Who would not love to have spotless, acne-free skin at all times? For clearer skin, we must have a proper understanding of what is acne, what acne types are, and what causes acne. As each acne type needs a different treatment plan, it’s crucial to first learn about what type of acne you are dealing with. This blog focuses on acne, its types, causes, treatment, and prevention.
What is Acne?
Acne, medically termed as acne vulgaris, is a common medical skin concern that can range in its severity. It is the result of the plugging of hair follicles or clogging of pores. Based on the different acne causes, different types of acne can develop on the skin and each of them requires different treatment. Dermatologists can help clear up acne from one’s skin.
Types of Acne
There are different types of acne, based on their cause and severity. Based on the cause, acne types include:
- Hormonal acne– Individuals who experience hormonal disturbances like during stress or puberty/pregnancy/PCOS/menopause produce more sebum which can clog the pores and result in acne breakouts.
- Fungal acne– It occurs when Malassezia (a fungus/yeast) overgrows and plugs the hair follicles along with sebum and impurities.
Based on the severity, acne is of the following types:
- Comedones– These are non-inflammatory acne. They comprise blackheads that remain open at the skin surface and lead to black hues and whiteheads that remain closed at the skin surface and lead to the appearance of white bumps on the skin surface.
- Pimples– These are inflamed, small, pink to red bumps on the skin with or without pus. They comprise papules and pustules. Papules are red bumps while pustules are pus-filled papules.
- Nodular acne– These are large, painful bumps that are painful/firm to touch. They develop deep under the skin.
- Cystic acne– These are pus-filled nodular acne- the most severe form of acne.
All of these acne forms impact one’s appearance and esteem as well as confidence. The severe forms of acne like nodules and cysts may lead to permanent scarring. Dermatologists can help identify the acne type and suggest suitable treatment plans.
What Causes Acne?
Clogged hair follicles or clogged skin pores cause acne. The clogging/plugging can occur with extra sebum (oils), dead skin cells, impurities, and sometimes bacteria/fungus. When there are no acne-causing bacteria, there is no inflammation but otherwise the bacteria cause skin inflammation and lead to pimples, nodules, and cysts.
Certain factors contribute to acne or make the condition worse. The acne triggers include:
- Wearing tight-fitting clothing/headgear
- Certain weather conditions like high humidity
- Air pollution
- Use of greasy products or working in areas where there is exposure to oily things
- High-stress level
- Certain medication side effects
- Hormonal disturbances- more production of androgen hormones
- Picking at acne
- Unhealthy diet plan
- Less water intake.
Acne Treatment Options: Finding the Right Solution
Dermatologists rank acne into four grades: Mild (comedones), Moderate (pimples), Moderately Severe (nodules), and Severe (cysts). Acne treatment varies based on one’s age and acne type/severity. The treatment goal is to heal the existing acne, reduce acne marks, and prevent new acne from developing as well as avoid acne scars.
Mild acne is treatable with home remedies and over-the-counter products. But, moderate to severe acne types need dermatologist-prescribed medications and therapies. The different acne treatment options are:
- Topical acne medications– These include products that contain one or more of the following ingredients: Salicylic acid, Benzoyl peroxide, Azelaic acid, Reti-noids, and Antibiotic/Antifungal.
- Oral acne medications– These include oral antibiotics, oral retin-oid (isotret-inoin), and andr-ogen-based drugs/oral contraceptive pills.
- Acne therapies– These include steroid injections, phototherapy/laser therapy, and chemical peeling.
Treating Acne Scars and Marks
Acne scars and acne marks are treatable with a variety of in-office treatments by dermatologists. These include:
- Dermabrasion/Microdermabrasion– It is a skin resurfacing treatment where an abrasive crystal or surface is used to remove the scarred/pigmented skin.
- Chemical peeling– It is an acid-based skin exfoliation that can help reduce acne, acne scars, and acne marks.
- Microneedling– A derma roller of micropen is utilized to create micro punctures in the skin and stimulate fresh collagen production which improves scar.
- Injectable fillers– This option is preferred for the treatment of depressed acne scars like icepicks, boxcars, or rolling scars.
- Laser therapies– Mild to moderate acne scars can be reduced with the heat of the laser light that boosts collagen growth while removing top skin layers.
- Punch techniques– Boxcar and ice pick scars may be removed with this minor surgical procedure. Later, the created wound rebuilds with collagen.
- Subcision– A hypodermic needle is used to break the fibrotic strands that connect the rolling scar to underneath tissues. This surgical removal is followed by fresh collagen production which helps smoothen skin.
Back Acne Treatment in Hyderabad
For acne mechanica caused by constant/excessive sweating and acne cosmetica caused by the use of greasy/comedogenic personal care products, dermatologists have body acne solutions.
If you have back acne, back acne treatment will include avoiding picking/squeezing pimples, keeping skin clean, use of clean towels and sheets, and topical products. For back acne that is stubborn and keeps coming back, dermatologists recommend prescription skincare products and therapies.
Acne Prevention Tips
Acne prevention is not completely possible, especially when hormonal changes are the culprit. However, with the below-mentioned healthy skin routine and clear skin tips, recommended by a dermatologist, one can reduce the chances of developing acne breakouts.
- Daily cleanse skin with lukewarm water and mild cleanser.
- Apply non-greasy moisturizer and use only non-comedogenic/ non-irritating skincare products.
- Keep dirty/greasy hands away from the skin and even avoid scratching the skin to cause inflammation.
- Regularly wash hair and after hair oiling make sure the hair does not fall on the face and neck.
- Have a healthy diet plan and drink plenty of fluids.
- Protect the skin from harmful UV rays of the sun.
- Regularly exfoliate the skin.
Acne Types and Acne Treatment in Hyderabad
Anyone with acne can get clear skin with the help of personalized skincare and effective treatment provided by a dermatologist. Different acne types are treatable in different ways. A dermatologist can assess the acne type and its severity/cause/location and accordingly suggest a suitable treatment.
FAQs on Acne Treatment
How Can I Remove Acne Marks?
There are various home remedies, over-the-counter skincare products, and dermatologist treatments that can help remove acne marks. It’s advised to seek dermatologist help on acne marks removal.
Can Back Acne Be Treated Effectively?
Yes, just like facial acne, back acne can be effectively treated with home remedies, over-the-counter products, and prescription medications/therapies.
What Foods Cause Acne?
A diet rich in dairy products, high glycemic foods, processed foods, refined sugars, caffeine, and trans fats can cause or aggravate acne breakouts.
How Long Does It Take to See Results from Acne Treatments?
The time taken for the clear skin to appear depends on the chosen acne treatment, the type/severity of acne, and the acne response to the treatment. Usually, it takes a few months for the skin to be acne-free.
For more details on back acne treatment in Hyderabad, book a visit to our experts at Celestee Skin, Hair and Laser Clinic.
