Acne is not a disease. However, it is a condition that includes the
formation of pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads on the skin, mainly
the face. Nearly 85% of people aged 12 to 24, and even some adults,
are prone to acne (Yale Medicine). I am one of those people, and
maybe you are too. It is nothing to be ashamed of, though it took me
some time to understand. Now, buckle up your seatbelts because we're
riding through my journey with acne!
It all started when I was in grade 6, and one of my classmates gave
me a look and asked, "Why do you have those bumpy things on your
forehead?" I ran to the washroom and bawled my eyes out, looking at
those 'bumps' in the mirror and wondering, "God, why me? Am I not
normal like all my other friends?" From this to aunties asking me if
I ate too much oily food or maybe because I did an evil deed for
which God was punishing me with pimples, I got all sorts of
comments.
Their judgmental words, along with the reddening marks on my face,
formed a voice inside my head, making me hate how I looked no matter
what I did. I started covering up the acne with makeup, not knowing
it would only make it worse. My mental health and my sense of
self-love were declining. I did not feel comfortable in my skin
(quite literally). Moreover, acne impacted my physical health too
because I got too cautious about my diet, avoiding oily, too sweet,
or any types of foods people told me of that led to acne. Socially,
I stopped attending public gatherings because I did not want to hear
comments about my appearance. However, isolating ourselves is not
the solution to any problem. Sometimes, what people may consider
funny could be someone's insecurity.
Over time, I realized I needed to escape this vicious cycle and do
something about my situation. After several appointments with
various dermatologists and some research, I finally found causes and
ways to treat acne that may prove helpful to you, too. So, let's dig
in!
Why does acne form?
Acne forms when the hair follicles on our skin get clogged by dead skin, dirt, and oils. The sebaceous gland secures the oily substance called sebum onto our skin to moisturize it. However, during puberty, hormonal fluctuation and increased androgen formation escalate sebum formation. Eventually, this leads to acne. Furthermore, hormonal changes during pregnancy or menstruation may trigger acne.
Factors that increase your risk of acne
1. An unhealthy diet
A diet incorporating large amounts of sugary foods, caffeine,
fried foods, and dairy products- specifically skim milk can increase
the risk of acne. It is better to stay hydrated and eat fresh fruits
and vegetables. Although avoiding oily foods is good for the skin,
some oils like Omega-3 fatty acids help combat acne.
2. Stress
Stress hormones such as androgens and cortisol exacerbate oil
production and acne (Brown). Exercise, yoga, or meditation can help
manage stress.
3. Sleeping with makeup on
Sleeping with makeup on would trap the oil and dirt within the
skin, which would lead to breakouts. Furthermore, comedogenic makeup
products block pores. It is better to wash off makeup before going
to bed daily and follow a night skincare routine (Hong).
4. Using dirty pillow covers
Pillowcases absorb not only your face oils but also retain
dirt and bacteria. Using unwashed pillowcases would lead to
irritation and inflammation of the skin. Changing pillow covers
every few days and spraying them with anti-bacterial sprays is
suggested. Silk or satin covers are smoother and do not irritate the
skin (Paden).
5. Touching your face
Popping your pimples and touching your face introduces dirt
and bacteria to the skin, worsening acne (Ghanem).
Medications to treat acne
Various oral and topical medications are used to treat acne. It is
better to consult a dermatologist before using them. Moving on, the
oral medicines based on these formulas are ideal for the skin:
1. Isotretinoin
It reduces the size of oil-releasing glands, which leads to
acne. It is suitable for treating moderate to severe acne. However,
it causes thinning of hair, poor eyesight, and skin dryness.
Pregnant patients should avoid it (American Academy of Dermatology
Association).
2. Antibiotics
Bacterial acne can be treated using doxycycline, minocycline,
and tetracycline (Cleveland Clinic).
Topical acne medications including these ingredients would be
beneficial to treat acne:
3. Benzoyl Peroxide
It kills acne-causing bacteria and prevents the clogging of
pores. Ointments or gels containing a lower concentration of benzoyl
peroxide have proven to be less irritating (Yale Medicine).
4. Salicylic Acid
It dissolves dead and damaged skin cells, keeping the pores
from getting blocked.
5. Azelaic Acid
This is available in gels or creams and grains such as wheat
or barley. It reduces swelling and kills bacteria. It is safe to use
for pregnant women, too.
Although maintaining healthy skin is a good habit, we should also
understand that acne is a natural condition and nothing to be
ashamed of. We should embrace ourselves while striving towards a
healthier lifestyle.
Sources
https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/acne
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12233-acne
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/isotretinoin/side-effects#
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20368048
https://www.wederm.com/2021/09/29/does-stress-cause-acne/
https://en.vogue.me/archive/face/top-10-causes-of-acne-breakouts-and-their-treatments/
https://www.wederm.com/2020/10/06/the-best-pillowcase-for-acne/