Causes, Treatment and Prevention of Acne

Acne is a fairly common condition that affects both teenagers and adults. While it's usually present on the face, blemishes can also occur on the back, chest, neck and arms. While persistent pimples and blemishes can have a negative impact on a person's self-esteem, there are many effective treatments available.

Causes

An accumulation of bacteria on the skin, increasing amounts of oil production and the abnormal shedding of dead skin cells are all factors that contribute to the development of breakouts. Hair follicles can become clogged with dead skin cells and oil, causing a plug to form inside the follicle.

Once the follicle becomes plugged, it promotes an environment in which the acne-causing bacteria, Propionibacteria acnes, can live and thrive. The skin then becomes red and inflamed after the follicle ruptures, which results in the appearance of pimples and blemishes on the skin. Other factors such as hormonal changes, stress, heredity and certain medications can also influence the development of blemishes.

Treatment

The goal of most acne treatments is to reduce the amount of bacteria on the skin, decrease oil production, minimize inflammation and exfoliate the skin. Depending on the severity of a person's blemishes, their dermatologist may recommend prescription topical treatments, medications or products that can be obtained over-the-counter.

Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient that is used to treat and prevent pimples. It works by killing the bacteria that causes breakouts, decreasing inflammation and promoting the removal of dead skin cells. Products containing salicylic acid work by exfoliating the skin, which helps to keep pores clear and prevent them from becoming clogged.

For blemishes that do not respond well to over-the-counter products, acne doctors in Washington, and other dermatologists, will be able to form a treatment plan that may include a combination of prescription medications and topical solutions. While most of these treatments will lessen the appearance of blemishes within a month, it may take up to eight weeks to see a noticeable difference.

Prevention

An effective way to prevent acne is for an individual to wash their face with a mild cleanser once in the morning and evening. This will help to remove surface oil and decrease bacteria present on the skin. Use a gentle motion while cleansing the skin, as scrubbing with abrasive cleansers can result in inflammation and worsen breakouts.

When wearing makeup or sunscreen, a person should choose products that are labeled as nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic, since these products will not clog pores or increase oil on the skin. It is also important to never pop or attempt to squeeze pimples, as this can worsen acne and cause an infection.