What is Acne? Acne Treatment and Solutions

Acne is a very common skin problem that occurs when the hair follicles and sebaceous glands in the skin are affected. It is usually seen on the face, forehead, chest, back and shoulders. It may appear as blackheads, whiteheads, acne, rashes and deeper inflammatory lesions.

Although acne is common especially during adolescence, it is not specific to young people. It may continue into adulthood or appear for the first time. The severity of acne may vary from person to person and may cause scarring or color changes on the skin in some people.

In this article, we discuss what acne is, its causes, symptoms, types of acne, treatment options, and skin care methods that can help reduce acne formation.

What is Acne?

Acne is a skin disease that develops as a result of the blockage of hair follicles with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells and the accompanying inflammatory process.

Sebaceous glands in the skin produce an oily substance called sebum. Sebum helps protect the skin's natural barrier. However, excess sebum production, accumulation of dead skin cells and clogging of hair follicles can predispose to acne formation.

Depending on the appearance and inflammation of the clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, or deeper acne lesions may occur.

Acne is not just a cosmetic problem. Acne, especially if it is severe or persists for a long time, can cause permanent scars on the skin and negatively affect the person psychologically.

What Causes Acne?

There is no single cause for the formation of acne. Genetic characteristics, hormones, sebum production, the way skin cells renew and the inflammatory process occurring in hair follicles may play a role together.

Factors that may affect acne formation include:

• Changes in hormones
• Increased sebum production during adolescence
• genetic predisposition
• Clogging of hair follicles with dead skin cells
• Inflammatory processes in the skin
• Use of certain medications
• stress
• Some cosmetics and skin care products clog pores
• Hormonal changes associated with menstrual periods in women

The idea that acne occurs only because of "dirty skin" is not true. On the contrary, over-washing the skin or frequently cleansing it with harsh products can increase irritation and worsen the appearance of acne.

What are the symptoms of acne?

Symptoms of acne may vary depending on the type and severity of skin lesions.

The most common symptoms are:

• black spots
• white spots
• red pimples
• Inflamed acne
• Skin sensitivity
• Painful, deep lesions
• Oily skin
• Dark or red spots after acne
• Dimpled or raised marks on the skin

Although acne is especially seen on the face, it can also occur in other areas where oil glands are located, such as the back, chest, shoulders and neck.

What are the Types of Acne?

Acne can appear in different appearances. The type of lesions is important in evaluating the severity of acne and the treatment approach that can be applied.

Blackhead

Blackheads are called open comedones. It occurs as a result of pores becoming clogged with oil and dead skin cells.

Although it is thought that the color of blackheads is caused by dirt, this is not true. The content inside the pore comes into contact with air and oxidizes, causing a black appearance.

White Point

White spots are called closed comedones. When the pore is completely closed, the oil and cells accumulated inside can be seen as small, whitish bumps on the skin surface.

Inflammatory Acne

Red and inflamed pimples are among the more prominent forms of acne. Different lesions called papules and pustules may be seen.

Cystic and Nodular Acne

Painful and large lesions that occur in the deeper layers of the skin can be considered as nodular or cystic acne.

Since the risk of scarring is higher in this type of acne, it is important to be evaluated by a dermatologist and plan the appropriate treatment.

How to Treat Acne?

Acne treatment varies depending on the person's age, skin type, type and severity of acne, and whether there are scars on the skin.

For mild acne, topical products, that is, products applied to the skin, can be used. If deemed appropriate by the dermatologist, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinoid or some other active ingredients can be used.

For moderate and severe acne, different treatment options may be available. These may include prescription topical treatments, some antibiotic treatments, hormonal treatments, or oral isotretinoin in suitable patients.

Not every acne treatment is suitable for every person. It is especially not recommended to start or stop prescription medications without a dermatologist's evaluation.

How Should Skin Care Be In Acne Treatment?

In addition to acne treatment, it is also important to establish a proper skin care routine.

For acne-prone skin:

• The skin can be cleansed with a gentle cleanser.
• Products that excessively dry or irritate the skin should be avoided.
• Products that are less likely to clog pores may be preferred.
• Pimples should not be squeezed or picked.
• Sunscreen should be used.
• A moisturizer suitable for your skin type can be used.
• Frequent peeling or harsh physical practices should not be done.

It is important to be patient in acne treatment. It may take time for the effect of the treatment used to be seen. It is a better approach to continue the treatment according to the recommendations of the dermatologist rather than changing the treatment on your own as it does not yield results in a short time.

Is Squeezing Acne Harmful?

Squeezing or picking at acne lesions can increase skin inflammation and prolong the healing process.

Squeezing especially deep and inflamed acne can cause damage to skin tissue, blemishes and permanent acne scars.

For this reason, instead of mechanically squeezing acne, appropriate skin care and, when necessary, treatments planned by a dermatologist should be preferred.

How to Get Rid of Acne Scars?

After acne heals, redness, dark spots or dimple-shaped scars may remain on the skin. Their treatment varies depending on the type and depth of the scar.

Different methods can be used in the treatment of acne scars after being evaluated by a dermatologist. Topical treatments, chemical peeling, laser applications, microneedling and some other dermatological procedures can be evaluated in suitable patients.

However, while active acne continues, it may be necessary to control the acne first rather than directly treating scars.

When to Consult a Dermatologist for Acne?

Acne may be mild and temporary. However, in some cases, a dermatologist's evaluation is important.

Expert opinion should be sought in the following cases:

• If acne has been going on for a long time
• If acne is increasing gradually
• If painful and deep lesions occur
• If you have intense acne in large areas such as back and chest
• If noticeable spots or scars begin to appear due to acne
• If there is no improvement despite the skin care products used
• If acne negatively affects a person's self-confidence or daily life
• If severe acne suddenly appeared in adulthood

New-onset and recurring acne, especially in adults, may be associated with hormonal changes or other health conditions, so a dermatology evaluation should be performed when necessary.

Get Expert Support for Your Skin Health with Happ Health

With the "Health Everywhere, For Everyone, Always" approach, we believe that acne should not be seen only as an aesthetic problem, but skin health should be evaluated holistically.

If you need expert advice on acne, recurrent acne, skin blemishes or acne scars, contact Happ Health. Online Dermatology You can benefit from the service. By contacting dermatology specialists, you can evaluate your skin complaints and receive professional health support suitable for your skin type and needs.

Early dermatology evaluation is important, especially for acne that is painful, deep, or starting to leave scars. A dermatologist can evaluate the type and severity of acne and guide you to appropriate treatment options.