Just as there are many causes of acne, there are many different types of acne – and many ways to try and treat it.
Pimples, acne, blackheads – a beloved child has many names.
But this skin condition is rarely welcome for those who experience it. In fact, the problem can be so significant for some people that it can affect their self-esteem.
What is acne?
Acne is a collective term for skin symptoms where there is inflammation in a sebaceous gland. When this happens, the gland will develop into either blackheads, red bumps, or inflamed pimples.
They can appear anywhere, but typically occur on the face, back, or chest. And although many might associate the symptoms with something belonging to the teenage years, a number of adults also suffer from pimples.
Pimples can occur in varying degrees of severity. From mild acne, which can be easily prevented, to severe acne with painful boils that can leave scars for several years. Treatment often depends on the type of acne one suffers from.
The different types of acne
Mild forms of acne are often characterized by open and closed comedones, better known as blackheads and whiteheads. Here, inflammation does not necessarily occur, but the pores are clogged with sebum and dead skin cells.
Moderate acne involves red bumps, inflamed pimples, and in some cases small, inflamed pustules with pus.
Severe acne can lead to painful, deeper nodules and cysts that can cause permanent scars. It can be extremely bothersome and may require medical treatment.
Why do people get acne?
Acne occurs when the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum and hair follicles become blocked. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria that naturally live on the skin. When bacteria begin to break down sebum, they release substances that can irritate the skin and lead to inflammation. The result is red bumps, pimples, and in some cases more bothersome forms of acne such as cystic acne.
For most people, the problem starts in puberty when hormonal changes trigger sebum production. The changes in the body's hormones as one becomes a teenager are the main reason why many teenagers struggle with acne.
Nevertheless, it can easily continue into adulthood. And while many factors can contribute to acne, hormones often play a central role – this type of acne is called hormonal acne.
There are also hereditary factors at play. This means that if your parents suffered from severe acne, there is a greater risk that you will experience it yourself. In addition to hormones and genetics, lifestyle factors can also affect how severe your acne is. Everything from stress levels, diet, skincare, and medical conditions can all have an impact on the skin.
How to prevent acne
While there is no "cure" for acne, there are many methods that can reduce symptoms and prevent new breakouts. Treatment depends on how severe your acne is and what triggers it.
Care for your skin with a good routine
If you want to help your skin, it's a good idea to start by practicing a simple skincare routine.
Cleanse your skin with a mild soap or a non-drying cleansing product every night before bed. This can help remove excess sebum and dirt that can clog pores. And it's best to avoid rich creams and oil-based products that can worsen the problem by clogging sebaceous glands.
Use makeup carefully, choosing oil-free and non-comedogenic products that won't clog pores. And definitely avoid picking at pimples, as this can worsen inflammation and lead to scarring. In terms of preventing scars, sunscreen is also your friend, because UV exposure makes scar formation worse.
Ask your doctor for advice
At Raunsborg, we are not doctors. And while mild cases of pimples can often be treated with gentle and effective products and good skincare, it may be necessary to seek professional help for moderate to severe acne. If you find that your pimples do not respond to anything you can do yourself, or if you have deep, painful cysts, it is important to contact a doctor.
A dermatologist can help diagnose your skin and suggest treatments such as antibiotics or isotretinoin. The earlier you start treatment, the greater the chances of avoiding permanent scars.
Be patient and show yourself care
At Raunsborg, we want to remind you that you look lovely, pimples or not. But we know that acne can be extremely frustrating.
As you could read here, there are fortunately several things you can try to combat the skin condition. By following a good skincare routine and choosing gentle and good products, you can in many cases alleviate the symptoms – or completely get rid of pimples.
But no matter which treatment you choose, it can take time to see significant improvements. Many experience a temporary worsening of their acne at the beginning of treatment, which can be frustrating. Therefore, it is important to arm yourself with patience.
Sources:
Sundhed.dk – treatment of acne
Our recommendations are not based on medical advice. Contact your general practitioner if you wish to receive treatment for acne.