Acne is a chronic and inflammatory skin disease that causes spots and pimples, especially on the face, shoulders, back, neck, chest and upper arms.
Whiteheads, blackheads, cysts and nodules are types of acne and this disease is the most common skin disease in the world.
This condition usually occurs when the sebaceous glands become active during puberty, but it can occur at any age. This condition is not dangerous, but it can leave skin scars.
These glands produce fat and in men and women, they are stimulated by male hormones that are secreted from the adrenal glands.
At least 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 face acne.
"I'm not a teenager anymore, why do I still have acne?!" This is a question we hear from patients every day. The truth is that it is quite normal to see acne persist in adulthood. Although acne is known as one of the problems of adolescence, it can occur at any age.
Adult acne has many similarities with teenage acne in terms of causes and treatment methods. However, adult acne has several unique characteristics.
Facts about acne
Here is some information about acne:
Acne is a skin disease that affects the oil glands located at the base of the hair follicles.
This disease affects 3 out of 4 people between the ages of 11 and 30.
This disease is not dangerous, but it can leave skin scars.
Treatment depends on its severity and persistence.
Risk factors include genetics, menstrual cycle, anxiety and stress, hot and humid weather, use of oil-based cosmetics, and squeezing pimples.
What factors are effective in the occurrence of adult acne?
Adult acne or postpubertal acne is acne that occurs after the age of 25. In most cases, the same factors that cause teenage acne also play a role in adult acne. Four factors that play a direct role in acne are: overproduction of oil, clogged pores by sticky skin cells, bacteria, and inflammation.
There are also several indirect factors, such as the following, that affect the above direct factors:
Hormones, stress, and the menstrual cycle in women all contribute to oil production
Hair products, skin care products, and makeup, which can lead to clogged pores
Diet, which can contribute to inflammation throughout the body.
Certain medications such as corticosteroids, anabolic steroids, and lithium can also cause acne.
Many skin disorders, including acne, can be a gateway to systemic disease. For example, hair loss, excessive hair growth, irregular menstrual cycles, or rapid weight gain or loss with acne, or a sudden onset of acne without a previous history, can all be warning signs of an underlying condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome, or Other endocrine disorders.
In case of encountering other symptoms, inform the doctor about this issue; The doctor may recommend more examinations.
Human skin has pores that are connected to the sebaceous glands under the skin. Follicles connect the glands to the pores. Follicles are small sacs that are responsible for the production and secretion of fluid.
The glands produce an oily liquid called sebum. Sebum brings dead skin cells to the surface of the skin through the follicles. A small hair grows out of the skin through the follicle.
Pimples are created by blocking these follicles and oil accumulates under the skin.
Skin cells, sebum, and hair can all accumulate in plaque. This plaque is infected with bacteria and becomes swollen as a result. As the plaque begins to break down, acne begins to appear.
Acne bacterium propioni (P. acnes) is the name of the bacteria that live on the skin and contribute to the infection of pimples.
Research shows that the severity and frequency of acne depends on the strain of bacteria. Not all acne bacteria cause pimples. There is a strain that helps keep the skin free from acne.
Hormonal factors of acne
Various factors play a role in the induction of acne, but the main cause is an increase in androgen levels. Androgen is a type of hormone that increases with the onset of adolescence. This hormone turns into estrogen in women.
An increase in androgen levels causes the growth of sebaceous glands under the skin. An enlarged gland produces more sebum. Excess sebum breaks down the cell walls of pores and allows bacteria to grow.
Other possible acne triggers
According to some studies, genetic factors may also lead to increased risk.
Other reasons include:
Some drugs that contain androgens and lithium
Oily cosmetics
Hormonal changes
emotional stress
Menstruation
How to prevent acne?
Like most things in life, acne is not always completely under one's control. However, there are several key tips that are recommended to help prevent acne breakouts:
Never go to bed with makeup on.
Check labels: When shopping for cosmetics and skin care products, always look for the words "non-comedogenic," "oil-free," or "won't clog pores." does not block)"
Avoid using facial oils and hair products that contain oil.
Some acne spots are not actually acne, but discoloration after inflammation from previous acne lesions or acne breakouts or pimples. To prevent these spots from darkening, use an SPF 30 sunscreen, moisturizer, or brightener every day.
There is some evidence that certain dietary changes can help reduce the risk of acne. For example, a review of data from 14 observational studies that included nearly 80,000 children, adolescents, and young adults found a link between dairy products and an increased risk of acne.
Some studies have shown a link between foods with a high glycemic index (foods that cause blood sugar levels to rise more quickly) and acne.
That said, it's best to be wary of misinformation about nutrition and skin. We seek scientific and data-driven information; The evidence for a link between diet and acne is growing. Perhaps in the future, the effect of diet on acne will be better understood.
Types of acne
Pimples vary in size, color, and pain. Boils may be in the following formats:
Whiteheads: These remain under the skin and are small.
Blackheads: They are clearly visible, black and visible on the surface of the skin.
Papules: Small bumps, usually pink, that are visible on the surface of the skin.
Pustules: These are clearly visible on the surface of the skin. Their base is red and they have pus in the upper part.
Nodules: clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are large, hard, painful pimples that are deep in the skin.
Cysts: They are clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are painful and full of pus. Cysts can lead to scarring.
How is acne treated?
robust (medical laser) is one of the treatment options for treating severe acne and it depends on the type and severity of acne. Topical tretinoin, which prevents clogged pores by acting on faster skin cell renewal, is central to all acne treatment regimens and is also effective in treating fine wrinkles and brightening skin tone. Is. Also, using an anti-inflammatory mask can help.
Isotretinoin (Roacutane, in other brands) taken orally is the most effective agent in acne "treatment" and is used to treat severe acne. Women who are planning to become pregnant should take special precautions when taking isotretinoin, as this drug can cause significant harm to the fetus.
For women with hormonal acne that is triggered by the menstrual cycle, a drug called spironolactone, which controls testosterone levels, can be prescribed. Oral contraceptive pills can also help regulate hormones that are effective in acne.
Laser treatments, such as photodynamic therapy, performed in the office may also sometimes be effective. Chemical peels, which are also performed in the office, can help treat acne and fade pigmentation changes after inflammation.
Admittedly, non-stimulating skin care products are great for anyone with acne. For acne-prone skin, choose products that are gentle and safe, and avoid products that are strong and can make things worse. It is also important to squeeze or pop acne lesions, as this can worsen discoloration and scarring.
With proper evaluation by a licensed dermatologist and commitment to a therapeutic regimen, almost all cases of acne can be successfully treated. After all, adulthood is stressful enough without acne!
With the clinic, you can easily consult with skin and hair doctors in person and online.
4 misconceptions about acne
1. Acne is specific to teenagers
The age of appearance, amount and type of acne depends on various factors, including the genetics of people, and it is not specific to adolescence, but acne appears in people at young and older ages. The best time to visit a dermatologist is during adolescence and when acnes have appeared in large numbers on the skin. That is, before the acne remains on their skin for the rest of their lives due to the wrong actions of teenagers, we should take care of our teen's skin with proper treatment and necessary health instructions, so that we have to spend much higher costs for exfoliation, laser and other methods which mostly do not have much effect.
2. Washing the skin too much increases acne
Many people think that washing the skin with soap and water can help heal acne. The fact is that washing twice in the morning and at night can be effective in reducing acne, but washing the skin too much can stimulate the skin to secrete oil and thus increase the possibility of new acne.
3. Acne is caused and worsened by eating sweets
The main cause of acne is the hormonal changes that occur during adolescence and make the skin prone to acne. Eating sweets has little effect on the secretion of oil and other acne-causing factors. Therefore, you cannot effectively prevent acne by reducing the consumption of fat or sweets.
4. Popping a pimple can make acne worse
Many teenagers think that by popping the pimple and removing the contents of the acne, they will heal it. This notion is completely wrong because by bursting the acne, both the skin of that part is damaged and the content of the acne, which contains bacteria, by spreading them on the parts adjacent to the acne, causes acne in the prone areas of the surrounding skin.
In order to prevent or treat acne, it is necessary to perform several tests under the supervision of a dermatologist in order to ensure the main cause of acne and to be able to treat it. To diagnose and treat acne, see a dermatologist as soon as possible.
