Acne is one of the most common skin problems, and the majority of people experience it at some point in their lives. Acne affects young people in particular, but increasingly also adults, as at least adult acne in women is suspected to have become more common.
What Causes Acne?
There are four factors behind acne: disturbed sebum production in the skin, mainly caused by the male hormone testosterone, also in women; blockage of the skin pores, or follicles; bacterial growth in blocked skin; and an inflammatory reaction. Acne is often associated with a strong genetic predisposition, and hormonal factors may also contribute to its development. Stress, diet, and other lifestyle factors may also sometimes play a contributing role, especially in people prone to acne.
Different Forms of Acne
Acne occurs in different forms, and the subtype of acne affects its treatment. The most common types of acne are:
Comedonal acne – Blackheads and whiteheads.
Papulopustular acne – Inflamed pimples that appear as red papules or pustules.
Cystic acne – Deep and painful abscesses under the skin, often causing significant scarring.
Acne Treatment
- Skin Cleansing
Good daily skin cleansing is the foundation of acne treatment. However, use a gentle cleansing product. Cleansing the skin too aggressively can irritate and dry the skin, which may also worsen the situation. Abrasive exfoliating products are not suitable for treating inflamed skin.
- Products That Treat and Prevent Acne
Products containing benzoyl peroxide are available from pharmacies without a prescription. When using benzoyl peroxide, it is important to remember its bleaching effect on textiles and to use white towels and pillowcases. Salicylic acid and azelaic acid are also cosmetic ingredients that are effective against acne.
- Nutrition and Other Lifestyle Factors
Although the connection between diet and acne is not entirely straightforward, studies suggest that certain foods may worsen or trigger acne. In particular, a high intake of sugar and fast carbohydrates, as well as milk protein/whey, may increase the risk of acne. Thick, pore-clogging cosmetics and skin oils may also sometimes be a poor choice for acne-prone skin. Continuous stress may also have a negative effect on the skin condition.
- Treatments by a Dermatologist and Cosmetologist
If acne does not improve with home care, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. They can prescribe acne medications taken orally as well as medications applied directly to the skin. Oral acne medications include antibiotics and isotretinoin, and for women also contraceptive pills and spironolactone. Medications applied to the skin include vitamin A derivatives, or retinoids, azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics, and combinations of these. Oral medications and topical medications are also often combined. Once the inflammation has calmed down, or if there is very little inflammation, as in comedonal acne, skin cleansing performed by a skilled cosmetologist may be a useful part of the treatment already during acne medication.
In acne requiring medical treatment, the treatment is always tailored individually, taking into account not only the severity and type of acne, but also the patient’s skin type, any other factors, such as pregnancy plans or medications for underlying conditions, and the patient’s own wishes.
- Acne Scar Treatment
The risk of scarring is greatest in severe acne, but even mild acne can sometimes cause scarring if the skin is prone to it. Scars cannot be removed completely, but they can be treated using various methods. These include different laser treatments for the skin, microneedling, surgical scar removal, TCA CROSS and other acid treatments, collagen stimulators such as PLLA (Sculptra), other biostimulatory injectable treatments, hyaluronic acid fillers, and, increasingly today, different combinations of these treatments. Optimal treatment of acne scars should be started as early as possible, as treatment results are better in fairly recent scars. In light of newer research evidence, isotretinoin treatment, for example, is no longer a reason to postpone treatment of bothersome scars. In practice, optimal acne scar treatment always requires several treatment sessions.
Finally
Acne has been shown to reduce quality of life and even predispose to depression and anxiety. However, there is no longer any need to suffer from acne today, as treatments are effective and there are many different treatment options available. In addition, it is good to remember that the best treatment for acne scars is always their prevention.