Introduction
Acne, whether in the form of whiteheads or blackheads, pimples or cysts, is medically classified as "acne." Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, characterized by chronic inflammation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands. It primarily affects individuals during their adolescent years, often referred to as "teenage acne." However, acne is not limited to just teenagers and is closely linked to hormonal imbalances. It can persist beyond adolescence and have detrimental effects on one's appearance, psychological well-being, and self-confidence.
Different Types of Acne
These are the different types of Acne so you can diagnose yourself.
Microcomedones
Small, inconspicuous elevations on the skin, typically found on the cheeks, nose, and other areas, are a result of excessive sebum production and the accumulation of keratinocytes, leading to clogged pores and the formation of microcomedones.
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Papules & Pustules
Papules are a type of acne characterized by redness, swelling, and the presence of pustules. These pustules result from the anaerobic fermentation of Propionibacterium acnes within clogged sebaceous follicles filled with whiteheads.
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Pustular acne is visibly marked by the presence of white or yellowish pus. This pus is a combination of white blood cells, dead cells, skin oils, and other debris within the follicles.
Whiteheads
Whiteheads, also known as closed comedones or closed pores, are usually painless and blend in with the skin's colour. They can be gently squeezed to release a cheesy or firm mixture of sebum and skin debris.
Cysts
Cystic acne is a severe form of acne, with numerous large nodules visible on the skin's surface. These nodules or cysts may become inflamed and pus-filled before rupturing and discharging blood and pus.
Blackheads
Blackheads are often concentrated on the nose, chin, and forehead. Their appearance is marked by dark spots, with some larger blackheads protruding. Upon extraction, they reveal brown or black-tipped sebum granules.
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Nodules
Nodular acne occurs when inflammation develops deep within the skin, resulting in subcutaneous pustular lesions. Due to their depth, they may not exhibit any surface signs or appear as faintly red or purple lumps, often accompanied by pain.
Cause of Acne
Environmental Factors: Sudden changes in climate and local conditions can disrupt the body's hormone regulation, affecting sebum production and promoting bacterial growth.
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Weather Changes: Fluctuations in weather can influence oil production in the skin. The combination of sweat and skin oils can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth.
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Stress: Prolonged stress and irregular sleep patterns can lead to hormonal fluctuations, disrupting the endocrine system and triggering acne breakouts.
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All these factors can impact hormone levels, while Propionibacterium acnes, an anaerobic bacterium residing in our pores, plays a significant role in inflaming follicles and causing symptoms such as pimples and blackheads when pores become blocked.
Treatments
Chemical Skin Peels
Chemical skin peels are effective for eradicating pigmentation acne scars. By expediting the turnover of epidermal cells and removing accumulated dead skin cells, chemical peels stimulate skin cell rejuvenation. Different concentrations of chemical peels are used based on the type of pigmentation acne scars.
Glycolic Acid Peel is ideal for sensitive skin, glycolic acid peels not only alleviate inflammation caused by acne but also inhibit melanin production. They remove surface-accumulated aged keratinocytes, stimulate cell activation, and accelerate melanin metabolism to eliminate such scars.
