age Causes Acne commences when the sebaceous ducts in the skin become blocked by skin overgrowth to form a whitehead, or by plugs of sebum which darken on exposure to air forming a blackhead When the sebum trapped in the whitehead or blackhead is forced into the deeper skin layers, an inflammatory reaction causes a red lump called a papule. If infection follows, pus collects and the classic pimple is seen. When the inflammatory condition is severe, large, painful cysts may form Bacteria propionibacterium acnes can cause inflammation causing scarring or hyperpigmentation. Other factors that can cause acne:
- Some skin care and hair care products increase the amount of oil on the skin and may block the hair follicle e.g. oil-based make-up, hair oils, sun tan oils, soap and liquid soap washes
- Working with oils and greases may also increase the amount of oil on the skin e.g. deep frying foods
- Scrubbing, scratching, squeezing or picking the skin
- Sweating a lot
- High humidity
- Hormonal changes e.g. prior to a period, thought to be due to changes in progesterone levels
- Stress, anxiety or illness
- Medications includes steroids, lithium, some anti-epileptics
- Genetically
Self care
- Gently cleanse the area affected by acne twice a day and after exercise. Use an antibacterial wash morning and night and a gentle soap substitute at other times. It is important to ensure that the non-soap cleanser selected does not block your pores. Pat dry with a soft towel
- Do not pop, squeeze or pick at acne
- Heavy oil-based facial products can make acne worse. Use water based make-up moisturizers and sunscreen
- Thoroughly remove make-up at the end of the day
- Exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet with lots of fresh fruits and water. This will improve general health and be reflected in the condition of the skin
- Eat a diet rich in antioxidants such as berries, brightly colored vegetables like carrots and tomatoes.