Youlan Li
As a teenager, one common issue almost certainly expect to encounter is acne. Over 85% of teenagers experience this skin condition, characterized by clogged pores (whiteheads, blackheads), painful pimples, and occasionally, hard, deep lumps on various parts of the face, neck, shoulders, chest, back, and upper arms. So now you may ask, what are the causes of acne and what are some useful tips in managing this skin condition?
To begin, there are various types of acne that appear differently. The first type to introduce here is whiteheads, which are small white dots formed when pores get clogged with oil and dead skin cells, covered by layers of skin. Blackheads are small black bumps formed when pores become clogged, and material is pushed out through the follicles. Then, papules, pustules, or nodules are more severe lesions that appear red and swollen due to inflammation or infection of the tissue surrounding the clogged follicles, which are often painful and feel hard. The last type here are cysts, which are deep, pus-filled pimples that are larger and more serious in nature.
Before getting to know acne, it’s essential to understand the functioning of the skin the pores in the skin contain oil glands. During puberty, there is an increase in sex hormones called androgen. These excess hormones cause the oil glands to become overactive, enlarge, and produce an excess of oil, also known as sebum. When there is an abundance of sebum, the pores or hail follicles become clogged with skin cells. Additionally, the increased oil creates an environment for the overgrowth of bacteria known as Cutibacterium acnes.
If the blocked pores become infected or inflamed, a pimple forms, characterized by a raised red spot with a white center. A whitehead occurs when the pore is clogged, closed, and bulges, while a blackhead develops when the pore remains open, and the top appears blackish due to oxidation or exposure to air (not because of skin being "dirty").
When bacteria thrive within the blocked pore, a pustule may appear, indicating that the pimple becomes red and inflamed. Cysts form when the blockage and inflammation deep inside the pores give rise to large, painful lumps beneath the skin's surface.
Acne can be triggered by hormonal changes related to birth control pills, menstrual periods, and pregnancy. External factors, such as heavy face creams, cosmetics, hair dyes, and greasy hair ointments, can also contribute to pore blockage. Clothing that rubs against the skin, especially on the back and chest, may worsen acne. Additionally, heavy sweating during exercise and exposure to hot, humid climates can have an impact. Stress is known to trigger increased oil production, which is why many teens experience a new crop of pimples on the first day of school or just before important events like a big date.
What are some tips for managing acne?
The most important is to keep your skin clean. Washing your face every day with your fingertip, as using sponges, or washcloths may irritate your skin. In addition, sticking to one acne treatment consistently since frequent changes can irritate your skin and cause breakouts, which are the excess sebum. Furthermore, certain acne medications can also make your skin highly sensitive to the harmful UV rays emitted by the sun and tanning beds.
What are some risk factors for acne?
As we commonly know, individuals of all ages can get acne, but it’s most prevalent in teens. The hormonal change occurs during puberty and pregnancy resulting in an increase in the amount of acne. Friction or pressure on your skin and greasy or oil substances may also be contributing factors. Finally, acne is influenced by genetic factors, and if there is a history of acne in your family, it increases the likelihood of you developing it as well.
References
Acne - Symptoms and causes. (2022, October 8). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved August 1, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047
Acne: Tips for managing. (2022, November 16). American Academy of Dermatology. Retrieved August 1, 2023, from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/tips
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