PROBLEMATIC SKIN (ACNE)

Apr 4, 2022

Problematic Skin (Acne)

Also classified as acne, presents in varying degrees and symptoms as specified below. It affects people of all races and ethnic groups.  It can appear or reappear in adults in their 20’s, 30’s or even into their 40’s or 50’s.  Almost everyone has at least a little of it at one point or another in their life.  A few whiteheads or blackheads or an occasional small red pimple can usually be tolerated.  However, persistent, or severe acne is much more troubling.  It affects more than just the skin and shows up as any or all of the below conditions:

  • Enlarged pores
  • Oiliness
  • Uneven texture
  • Blackheads and whiteheads
  • Inflammation
  • Pus-filled reddish bumps
  • Boil like tender swellings
  • Scarring

There are two types of Problematic Skins: Acne Prone and Active Acne

Active acne consists of all the above in just a much more severe form

Any acne treatment takes a least a few weeks to work.  Once a breakout has occurred, healing is gradual.  It is better to prevent the breakouts from happening in the first place.  Therefore, acne treatments should be used all the time, not just when lesions appear.

 

Male with acne on his forehead

 

ACNE VULGARIS

Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by areas of skin with seborrhoea, comedones, papules, pustules, nodules and possibly scarring.

It affects the face, upper part of the chest, and the back.  The lesions are caused by changes in skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland.

Acne is unique as a skin condition and a very controversial one because it does not only affect people with “oily skin”.  It’s true cause is the skin’s texture

 

ACNE ORIGIN

There are a few structures and hormones within the skin and body that play a major role in the formation of acne

 

6 MAJOR FACTORS THAT LEAD TO THE PRODUCTION OF ACNE

  1. Retention hyperkeratosis – dead skin cells does not slouch off and block follicle
  1. Hair is absent or very weak – hair move sebum and sweat to the surface
  1. Sebum within the sebaceous gland is thicker and stickier
  1. Effect of androgen hormones on the sebaceous gland, predominantly testosterone, causing an enlargement of the sebaceous glands creating more space in which sebum can be produced.
  1. Activity of propioni bacteria (p acnes)- it is an anaerobic bacterium which means that it cannot survive when exposed to oxygen. Blockages of the pores due to dead skin not being slouched off creates a favourable environment for p acnes to survive and breed.  The hormone induced overproduction of sebum trapped in the follicle result in a breeding ground for bacteria to grow and thrive.
  1. Inflammation- the sign of the bodies healing process and can be acute or chronic. As the follicle become filled with sebum, dead cells, and bacteria, it begins to swell, and the follicle wall ruptures and spills into the dermis.  Redness and swelling occurs when the white blood cells rush in to fight the bacteria, creating pus.  A pimple has now formed.  Near the surface the rupture in the follicle wall heals quickly, deeper down in the dermis it is more severe and lesions such as nodules and cysts can develop

 

CAUSES OF PROBLEMATIC SKIN

The primary cause of acne is still unknown.  Some of the crucial factors that may aggravate acne includes hormonal changes, medication, diet, evolutionary biology and possibly stress.  Acne can appear on the skin in the form of pimples, blackheads, congested pores, or cysts.

  1. Hormonal Changes – Acne can by nature be considered a hormonal disease. Hormonal changes happen during puberty, pregnancy or menopause and are caused due to androgen and testosterone hormones present in the body.  The oil build-up clogs the hair follicles where bacteria grow and causes acne, pimples and blemishes
  1. Medication – several medications are known to cause acne or aggravate acne. These include:
  • Certain types of birth control pills
  • Anti-depressants
  • Anabolic steroids
  • Medication that contains lithium and iodine
  • Isoniazid and Rifampin
  • Certain anti-epileptic medications can contribute or further aggravate acne
  1. Chemicals – Chlorinated industrial chemicals can create a disorder called chloracne, which is a type of rash that is caused by exposure to chlorinate industrial chemicals or herbicides
  1. Physical Pressure or Friction– this type of acne occurs when the skin is exposed to heat, undergoing repetitive friction, covered for long periods of time or is under excess pressure. A few examples are:
  • Tight or synthetic clothes
  • Pressure of heavy backpacks
  • Athletes wearing tight headbands or helmets
  • Repetitive tasks that may irritate the skin
  1. Genetics – Heredity can be one of the reasons behind acne breakouts. It is not strictly an inherited condition, but many adolescent children with acne come from families that also suffered from this disorder.
  1. Pollution – Dirt, dust, oils, humidity, and pollution in the environment can clog pores and worsen acne
  1. Cosmetics – Several fragrances commonly found in cosmetics such as ambrette, musk, bergamot and cinnamate are known to be acne triggers. Some dyes in makeup and oils in cosmetics contribute to blocked pores.  Look for products labelled “non-acnegenic” or “non-comedogenic”.

 

ACNE MYTHS

  • Eating badly causes acne
  • Poor hygiene causes acne
  • Wearing moisturiser causes spots
  • Removing blackheads and whiteheads prevents acne
  • Acne is contagious
  • Tanning cures acne
  • Scrubs are great for acne
  • Sweating cleans out pores
Call Now