Acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S. Teenagers going through puberty suffer from this condition more than others, but the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reports that the number of adults with acne is growing, especially women. While the ADD does not know why they are seeing this trend, having accurate information about acne and separating facts from myths can aid in preventing and treating the condition for people of all ages.
So how does acne work? Our faces are covered in hair follicles called pores that produce the oil sebum. Typically, dead skin cells rise to the surface of the pore and are shed. When excess sebum is being produced, a common occurrence during puberty, skin cells can stick to each other in the oil and get stuck in the pore. Sometimes, naturally occurring bacteria on the face can also get inside the pore and multiply. This leads to inflammation and the pimples we see. If the inflammation reaches deeper levels in the skin, an acne cyst or nodule might appear.
Now we know how acne is formed, so let’s address some common myths associated with acne. People often think that dirty skin or wearing makeup can cause acne. Others say that eating greasy foods and chocolate can cause acne. A popular idea is that stress leads to acne breakouts. None of this is true.
Sophomore criminal justice major Austin VanAusdall remarked that he was not surprised that these things were actually myths. VanAusdall said, “I think it makes sense because if [the cause] was stress, I feel like more college students, especially freshmen who are under all the new stress, would have more breakouts than what I see.”
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) gives some helpful tips for preventing acne. Washing your hands, face and hair often can prevent extra sebum from being on your face and reduce the chance of acne. Do this once a day, especially after exercising. Avoid over scrubbing the face because this could actually make the problem worse. Choosing oil-free makeup lessens the chance of excess oil on the face.
If acne persists or becomes severe, there are several treatments available. Doctors, particularly dermatologists, can help diagnose the severity of acne and prescribe specific treatments. The AAD suggests using products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid for mild cases and warns that no product is an overnight treatment. They report that results should be visible within four to eight weeks. Severe acne can be treated with oral or topical medicines and with procedures like laser removal and chemical peels.
The key to helping persistent acne is to prevent and treat it early. Seeing a dermatologist, even for mild acne, could give you an idea of your skin condition and the best path for treatment.