Have you ever woken up one morning only to find that you’ve gotten a new pimple on your special day? We can guarantee that this scenario is definitely relatable to many of you. What’s worse is that this acne will leave an awful aftermath – a dark scar that’s going to take months to fade away. If this battle sounds like something you are experiencing, you are not alone.
Records have shown that around 80 percent of people between the age of 11-30 years old will develop acne, and 20 percent of these will progress into acne scars. Acne is commonly found on the chest, back, shoulder, jawline, and t-zone, but it can also develop on other parts of the body. If you’re experiencing troubled skin and can’t seem to find a way to win this battle, visit a reputable skin clinic for help. Rest assured that you will be getting professional help for those pimples.
In this blog, we will offer a basic introduction to acne – from the various types of acne, its underlying causes, and different techniques to prevent acne scars.
There are common whiteheads and blackheads that are irritating but cause zero to minor scarring when treated appropriately. Then, there are more severe acne like…
Papules: Pink or red bumps that are painful when touched.
Pustules: A bump with pus underneath. They are usually red at the bottom and yellow or white at the tip.
Nodules: More painful than papules and pustules as they develop deeper under the skin. They are usually also larger.
Cysts: Painful, filled with pus, and have the highest possibility of causing scars.
Changing Hormones: Teenagers going through puberty and pregnant adults have elevated androgen levels, which leads to higher oil production. This causes clogged pores.
Family History: Acne is associated with genetics. If a child’s parents have acne, he/she is more likely to develop acne as they mature.
Touching and Rubbing: Too much touching and rubbing against the skin causes the oil and dirt to clog pores, forming acne.
Medication: Certain drugs can trigger acne because it influences hormones. These can include steroids, testosterone, estrogen, and phenytoin.
One common belief that people often have – Does too much “stress” also causes acne?
No, stress alone is not the direct cause of acne. However, studies have shown that higher levels of stress lead to intensified severity of acne. In addition, the food we eat, the amount of sleep we get, and the lifestyle we live can all become the causes of acne.
At some point in life, it’s normal to grow a pimple or two. What’s important is that the right care steps are taken to prevent acne scars on the skin because these lingering marks will take a long while to fade.
Here’s a go-to guide on what to do to minimize the risk of acne scarring and ensure blemish-free skin.
As topical treatment causes the top layer of the treated area to peel, it’s crucial to wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30 to prevent the scars from getting darker.
For most people, acne usually resolves on its own after adolescence, but in some cases, it may prolong into middle age. If you begin to feel that over-the-counter medication does not work over an extended period, your acne is worsening, and you are experiencing elevated emotional stress and depression, it’s best to seek assistance from your trustable skin clinics. Professional advice can help address the root cause of acne problems and provide an individualized treatment plan to manage skin issues effectively.
