Acne Symptoms & Causes

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Treatments

Conditions

The symptoms

Pimples

Red bumps may have white or yellow pus in the middle.

Blackheads

Small black dots found on areas where your pores are blocked but open.

Whiteheads

Small white bumps form closed and blocked pores.

Redness and swelling

The skin around the acne can be red and tender.

Inflammatory acne lesions

Deep, painful bumps beneath the skin, such as cysts or nodules.

When to see a doctor?

Consultation Is The Key

How does acne affect you?

If home remedies or over-the-counter treatments such as salicylic acid do not help improve your acne, it’s time to visit a doctor. Your dermatologist can prescribe something stronger, such as topical antibiotics, for severe acne. They can offer more advanced treatment options and acne therapies for moderate or persistent acne.

If over the counter skin product results in any swelling, trouble breathing or a tight feeling in the throat, get emergency medical help right away.

Advised treatments

Skin Treatment

Skin Treatment

Skin Treatment

Skin Treatment

Skin Treatment

Skin Treatment

Skin Treatment

The causes

What are the underlying causes of acne?

Acne is caused when your pores or hair follicles get clogged. If too much gunk builds up inside, you can end up with a clog.

A few things that can clog your pores:

Sebum: A greasy substance that your skin makes to keep your skin safe.
Bacteria: Some bacteria naturally live on your skin, but excess bacteria can lead to clogged pores.
Dead skin: Your skin constantly sheds dead skin cells, but they may get stuck in your pores from time to time.

The risk factors

Several factors can trigger acne, including:

Hormonal changes: Hormones can cause your skin to crank out excess oil, usually during puberty, when you’re menstruating, pregnant, stressed or on the pill.
Oily products: Greasy cosmetics or hair products can clog pores and cause breakouts.
Medications: Some medications, including steroids, testosterone, estrogen and some forms of birth control, may aggravate acne.
Heat and humidity: Heat and sweat can trigger pimples.
Touching your face: Touching and rubbing your face frequently, can cause skin irritation and induce breakouts.

The complications

Hidden Dangers

What does it lead to if left untreated?

Scarring:
Acne may show significant scars or dips in the skin.
Dark spots:
After the acne heals, they can leave behind the affected
Low self-esteem:
People may feel less confident or unsatisfied about their looks when they have acne.

Infections:
Acne may become infected if you pick at or squeeze it.
Redness:
Chronic acne can leave skin red or blotchy, which tends to be a particular problem for more sensitive areas.
Pain:
Acne such as cystic acne, can sting and be painful.

The prevention

Cleanse Right To Prevent Irritation

How does washing your face prevent acne?

Cleansing your face twice a day gets rid of dirt, oil and sweat that can clog pores and cause acne. Apply a gentle soap to avoid irritating your skin. Keeping your skin from getting dirty is one of the easiest ways to keep acne breakouts and promote healthy skin.

Frequent washing makes your skin dry

Frequent washing can dry out your skin, causing your sebaceous glands to go into overdrive and create more oil, which results in acne. Continue to wash your face twice a day and after sweating. But washing too much can annoy your skin and make matters worse.

Breaking The Face-touching habit

Why you should stop touching your face?

As you touch your face, dirt, oil and bacteria from your hands get transferred to your skin that clogs your pores. It also makes your developing acne worse. Refraining from touching your face will minimize breakouts, and keep skin in better health.

Keeping your hands clean

Keep in mind your dirty hands, and touch your skin with a tissue or cloth wherever you can. Therefore, if you want to prevent your acne, breaking this habit goes a long way.

Gentle Care For Clear Skin

What are non-comedogenic products, and how do they help?

These are made in a way that doesn’t block your pores. They’re products that have to do with skincare, makeup, and sunscreen. These products serve to prevent your pores from getting clogged up which results in blemish-free skin, all while giving the care it needs.

Choosing gentle products

Look for labels that say “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free.” They are gentler on your skin less likely to cause acne. To get the best effect, be sure to choose products that work for your skin type. Overall acne control can be achieved with frequent washing (twice-daily) of the face with a pH-balanced cleanser, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid face wash.

Manage Stress Level

How does stress cause acne?

Stress can make your acne worse and is associated with increased acne severity. If you are acne-prone, stress can cause hormonal changes that bring on extra oil. Exercising, relaxation and fun activities to combat stress are also important to avoiding breakouts and improving your overall feeling of wellness.

Easy ways to reduce stress

Do activities you love, take deep breaths or get enough sleep. Mastering simple daily habits like staying organized and taking breaks, can help lower your stress and improve the health of your skin.

Nourishing Your Skin from Within

Does food really affect acne?

Certain foods — like sweets or dairy — may trigger breakouts for some people. The health of your skin is significantly influenced by the nutrients you obtain from your food.

Foods to avoid

Cut back on sugary drinks, processed and greasy foods as this causes acne to worsen. Instead, eat foods like leafy greens, berries and omega 3 rich fish that are said to promote skin health.