What Causes Acne: Prevention & Treatment

Have you ever felt overwhelmed and helpless due to persistent acne that resists conventional treatments? You're not alone. At Clarion Medical and Aesthetics, we understand the psychological and physical burden that acne can place on an individual. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies and advanced treatment modalities, we provide customised care that addresses not only the symptoms but also the root causes of acne. By focusing on personalised treatment plans, we ensure that each of our patients can achieve the best possible outcomes for their skin conditions, fostering not just healing but also confidence.

What Is Acne?

Acne is more than just a few occasional pimples. It is a chronic inflammatory dermatological condition that leads to the emergence of spots and pimples, predominantly on the face, neck, chest, shoulders, back, and upper arms. Characterised by its tenacity, acne develops due to an amalgamation of excessive sebum (oil) production, accumulation of dead skin cells, and bacterial proliferation in the pores under the skin's surface. The severity of acne can range from mild and somewhat irritating to severe and profoundly impairing, presenting in several distinct forms that affect individuals differently.

How Common Is Acne?

In Singapore, acne affects a significant portion of the population, with studies indicating that approximately 88% of teenagers and many adults experience acne at some point in their lives. The tropical climate of Singapore contributes to higher sebum production and sweat, which can exacerbate skin conditions, including acne. This prevalence is mirrored globally, with acne affecting millions, making it one of the most common skin conditions worldwide.

Symptoms

Acne signs vary depending on the severity of the condition:

Whiteheads (closed comedones)
Blackheads (open comedones)
Papules - Small red, tender bumps
Pustules (pimples) - Papules with pus at their tips
Nodules - Large, solid, painful lumps beneath the skin's surface
Cystic lesions - Painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the skin's surface

These are typically the result of hair follicles clogged by oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. The symptoms of acne can persist for a long time and might lead to significant skin changes, including scars.

What Causes Acne?

At the root of acne development is the overproduction of oil by enlarged oil glands in the skin. Coupled with the accumulation of dead skin cells, this oil forms a blockage in the hair follicles, leading to whiteheads, blackheads, and other acne lesions. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly increased androgens (male hormones present in both males and females), can trigger acne. These hormones make the oil glands overly active, further worsening the acne situation.

Environmental factors, including humidity and pollution, can also exacerbate acne, as can certain lifestyle factors like stress and diet. Moreover, the use of certain cosmetic products can precipitate or aggravate acne conditions by clogging the pores with oils or chemicals.

Types of Acne

Understanding the type of acne you have is crucial in determining the most effective treatment:

Fungal acne (Pityrosporum folliculitis): This type appears as uniform monomorphic itchy bumps and is caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the hair follicles.
Cystic acne: This severe form involves blockages and inflammation deep within the hair follicles, leading to large, painful, red cysts.
Hormonal acne: Linked to hormonal fluctuations and being common among women, this type manifests as deep, painful cysts often around the chin and jawline.
Nodular acne: Presents as hard nodules that are painful and embedded deep within the skin.

What Causes Cystic Acne?

Cystic acne results from the same factors as regular acne, involving the oil glands, hair follicles, and skin cells. However, it is distinguished by its depth and the body’s inflammatory response to trapped bacteria in the skin. The inflammation leads to large, fluid-filled cysts that are often painful to the touch and can result in significant scarring. Hormonal imbalances that increase the skin’s oil production can exacerbate this condition, making it prevalent during puberty, pregnancy, and around the menstrual cycle.

Risk Factors for Developing Acne

Several factors can increase your risk of developing acne:

Genetics: A family history of acne can predispose you to developing the condition.
Hormonal changes: Such as those during puberty, pregnancy, and with the use of oral contraceptives or hormone therapy.
Diet: High glycemic index foods and dairy products have been linked to acne.
Stress: There is a well-established connection between stress and increased acne severity.
Medications: Certain medications, like corticosteroids, testosterone, or lithium, are known to cause or worsen acne.
Cosmetics: Heavy use of skin products or makeup can block pores and lead to breakouts.
Environmental factors: High humidity and pollution can also increase acne.

How Is Acne Treated?

Acne treatment at Clarion Medical and Aesthetics is comprehensive and tailored to the individual's skin type and severity of acne:

Mild Acne Treatments:

Topical Retinoids: Encourage cell turnover, which helps unclog pores.
Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills bacteria, speeds up skin cell replacement, and clears pores.
Salicylic Acid: Helps break down blackheads and whiteheads and reduces inflammation.
Azelaic Acid: Enhances the integrity of follicular cells, inhibits the production of excess sebum, and curtails the proliferation of bacteria.
Topical Antibiotics: Reduce bacteria and fight inflammation.

Moderate Acne Treatments:

Oral Antibiotics: Used to fight infection and inflammation (e.g., tetracycline, minocycline).
Hormonal Treatments: Such as oral contraceptives, which regulate hormone levels.
Combination Topical Therapies: Use of two or more agents (e.g., benzoyl peroxide with a topical antibiotic).

Severe Acne Treatments:

Oral Isotretinoin (Accutane): Highly effective for severe or cystic acne, it reduces the size of oil glands and hence sebum production.
Therapeutic Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and promote healing in swollen cysts.
Laser and Light Therapies: Reduce the bacteria and oil production, helping to clear skin.
Chemical Peels and Microdermabrasion: Help to clear up dead skin cells and unclog pores.

How Do I Prevent Acne?

Preventing acne effectively requires a multi-faceted approach focused on lifestyle adjustments and skincare:

Maintain a Healthy Diet: Limit sugar, dairy products, and high glycaemic index foods that can trigger acne.
Proper Skin Care Regimen: Use gentle, non-abedogenic cleansers to keep your skin clean. Employ topical treatments like retinoids and benzoyl peroxide to prevent clogged pores and reduce bacterial build-up.
Regular Exfoliation: Helps to remove excess dead skin cells that might clog pores. However, be gentle to avoid causing skin irritation.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water can help detoxify your body and purify your skin.
Reduce Stress: Stress can worsen acne. Practice stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and adequate sleep.
Avoid Certain Medications: Be aware of medications like corticosteroids or lithium that can worsen acne. Discuss alternatives with your healthcare provider if needed.
Use Non-Comedogenic Makeup: Avoid oil-based or comedogenic products that can block pores. Always remove makeup before bed.
Avoid Touching Your Face: This can spread bacteria that cause pores to become inflamed.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun: Use an oil-free sunscreen because some acne medications may increase photosensitivity.
Seek Professional Help: Regular consultations with a dermatologist can help manage acne effectively, especially if it is persistent.

Book a Consultation Today!

Struggling to manage your acne? Book a consultation with Clarion Medical and Aesthetics today to explore treatment options tailored specifically to your skin type and acne condition. Our experts are committed to providing you with the care and advice you need to achieve and maintain clear skin.

FAQ Section

What causes back acne in females?

Back acne in females can be particularly stubborn. It's primarily caused by the overproduction of oil and the accumulation of dead skin cells in the pores. Hormonal changes, especially those related to the menstrual cycle, can exacerbate this condition. Clothing and gear that trap sweat and bacteria against the skin can also contribute to breakouts on the back, as can certain hair and skin products that drip onto the back and irritate the skin.

What advanced treatments are available for stubborn acne scars?

Treatments like fractional CO2 laser therapy, micro-needling, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can significantly improve the appearance of acne scars by stimulating collagen production and promoting skin renewal.

How does diet influence acne?

While no definitive diet causes acne, high glycaemic foods and dairy have been implicated in exacerbating acne flare-ups by influencing hormone levels and inflammation.

Can lifestyle changes really improve acne?

Yes, lifestyle factors such as stress management, a balanced diet, and proper skin care can markedly improve acne symptoms by reducing factors that contribute to oil production and inflammation.

What's the link between stress and acne?

Stress increases the production of hormones such as cortisol, which can worsen acne by increasing oil production in the skin's glands.

Why is it essential to choose non-comedogenic products?

Non-comedogenic products are specifically formulated to not clog pores, which is crucial in preventing the formation of new acne lesions.

How do hormonal fluctuations trigger acne?

Hormonal fluctuations, particularly increases in androgens, can increase sebum production, leading to clogged pores and acne outbreaks.

What role do oral contraceptives play in acne management?

Oral contraceptives can regulate hormone levels, significantly reducing breakouts in women with hormonal acne by decreasing the amount of androgens in the body, which in turn reduces sebum production.