Acne flare-ups might seem like an almost constant battle for people with acne-prone skin. This never-ending struggle keeps on coming back over and over again. If you suffer from acne, you’ve surely been looking for the causes behind it and the best ways to get rid of it. For this reason, The Dermo Lab has reached out to the dermatologist and cosmetologist Dr. Ghada Ahmed who will share with you everything you need to know about acne and walk you through some tips to regain clear skin in no time.
Read on to learn about the causes of acne and how to treat it!
What is acne?
Dr. Ghada Ahmed explains that acne is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects the pilosebaceous unit of the skin. It is usually found on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and back. She adds that acne vulgaris mainly affects adolescents. It can start from the age of 8 until the age of 30, but it usually gets worse during the teenage years.
While whiteheads and blackheads are the most popular acne lesions, other types can also occur. These include inflammatory lesions that appear as papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Dr. Ghada Ahmed states that mild acne lesions usually last less than two weeks, whereas deeper ones can persist for months.
What causes acne?
To answer this frequently asked question, let’s see how pimples are formed.
Acne develops when the pores of your skin become clogged with oil, dead skin, or bacteria. Each pore is the opening of a follicle which consists of hair and a sebaceous gland. This gland releases sebum which moves up the hair, out of the pore, to add moisture to your skin.
One or more troubles in this lubrication process can lead to acne. It can occur when:
1- too much oil is made by your follicles
2- dead skin cells gather in the pores
3- bacteria accumulate in your pores
Hence, when treating acne, keep in mind that you should go for products that exfoliate dead skin cells, remove excess sebum and reduce inflammation.
It’s important to mention that the factors that might cause facial acne can also trigger body acne, eg. back acne breakouts. Dr. Ghada Ahmed sums up the most common causes of acne:
- Genetic factors
- Hormonal factors such as an increase in androgens or an increase in corticosteroids (Cushing’s syndrome).
- Environmental factors such as high humidity, the use of certain cosmetics, foods (excessive dairy products, starchy foods) and medications (corticosteroids).
According to Dr. Ghada Ahmed, there is no evidence to show whether thyroid problems can cause acne.
How is acne treated?
Depending on its severity, acne can lead to emotional distress and scarring of the skin. Hence, the earlier you start treatment, the less likely you will experience such problems.
In the treatment of acne, consistency is the key. We recommend you follow a specific routine that consists of effective and safe skin care products to maintain clear and flawless skin.
Think of your skin care routine as two main steps: First, I cleanse my skin, and second, I care for my skin.
A suitable hygiene is a fundamental practice in preparing the skin for care products. Without proper hygiene, care products cannot achieve their maximum effect.
Ducray, the leading skin care brand in the market offers you Keracnyl Foaming Gel – your go-to daily cleanser! It effectively removes all dirt and sebum that can cause acne, and reduces pimples.
After the face wash, comes the treatment. Apply Ducray Keracnyl PP Anti-Blemish Soothing Cream, a medical cream that soothes redness and reduces pimples after only 7 days of treatment. Its advanced formula reduces residual marks and increases your skin’s tolerance to topical acne treatments.
If you are looking for plant-based active ingredients, we recommend Phys-AC Foaming Gel from A-Derma, the worldwide renowned brand for natural skin care products. This soap-free gel gently cleanses and purifies acne-prone skin without drying it out. Use it and enjoy a soft, fresh, and matte skin.
Use this cleanser twice a day in combination with A-Derma Phys-AC Global, a complete care product that removes excess sebum and soothes your skin. And because they are formulated with natural ingredients and oat extracts, people can use these gentle and soothing products as early as age nine!
For those with more sensitive skin, we recommend the Cleanance Cleansing Gel from Eau Thermale Avène, the famous French dermo-cosmetic brand that formulates products for the most sensitive skin, to reduce irritation, while giving you the clear skin you desire. This face wash is specially designed for sensitive oily blemish-prone skin. It gently removes impurities and regulates the production of oily secretions.
For an extra boost in the struggle with imperfections, Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance Comedomed is a must-have! This anti-blemish concentrate reduces any existing spots and limits the appearance of new ones thanks to its comedo-reverse, anti-spot, and anti-recurrence effect. Bonus: it only takes 7 days to work its magic.
Always remember that beautiful skin requires commitment, not a miracle. Therefore, invest in your skin care routine, you won’t regret it.
How can acne be prevented?
Dr. Ghada Ahmed suggests the following measures:
- Use non-comedogenic products (moisturizer, makeup, sunscreen).
- Avoid picking or squeezing pimples.
- Avoid medications that increase acne.
- Treat medical problems that might cause acne such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Avoid stress.
- Eat healthy.
- Avoid excessive pressure such as headbands.
So, if you want to prevent sudden flare-ups, consider the factors mentioned above.
Last Updated on April 16, 2024
