June is Acne Awareness Month

Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point in their lives. Acne can be mild, with few or no symptoms, or it can be severe, so severe that it causes scars on the skin.

What causes acne?

Acne is a skin condition that affects the sebaceous glands. The sebaceous glands are small structures that produce an oily substance called sebum. Sebum keeps your hair and skin moist, which can be helpful in preventing dryness.

Acne usually occurs when oil (sebum) builds up in hair follicles on the skin.  These are connected to sebaceous glands under the surface of your skin. When this happens, bacteria get trapped inside and start to grow within the pores which can cause inflammation as well as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and cysts. Some people have more active sebaceous glands than others, so they may be more prone to developing acne.

Who can get acne?

It’s normal for teenagers to get acne because their bodies are producing more hormones than usual during puberty. In addition, they may not be cleaning their skin properly or eating well-balanced diets that contain enough vitamins and minerals needed to keep the skin healthy.

But acne is not just for teenagers. Adults can also experience acne, and it can be even more difficult to treat in adulthood than when you were younger. In fact, it’s estimated that 50% of all people with acne have the condition in their 20s or 30s and about 25% of people will still have acne as an adult.

While acne isn’t contagious, if you already have some pimples on your face or back, then touching them could make them worse. Touching could spread bacteria from one spot of your body onto another (and causing more pimples). So, try not to pick at any blemishes until they go away on their own!

How is acne treated?

If you’re struggling with acne, know that there are many different treatments available. this includes prescription medications, over-the-counter products like cleansers and moisturizers, laser therapy (which uses light energy), and chemical peels. Chemical peels remove layers of skin cells from your face which may be contributing to breakouts on top of regular cleansing habits like washing your face.

• Wash your face twice a day with a cleanser that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. This will help to unblock pores and reduce inflammation.
• Use a topical retinoid to unblock pores and reduce inflammation. If you have cystic acne, consider taking oral antibiotics as well (make sure to get the right prescription from your dermatologist).
• Avoid touching your face as much as possible, especially if you’re experiencing breakouts on or near your lips or eyes–this can cause infections if bacteria gets into these areas!
• Wear sunscreen every day! Acne is caused by sun damage so wearing sunscreen is essential in preventing future breakouts

Conclusion

Acne can be frustrating, but it’s important to remember that there are many treatments available for your pimples. The best thing you can do is talk with your dermatologist about what treatment options are best for you and your skin type. If one treatment doesn’t work, don’t give up! There are plenty more out there that will help clear those pesky little pimples once and for all.