Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that causes spots to develop on the skin, usually on the face, chest, and back. It affects people of all ages, most commonly teenagers during puberty and young adults, particularly women in their mid to late 20s.

Acne can vary from mild, where the occasional pimple may appear, to severe, which can cause painful nodules and cysts. No matter the severity, acne can impact much more than just how your skin looks to the naked eye; it can affect your confidence and how comfortable you feel in your skin.

Unfortunately, there is no miraculous cure for acne. However, there are ways to manage and treat your skin at home using the right skincare products. Discover our tips on how to prevent and reduce acne and learn more about your pimples here.

Types of acne

There are five main types of acne.

Blackheads
Whiteheads
Papules
Pustules
Nodules

Causes of acne

There are many different causes of acne. Sometimes, pimples appear when the hair follicles on your skin are blocked by dirt and oils. Occasionally, acne is caused by several contributing factors, some of which can be easily prevented, while others, like stress, will be trickier to tackle.

Hormones

During puberty, hormones called androgens (testosterone) increase the size of the skin’s oil glands, which produces more oil, and ultimately clogs pores.

Sensitivity to this hormone — combined with surface bacteria on your skin and substances released from your body’s glands — is also a common reason behind acne.

Stress

While stress doesn’t directly cause acne, it sure triggers or worsens it by changing a person’s hormone balance. For example, the body releases cortisol when stressed, which may worsen acne.

Genetics

Researchers determine that genetics also play a role in becoming acne resistant in adulthood. People with first-degree relatives who had adult acne were shown to be more likely to have it themselves.

Certain medications

Drug-induced acne is sometimes a side effect of medications, such as vitamin B12, thyroid hormones, antibiotics (tetracycline and streptomycin), antituberculosis drugs (INH), etc.

Fatty foods and sugar

According to a study, frequent consumption of foods containing high sugar or fat concentrations was associated with 54% more chance of acne. This increased risk may be explained by refined carbohydrates' effects on blood sugar and insulin levels.

The location of your acne can also help you understand the cause and understand why your pesky pimples aren’t going anywhere.

What does the location of acne means

Acne on the forehead

Acne on the forehead is often linked to excess oil production, hormonal changes, clogged pores, stress, and poor hygiene. It may also be triggered by hair products, such as gels, oils, or waxes, and digestive issues and diet, like consuming greasy foods.

Acne on the cheeks

Acne on the cheeks is often associated with bacteria, dirty pillowcases, frequent face touching, and not cleaning makeup brushes. It can also be linked to poor skincare habits, clogged pores, and environmental pollutants that may further contribute to breakouts in this area.

Acne on the nose

Acne on the nose is often linked to excess oil and sebum production. When combined with dead skin, dirt, or bacteria, this sebum contributes to breakouts in this area.

Acne on the chin and around the mouth

Acne on the chin and around the mouth is often linked to hormonal fluctuations, especially during menstruation, pregnancy, or stress. It can also result from diet, particularly dairy and high-sugar foods.

How to prevent acne and pimples

Wash your face twice a day

Properly washing your face at least twice daily is important for maintaining healthy, clear skin. Here are some steps to follow for a thorough and effective face wash:

First, wet your face with water, preferably warm.
Next, apply antibacterial soap to your hands and lather it up.
Next, gently massage the soap into your face for at least two minutes, paying extra attention to areas prone to breakouts.
Finally, rinse your face thoroughly with water, making sure to remove all of the soap.
Pat your face dry with a clean towel, careful not to rub or scrub the skin. Rubbing can irritate and even lead to breakouts.

Use the right products for your skin

Using the right skin products is important for preventing acne and maintaining clear and healthy skin. However, knowing and understanding your skin type is important before choosing skincare products.

Here's a breakdown of the most common skin types and some product recommendations for each:

Dry skin: If your skin is dry, you'll want to look for hydrating and moisturizing products. Look for gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers designed specifically for dry skin. You may also want to use a hydrating serum or facial oil to add extra moisture.
Oily skin: If you have oily skin, look for lightweight and non-comedogenic products (meaning they won't clog your pores). Avoid heavy creams and oils, as these can make your skin feel greasy. Instead, look for gel-based cleansers and lightweight moisturizers. You may also want to use a toner that contains salicylic acid to control oil production.
Sensitive skin: If you have sensitive skin, look for products free of fragrances and harsh chemicals. Look for gentle, non-irritating cleansers and moisturizers specifically designed for sensitive skin. Use a mineral-based sunscreen that won't irritate.

Stay hydrated

When dehydrated, your skin can become dry and dull, and to compensate, it produces more oil, clogging pores and leading to breakouts. So by drinking plenty of water, you can help to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

In addition, staying hydrated is important for overall health as well as for healthy skin. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water daily, and more if you're exercising or in a hot environment.

Destress

Stress is a common part of life and can negatively affect our physical and mental health. One such effect is acne, which can be caused or worsened by stress.

Some activities and hobbies to destress and reduce the likelihood of developing acne include yoga, meditation, journaling, and exercise.

Other stress-relieving activities include reading, listening to music, spending time in nature, and spending time with loved ones. By making time for these activities and hobbies, people can reduce their stress levels and improve their overall well-being, including the health of their skin.

Showering

Showering regularly helps prevent acne and pimples by washing away excess oil, sweat, and bacteria that clog pores and cause breakouts.

A good hygiene routine keeps your skin fresh and clear. For even better results, use an antibacterial body wash—it deeply hydrates and replenishes moisture while providing protection against 99.9% of acne-causing bacteria and keeps your skin healthy.

Acne myths and truths

Adults don't get acne

False. Acne has no age limit. But hormones do play a key role in adult spots. The thing to remember is this: generally, adult skin is less oily than teen skin.

Squeezing your spots will get rid of them quicker

False. Squeezing spots, whether they are blackheads or whiteheads, makes the problem worse and may eventually lead to scarring.

Toothpaste clears up acne

False. Toothpaste contains several ingredients designed to clean and whiten teeth, but they are not intended for use on the skin. These ingredients include baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, menthol, and naturally acidic pH, which can cause skin irritation and dryness depending on your sensitivity.

Acne is long-lasting

True. It is quite normal for certain types of acne to take a long time to clear up. This is because acne forms deep within the skin and can persist if you’re not taking care of your skin, taking certain medications, or having certain health conditions.

Excessive sun exposure can cause acne

True. Although people might believe that tanning will help reduce acne, sunbathing can be very harmful. Excessive exposure to the sun dries skin out, causing the sebaceous glands to initiate excess sebum production - ultimately leading to more acne and spots.

FAQs

Can makeup cause acne?

Yes, heavy or oil-based makeup can clog pores and cause breakouts. Use non-comedogenic and oil-free products, and always remove makeup before bed.

How long do red acne marks take to fade?

The red acne marks that are not scars but just temporarily discolored usually take 3-6 months to disappear.

What foods cause acne?

You are more likely to have acne if your diet contains soda, white bread, white rice, and cake. This is because these items have sugar and carbohydrates that enter your bloodstream quickly. That means they are high on the glycemic index, a measure of how foods affect blood sugar.