ACNE

Acne, or “acne vulgaris”, is an oily skin condition where skin’s sebaceous glands produce excess sebum. This causes pores to become clogged with dead cells and sebum. Sometimes, the process stops there, resulting in blackheads and whiteheads. This is known as “retentional acne”. In more severe cases, bacteria multiply in the trapped sebum and cause inflammation in the skin, resulting in superficial pimples called pustules, or deeper, hard and painful lesions called nodules and cysts. This is called “inflammatory acne”.

WHAT CAUSES ACNE?

In acne, an inbalance in hormones called androgens cause the sebaceous gland to produce lots of oil. The same hormones cause increased production of skin cells lining pores. Pores then get clogged with a mixture of cells and sebum, becoming a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria. This results in several types of pimple ranging from red spots to pustules or deep, painful cysts.

HOW CAN I GET RID OF ACNE?

Mild acne can be managed with the right dermocosmetic solutions. Gently cleanse skin twice daily with a micellar water or foaming cleansing gel. Follow with daily skincare with active ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide and piroctone olamine. If these measures are not enough, see your dermatologist to ask about medical treatments such as retinoids, antibiotics and isotretinoin.