Love Your Skin Enough, Face First

Your body is a well-oiled machine that relies on the cooperation of more than seventy organs and each of which performs a specific task. Whether it’s the heart’s ability to pump blood or the liver’s capacity to filter it, every aspect of the human ecosystem serves a crucial function. In case you were wondering which organ is the largest, there’s an external rather than an internal organ, yet it is still the largest organ in your body, and you call it your skin. 

Your skin, which consists of the Epidermis, Dermis, and Hypodermis, is an external organ. It functions as a crucial barrier between the body and microorganisms, chemicals, and temperature. The skin is a protective covering for the body, and while some areas may be more sensitive than others, the skin of the face is often the most delicate. 

If you have sensitive skin, it can be difficult to maintain your facial skin. Finding techniques to prevent potential triggers that damage the skin can help you find comfort and enhance the quality of your life.  

Pores are microscopic holes in your skin that can become clogged by oil, germs, dead skin cells, and dirt. When this happens, you may get a pimple, also known as a zit or blemish. If you’re dealing with skin issues like zits or acne, this article is for you. Continue reading to learn how to care for sensitive skin and effectively treat acne from Sirwiss dermatologists and spa specialists.

All About Blemish Care 

Acne, the skin disorder that causes acne blemishes, is very common. Your skin is susceptible to blemishes. Acne is more prevalent among adolescents and young adults, but it can also affect adults. Utilizing various treatments, acne can be treated, and scarring avoided. 

What Is Acne? 

Acne occurs when sebaceous glands in the skin become blocked. Blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of pimples are caused by clogged pores. Acne is a skin condition characterized by pus-filled, occasionally painful pimples. 

Types of Acne 

There are several types of acne, including: 

1. Fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis): Fungal acne occurs when yeast builds up in your hair follicles. These can be itchy and inflamed. 

2. Cystic acne: Cystic acne causes deep, pus-filled pimples and nodules. These can cause scars. 

3. Hormonal acne: Hormonal acne affects adults who have an overproduction of sebum that clogs their pores. 

4. Nodular acne: Nodular acne is a severe form of acne that causes pimples on the surface of your skin, and tender, nodular lumps under your skin. 

All varieties of acne can be embarrassing, but cystic and nodular acne can leave lasting scars on the skin. It’s ideal to consult a doctor as soon as possible so that they can assist you figure out what treatments will work best. 

Who Does Acne Affect? 

Acne affects almost everyone at some point in their lives. Acne is more common in teenagers and young adults who are going through hormonal changes, although it can also occur in adults. Adult acne is more prevalent in women and those who were designated female at birth (AFAB). If you have a family history of acne, you may be more prone to developing it. 

What Are the Symptoms of Acne? 

Symptoms of acne on your skin include: 

1. Pimples (pustules): Pus-filled bumps (papules). 

2. Papules: Small, discolored bumps, often red to purple or darker than your natural skin tone. 

3. Blackheads: Plugged pores with a black top. 

4. Whiteheads: Plugged pores with a white top. 

5. Nodules: Large lumps under your skin that are painful. 

6. Cysts: Painful fluid-filled (pus) lumps under your skin. 

Acne can range in severity, from hardly noticeable bumps to more severe inflammatory papules. Nodules and cysts are signs of severe acne. 

What Causes Acne? 

Acne is caused by clogged hair follicles or pores. Hair follicles are tiny tubes that each hold a strand of hair. A number of glands empty into your hair follicles. A clog happens when there is too much stuff inside your hair follicle.  

Your pores can become clogged with: 

1. Sebum: An oily substance that provides a protective barrier for your skin. 

2. Bacteria: Small amounts of bacteria naturally live on your skin. If you have too much bacteria, it can clog your pores. 

3. Dead skin cells: Your skin cells shed often to make room for more cells to grow. When your skin releases dead skin cells, they can get stuck in your hair follicles. 

When pores become clogged, substances obstruct the hair follicle, resulting in a pimple. This causes inflammation, which manifests as discomfort and edema. Inflammation can also manifest as skin discoloration, such as erythema around a zit. 

Triggers of Acne 

Certain environmental factors can contribute to acne or exacerbate an acne outbreak, including: 

1. Using oily or greasy personal care products, like heavy lotions and creams, or working in an area where you routinely come in contact with grease, such as working at a restaurant with frying oil. 

2. Stress, which increases the hormone cortisol. 

3. A side effect of a medication. 

4. Picking at your acne. 

Foods That Cause Acne 

Some studies have linked specific foods and diets to acne, such as: 

1. Skim milk. 

2. Whey protein. 

3. Diets high in sugar. 

Chocolate is not directly connected to acne, but a high-sugar diet may exacerbate acne. Acne can be avoided by eating a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly those high in anti-inflammatory vitamin C and beta-carotene. 

Hormones and Acne 

Acne is mostly a hormonal problem caused by androgen hormones (testosterone). This usually becomes active between adolescence and early adulthood. Acne may also appear around the time of your menstruation due to hormonal activities. Acne can be caused by sensitivity to this hormone, along with surface germs on your skin and compounds secreted by your body’s glands. 

How Is Acne Treated? 

Acne can be treated in numerous ways. Each therapy is tailored to your age, acne type, and severity. A healthcare physician may advise you to treat your skin using oral drugs, topical medications, or medicated therapies. The purpose of acne therapy is to prevent new pimples from emerging and to repair existing blemishes on your skin.  

Topical Acne Medications 

To treat your acne, your doctor may advise you to use a topical acne medication. You can apply these medications directly to your skin as you would a lotion or moisturizer. These could include products containing one of the following ingredients: 
 

1. Benzoyl peroxide: This is available as an over-the-counter product (such as Clearasil®, Stridex® and PanOxyl®) as a leave-on gel or wash. It targets surface bacteria, which often aggravates acne. Lower concentrations and wash formulations are less irritating to your skin. 

2. Salicylic acid: This is available over the counter for acne as a cleanser or lotion. It helps remove the top layer of damaged skin. Salicylic acid dissolves dead skin cells to prevent your hair follicles from clogging. 

3. Azelaic acid: This is a natural acid found in various grains such as barley, wheat and rye. It kills microorganisms on the skin and reduces swelling. 

4. Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives): Retinol, such as Retin-A®, Tazorac® and Differin®, which is available without a prescription, breaks up blackheads and whiteheads and helps prevent clogged pores, the first signs of acne. Most people are candidates for retinoid therapy. These medications aren’t spot treatments and must be used on the entire area of skin affected by acne to prevent the formation of new pimples. You often need to use these for several months before noticing positive results. 

5. Antibiotics: Topical antibiotics like clindamycin and erythromycin control surface bacteria that aggravate and cause acne. Antibiotics are more effective when combined with benzoyl peroxide. 

6. Dapsone: Dapsone (Aczone®) is a topical gel, which also has antibacterial properties. It treats inflamed acne. 

Oral Acne Medications 

Oral acne medicines are pills that you take by mouth to treat your acne. Oral acne medicines may include: 

1. Antibiotics: Antibiotics treat acne caused by bacteria. Common antibiotics for acne include tetracycline, minocycline and doxycycline. These are best for moderate to severe acne. 

2. Isotretinoin (Amnesteem®, Claravis® and Sotret®): Isotretinoin is an oral retinoid. Isotretinoin shrinks the size of oil glands, which contributes to acne formation. 

3. Contraceptives: The use of certain contraceptives can sometimes help women and people AFAB who have acne. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved several types of birth control pills for treating acne. Some brand names include Estrostep®, Beyaz®, Ortho Tri-Cyclen® and Yaz®. These pills contain a combination of estrogen (the primary AFAB sex hormone) and progesterone (a natural form of steroid that helps regulate menstruation). 

4. Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy is helpful for some people with acne, especially if you experience acne flare-ups during menstruation or irregular periods caused by excess androgen (a hormone). Hormone therapy consists of low-dose estrogen and progesterone (birth control pills) or a medication called spironolactone that blocks the effect of certain hormones at the level of your hair follicles and oil glands. 

How Do You Get Rid of Acne at Home? 

If you have acne, you can start an at-home skin care program to make it go away by: 

1. Wash your skin at least once daily with warm (not hot) water and a gentle cleanser. Cleansers are over-the-counter skin care products that help clean your skin. 

2. Wash your skin after you exercise or sweat. 

3. Avoid using skin care products with alcohol, astringents, toners and exfoliants, which can irritate your skin. 

4. Removing your makeup at the end of the day or before you go to bed. 

5. Choosing an oil-free moisturizer to apply on your skin after cleansing. 

6. Avoid popping, picking or squeezing your acne. Let your skin heal naturally to prevent scars from forming on your skin. 

If your ‘at-home acne treatment’ isn’t working, you should see a doctor. 

How Long Does It Take for Acne to Go Away? 

Acne breakouts often disappear within a week to two weeks without treatment. Acne can clear up more quickly with the help of medication and a proper skin care routine. It may take several weeks of treatment for severe acne to clear up. 

Because it affects your appearance and self-esteem, acne can disrupt your mental health. Acne is often uncontrollable if hormones are at blame. This can lead to stress, which can have an impact on future breakouts. Teenagers and young adults may struggle with acne. If your acne is causing you anxiety or preventing you from participating in social activities with your friends and family, speak with a healthcare practitioner or a mental health expert.