Acne: 

Acne is a skin condition that develops when oil and dead skin cells clog hair follicles. Genes, hormonal fluctuations, stress, high humidity, and the use of oily or greasy personal care products are just a few of the many causes. The result is whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. Acne affects people of all ages, but mostly teenagers. There are acne treatments that work, but acne can remain. 

Where is acne most common? 

The face, forehead, chest, shoulders and upper back are the most common areas for acne. There are sebaceous glands all over the body, but these are the most abundant. Depending on its severity, acne can be treated in different ways. Acne can be moderate (inflammatory pa pules), severe (nodules and cysts), or mild (a few sporadic pimples). 

What causes acne? 

Androgen hormones, whose activity usually peaks in adolescence and early adulthood, are largely responsible for acne. Acne can be caused by sensitivity to these hormones, surface skin bacteria, fatty acids in the sebaceous glands, and other factors. 

Acne can be caused or worsened by the following factors: 

• Hormone levels that fluctuate around the time of a woman's period. 
• Picking acne lesions. 
• Clothing and headgear such as sports helmets and hats. 
• Air pollution and specific weather conditions, especially high humidity. 
• Using personal care products that are oily or greasy, such as heavy lotions, creams or pomades, and hair waxes, or working in an environment where you frequently come into contact with grease (such as a restaurant with greasy food surfaces and frying oil). 
• Acne can also be worsened by stress, which increases levels of the hormone cortisol. 
• Some medicine. 
• Mutations (changes in DNA)  

How does acne affect so many teenagers? 

The rise of androgen hormones (specific testosterone) produced by both men and women is one factor that contributes to acne. Usually, these hormones are at their highest during adolescence (see Puberty). 

Is acne potentially fatal? 

Although acne is not life-threatening, it has long-term psychological and social effects. Anxiety and depression are common mental health issues in people with acne. 

How to treat acne? 

Some over-the-counter treatments for your condition may be recommended by your doctor. You may need stronger prescription medications based on the severity of the condition, your age, the type of acne you have, and the effectiveness of your over-the-counter treatments. 

Acne can sometimes be alleviated by using some contraceptives. Three forms of birth control pills have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of acne. Progesterone, a natural steroid that helps regulate menstruation, and estrogen, the primary female hormone, are combined in all four. 

Various treatments and medications have been shown to be effective. The underlying factors causing acne are the focus of their treatment. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need one or more. 

• Lifestyle and home remedies  
• Use a mild detergent to clean problem areas. 
• Anti-acne products available across the country can help dry up excess oil and promote exfoliation… 
• Try not to get irritated. 
• Protect your skin from the sun... 
• Keep skin free of pressure and friction. 
• It is not recommended to touch or pick acne-prone areas... 
• Take a shower after a long workout.  

If that doesn't help, you can use medication.  

Locally applied drugs:   

• Azelaic acid: is a natural acid found in wheat, rye, barley and other cereals. Reduces swelling and kills skin microorganisms 
• Dapsone (Aczone®): is a topical gel that can be used to treat acne that is inflamed and also has antibacterial properties. It is applied twice a day to the skin. 
• Antibiotics: control The surface bacteria that worsen and often promote acne breakouts are controlled by topically applied antibiotics such as erythromycin and clindamycin. Antibiotics are better when used in conjunction with benzoyl peroxide. 
• Retinoids: These products break up blackheads and whiteheads and prevent clogged pores, the first signs of acne, with retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) such as Retin-A®, Tazorac®, and Differin®, which are now available without a prescription. Retinol treatment is an option for most patients. These medications are not spot medications and should be used on the entire skin area affected by the dermatitis to prevent new pimples from forming. The most common secondary effect is aggravation, which generally improves with moisturizing and time on the drug.  

Other treatments: 

• Chemical peeling: This treatment uses special chemicals to get rid of the top layer of old skin. Acne scars can be reduced when the top layer of skin is removed because the new skin that grows back is usually smoother. 
• Steroids: Steroids may occasionally be injected into large nodules to reduce inflammation or used to treat severe acne. 
• Lasers: Lasers are currently used primarily to treat acne scars. Beneath the skin, the scarred collagen is heated by a laser, which stimulates the body's wound-healing response to produce new, healthy collagen. This encourages the growth of new skin in its place. Laser resurfacing comes in both ablative and non-ablative forms. Your dermatologist will take into account your skin type and the nature of your acne scars. 

Can acne be prevented? 

With normal hormonal changes, it is difficult, but not impossible, to prevent acne. In any case, a few things can help: 

6 Home Remedies for Acne from Dermatologists 

1. Take care of your skin. Wash your face gently after sweating. 
2. Choose a cleanser that is gentle and non-abrasive. 
3. Choose the right skin care. 
4. Keep up with your treatment. 
5. Do not touch your face too much. 
6. Avoid tanning beds and the sun.  

                                                     Thank you for reading the article.