Causes and Treatments of Acne
Acne is a chronic skin condition that causes pimples to different parts of your body. It commonly affects teens and young adults undergoing hormonal changes. Acne is not a serious medical condition but can leave acne scars that lessen the self-confidence of many teenagers.
What Causes Acne?
It occurs when the pores of your skin become clogged with oil, dead skin, or bacteria. Excess oil production, called sebum, can also cause acne.
Certain things can cause acne and/or make it worse.
- Picking at acne soar can aggravate the situation and can worsen the severity of the skin condition.
- Clothing or headgear like a hat or helmet and even a face mask can cause acne, especially when not properly clean and disinfect before use.
- Hormonal changes during the times of a woman’s period, puberty, or pregnancy.
- Stress can also cause acne to flare.
- Even some medications can cause breakouts, like certain birth control or corticosteroids.
- Using oily or greasy skincare products such as heavy lotion or creams.
- Air pollution or high humidity weather conditions.
- Diet or consuming foods high in carbohydrates such as bread and chip may worsen acne.
- Genetics
Treatment
Acne treatments depend on how severe and persistent acne is.
Mild Acne
Mild acne can be treated with an over-the-counter medication such as cream, gel, soap, or lotion applied to the skin. Most OTC acne medication usually contains benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, resorcinol, retinoids, azelaic acid, or sulfur.
It is always advisable to start with the lowest dosage or strength as some of this medication can cause skin irritation or redness on first use. Normally, these side effects subside after continuous use. But if redness and irritation persist, it is best to see a doctor.
Moderate to Severe Acne
A dermatologist or a skin specialist can treat moderate to severe acne cases. They can prescribe a stronger gel or cream similar to OTC or oral or topical antibiotics.
A chemical peel treatment is also used to treat moderate to severe acne. It uses a special chemical to remove the top layer of the skin. As the top skin layer is removed, a new skin that grows in is smoother and can improve mild acne scarring.
Give us a call or book online for a chemical peel session with our licensed esthetician for renewed and smooth-looking skin.
Brilliant Massage & Skin
Burlington, Vermont