- Acne is most commonly characterized by the presence of pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and subcutaneous cysts or boils. These usually appear in areas that are oily, including the face, back and chest. The condition can appear at any age, but it is most common in teenagers and young adults. Though often temporary, the affliction can lead to permanent scarring or skin infections if left untreated.
- Acne usually occurs with the onset of puberty, when hormones produced by the adrenal glands stimulate oil production in the skin. When skin cells block the oils behind the pores, bacteria can build up and cause inflammation. Depending on whether the oil is retained underneath the skin, rises to the surface or interacts with pigment and oxidizes, the eruptions take the forms of pimples, whiteheads, blackheads or cysts. Acne is not caused by uncleanliness, genes, menstrual cycles, greasy food, stress or cosmetics.
- Factors that may aggravate acne range from medications--such as steroids, mood stabilizers and anti-convulsants--to pressure from chin straps or other clothing coming into contact with irritated skin. Though many people with acne feel compelled to squeeze the pus out of whiteheads or blackheads, doing so will only aggravate the condition when excess oils from their hands come into contact with the skin. This practice may also create or add to unsightly scarring.
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Treat acne by first unclogging your pores using a mild cleanser and astringent twice a day. This may be followed by an exfoliating treatment or a mask that will promote fine peeling, such as Retinol. Use an antibacterial cleanser, gel or lotion to kill the bacteria on the surface of the skin. Wipe any excess oil from the outside of the skin with antibacterial pads containing benzoyl peroxide.
- If you suffer from acne scarring, your dermatologist can help you decide the best course of treatment for your skin. There are many different types of acne scar treatments, including topical solutions, skin resurfacing therapy, chemical peels, silicone or fat injections and plastic surgery, but none of them are proven to work 100 percent of the time, and many of them have a very low success record. Most treatment regimens take months or years to complete and may have limited results.
- Wear a good sunblock when you are outside, because too much exposure to the sun can cause further damage to already-inflamed skin. Do not pick at sores, and apply an alpha-hydroxy acid or beta-hydroxy acid solution to skin that is in the process of healing.
- Two popular home remedies--applying toothpaste or vitamin E gel to scars--have been proven NOT to work and, in fact, may cause further damage to the skin.
