Having acne issues is very bothersome. Whenever you have any special event, a pimple appears on your face out of nowhere. Getting pimples sometimes is normal. But if you often get pimples then you have acne issues. A pimple appears when the skin pores get blocked with bacteria, oil, dead skin cells, or dirt. More than 9% of people around the world have acne problems. Having acne won’t cause you other physical damage but itself causes mental stress. If a person is having acne on the visible body parts like the face, his self-esteem and self-confidence may get affected. There are different types of acne like blackheads and whiteheads. These types of acne are not painful and do not cause acne scars. Inflammatory acne-like papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts are usually painful and can cause acne scars.
Common symptoms of acne
A person can get acne on any part of the body but acne usually appears on the face, back, neck, chest, and shoulders.
When the pimple appears, the skin gets rough with an uneven texture. Other symptoms of acne breakdown are:
- Skin discoloration like hyperpigmentation or redness
- Swelling
- Inflammation
- Pain
Sometimes the acne breakdown can also cause discoloration and scarring. When the pimple appears, people often pop it and squeeze it. But it will cause scarring on the skin surface.
Causes of acne breakdown
Acne occurs when the pores get filled with dead skin, oil, and bacteria. The skin pores open to a follicle that is made of hair and oil glands. The gland releases oil to lubricate the skin. But when due to an imbalance, the gland releases more oil which leads to acne problems. There are also some other causes of acne like the pores being filled with dead skin or bacteria entering the skin pores.
Risk factors for developing acne
The skin can develop acne due to lots of reasons. But several factors increase the chances of getting acne problems.
- PCOS
- Hormonal changes
- Insomnia
- Stress
- Smoking
- Certain creams, moisturizers, cleansers, or other face products
- Certain medications like birth control, steroids, anticonvulsants, etc
- Genes
- Stress
When a person goes through hormonal changes like during puberty, the chances of getting acne increase. Women can also get acne problems during pregnancy or after giving birth.
Treatment for acne problems
The treatment options for acne depending on their severity. Your acne can be treated with simple gels to medical procedures.
Mild acne problems
If you are getting mild acne problems then you can use OTC medicines. These OTC are available in the form of gels, creams, and spot treatments. Common ingredients in acne OTC are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
Moderate acne problems
If you have tried all OTC medicines but are still facing acne problems then you can check for other options. Your doctor will prescribe you medicines that can reduce acne and prevent scarring problems. For moderate acne issues, doctors often recommend strong benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics like erythromycin, and retinoids. If the person is facing acne problems due to hormonal changes, the doctor may prescribe hormonal birth control to reduce acne.
Severe acne problems
For severe acne issues, your dermatologist will suggest combinations of several medicines like an oral antibiotic, topical antibiotic, benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, etc. These medicines can reduce acne problems but can cause various side effects. Your acne may get reduced but can reoccur in a few months.
Homeopathy
If you face acne problems often then you can try homeopathy. These medicines can help in treating the underlying condition behind acne. Search for a homeopathic medicine store in NJ and get the best treatment for your skin conditions. It is a type of natural medication that treats skin problems without causing any harmful side effects. This treatment may take more time but provide better relief from acne problems.
Medical procedures to treat severe acne
If your acne problems are not reduced with any medicines then your doctor may ask you for medical procedures.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
This therapy uses special light and medication to remove the bacteria from the skin pores. It also reduces the production of oil. Some other laser treatments are also available to reduce acne and treat acne scars.
Cortisone injections
The injections are used to reduce inflammation. Cortisone injection also helps in increasing the healing rate. It is mainly used with other acne treatments. Cortisone injections are mainly used to treat large cysts issues.
Chemical peel
A chemical peel is used for treating various skin problems. In this treatment, the top layer of the skin is removed. The less damaged skin layer gets revealed. This treatment is mainly used to treat mild acne scars problems.
Dermabrasions
This treatment removes the top layer using a rotating brush. But dermabrasions are used to treat acne scarring instead of acne problems.
Home remedies to treat acne problems
Grape cleaner
Everyone loves grapes as they are healthy and tasty too! But when people think about treating acne, they often forget grapes. If you are facing acne problems, take a few fresh grapes from the refrigerator and wash them. Now cut 4-5 grapes into two halves and rub them into your face. Grapes will help to remove the extra oil and dust from the skin pores and help to treat acne.
Apple cider vinegar
This is the most common home remedy for skin issues. This vinegar is made of fermented apple cider. It contains citric acid that fights the bacteria. Instead of applying it directly, dilute it with water and apply using a cotton ball. Apply apple cider vinegar 2 times a day.
Honey and cinnamon mask
Honey is good for your skin. If you apply honey daily, it prevents acne formation. Take 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Make a paste and apply the mask. Now wait for about 15 minutes and wash.
Green tea
Green tea is a good antioxidant and promotes health. It is also good for your skin and helps in reducing acne. Green tea reduces sebum production and prevents acne formation. Steep green tea in boiling water for about 5 minutes. Now brew the tea and wait until it cools down. Use cotton balls to apply it to the face. Wait until it dries and then rinse the face.
Some other home remedies for acne are tea tree oil, witch hazel, aloe vera, fish supplements, etc. Changing diet and cutting certain dairy products can reduce acne problems.