It is a skin disorder resulting from inflammation of skin glands and hair follicles. It is characterised by the appearance of pimples mostly on the face, back and chest. It occurs equally among both men and women, and is most intense in teenagers around 17 years of age.

Acne is caused by increased levels of androgens or hormones usually around puberty. Due to these increased levels of hormones the body’s sweat glands start to produce an excess of sebum (oil) and the rate of skin cell renewal dramatically increases. The production of sebum is what normally keeps our skin well lubricated and helps to remove dead cells from hair follicles. When too much sebum is produced, and the extra cells clump together, the resultant plug (comedo) blocks the opening of the hair follicles. The blockages lead to mild forms of acne and blackheads. Pimples, pustules, nodules and deep cysts are more severe forms of acne involving follicle wall breakdown, inflammation, redness and puss. Deeper skin layers are affected and pain and scarring can result.

Acne can present as inflamed or non-inflamed and can appear in degrees of severity from whiteheads right up to pus filled cysts. Inflamed and infected acne can be read and painful due to the swelling. Skin damage and scarring can result so treatment in the early stages is desired.

Common Acne Treatments

A wide range of effective treatments are available for the treatment of acne. They come in two forms; topical treatments (applied to the skin) and oral medicines (taken by mouth). While mild acne usually responds to self-care measures and topical treatments, more severe cases may require prescription drugs. Although several treatment options are available, treatment in the more severe cases may need to be continued for at least 6-8 weeks before results are visible.

The right treatment can reduce the risk that your skin will be damaged or scarred from acne. Treatment products work by removing follicle plugs and opening blocked pores, removing excess grease and bacteria, and reducing inflammation – the factors that lead to the development of acne.

What Makes Acne Worse?

• Hormones, especially in women just before their period.
• Some medicines and contraceptive pills
• Stress has been shown to be a major factor.
• Oil based skin care and make-up products
• Excessive sweating
• Scratching, squeezing or picking pimples
• Clothing that rubs your skin
• Working with oils or greases, and jobs that make you sweaty and hot
• Some people believe that certain foods such as chocolate can cause acne or make it worse. There is actually no evidence to prove this.

Acne can be controlled. You should cleanse your skin gently twice daily to control excess oil. Skin cleansers and medicated washes containing antiseptic agents, are useful in de-greasing the skin and reducing bacteria on the skins surface. There are many products on the market place some of the successful ones include Dermalogica and Murad. Both of this ranges are produced by dermatologists and are shown to be effective.

Preventive measures can help manage your acne once a breakout has been controlled. These include avoiding heavy make up, all of which should be removed before bed time, showering regularly, especially after exercise, and using skin care products to rid the skin of excessive oil, and eat healthily.