Acne is those stubborn bumps that typically appear on your face but can appear anywhere on the body. While acne-prone skin is typically associated with teenagers experiencing hormonal changes, acne can appear at any age and leave you looking for a natural acne treatment or other options. Luckily, there are many different methods to get rid of acne.
What is Acne?
Acne, known by its scientific name of acne vulgaris, is a common skin condition that causes pimples, pustules, papules, blackhead, whiteheads, and cysts to appear on the skin. It can be exemplified by either inflammatory or non-inflammatory skin lesions.
Who Does Acne Affect?
Where Can Acne Appear on My Body?
Acne most commonly appears on the face, neck, shoulders, chest and upper back; however, acne can also appear on almost any part of the body including the arms, legs, and buttocks.
Different Types of Acne
There are multiple forms of acne including:
- Non-inflammatory acne- this type of acne is characterized by clogged pores that appear as blackheads or whiteheads.
- Inflammatory acne – this type of acne is exemplified by inflammation such as papules, pustules, and nodules. These are what most people consider a pimple and may be tempted into popping pimples.
- Cystic Acne – cystic acne is characterized by numerous cysts which can be accompanied by pain and acne scars.
What Causes Acne?
Acne can be caused by numerous factors including:
- Hormonal Changes – Androgens, such as testosterone, result in sebum production. Sebum is an oily substance that can cause dead skin cells to accumulate in the pores, leading to blockage and acne.
- Bacteria – pimple-causing bacteria tends to thrive within clogged pores and produce inflammatory substances that cause redness, swelling, and pimples. At home acne cures can often be found to tackle this issue.
- Stress – stress can increase hormone production that creates sebum oil production and makes acne worse.
- Skin Care Routine – Some skin care products, especially those that contain oils and fragrances such as sunscreen, can clog pores and contribute to acne. Instead, try using non-comedogenic products.
- Diet – Certain foods such as dairy products and processed sugars are thought to contribute to acne.
What Are the Symptoms of Acne?
Symptoms of Acne include:
- Pimples – red, swollen bumps that can be painful and can also be pus-filled. A microneedling treatment may be able to help with pimples.
- Whiteheads – tiny white bumps that are not inflamed and have no clear opening.
- Blackheads – tiny, non-inflamed bumps that appear black due to exposure from the air.
- Papules – small, inflamed bumps that often have a red or purple color.
- Nodules – Solid, deep bumps that are inflamed, fluid-filled, and can be painful.
- Cysts- Large, solid and painful lumps that develop under the skin and can result in scarring if not properly treated.
How is Acne Treated?
Acne can be treated in various ways ranging from natural treatments to prescription oral medications. Some common acne treatments include:
- Multi-Vitamin – A multivitamin that includes vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and zinc can be great for acne prevention.
- Green Tea – green tea is high in antioxidants and applying it to your skin may act as acne solution natural home remedies.
- Tea Tree Oil – tea tree oil is known to be an effective and moisturizing acne treatment that can be used in place of topical creams.
- Ice and Warm Compress – Ice can be used to reduce inflammation and pain associated with acne while a warm compress can bring a pimple’s head closer to the surface thus making it easier to drain.
- Exfoliation – exfoliating your skin regularly removes dead skin cells that can clog pores. This can be done with over-the-counter products or through microdermabrasion or chemical peels. Laser treatments can also remove the outer layer of the skin.
- Topical Treatments – Gentle cleansing agents or face wash that include salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can kill acne-causing bacteria and give you clearer skins. Topical retinoids can also help exfoliate the skin and reduce inflammation.
- Prescription medications – oral medications such as antibiotics can help reduce acne and, depending on your acne severity, prescription wash and moisturizer can be more effective than the over-the-counter varieties.
Benefits of Treating Severe Acne
Treating severe acne can provide many benefits, for one, it can help prevent scarring that can remain for the rest of your life. Furthermore, it can reduce swelling, redness, and the appearance of pimples which can improve self-esteem and reduce social anxiety. Additionally, if treated correctly, treatment can work for acne prevention so new blemishes are less likely to appear.
How Long Does It Take for Acne to Go Away?
The time it takes for acne treatment to start showing results is heavily dependent on the type of treatment with many topical treatments taking 4-8 weeks to show significant improvement while oral medications can take a few weeks to a few months to work. Laser therapy and chemical peels, however, may show immediate improvement.
When to See a Doctor?
If acne is affecting your life, whether it be affecting your self-esteem or if it is painful, and home or over-the-counter treatments are not working, it may be time to see a doctor. The experts at Avellina Aesthetics are here to help, offering a range of treatments to help treat your acne or make your skin look better with a PDO thread lift treatment. If you need exceptional care for acne, contact Avellina Aesthetics today!