What is acne or acne vulgaris?

• The life cycle of acne

• Acne Treatment

• Natural Treatments

• Take Away

One of the most prevalent skin disorders in the world is acne vulgaris, generally known as acne. Acne is more than simply a few pimples on your face, as everyone who has had it knows. Acne may have a negative impact on every aspect of your life, making you feel alone, ugly, and even unhappy. But there is good news: there are therapies that can help you control acne and enjoy life with clear skin and the confidence that comes with it.

Adult acne is caused by the same factors that produce teen acne: too much oil on the face and germs. Excess oil can be caused by any hormonal changes, including those caused by pregnancy and menstruation. 

The life cycle of acne

1. Early-stage

2. Middle stage

3. Final stage

It's crucial to realise that not all acne has the same lifespan. To get rid of pimples quickly, you must first determine the type of acne you have. The severity of the condition, as well as the therapy, differs from person to person. It normally takes a few weeks to heal from mild to moderate acne. Nodular acne, on the other hand, can continue for weeks or months.

Early-stage

Pores in your skin are microscopic holes that allow perspiration and oil to escape, allowing your skin to breathe. Excess sebum production and dead skin cell build-up cause your pores to shut. Whiteheads and blackheads form as a result of blocked pores. Closed comedones are whiteheads that appear as spherical white lumps on the surface of the skin. Blackheads, on the other hand, are also known as open comedones. They seem black because melanin oxidises when exposed to air.

Whiteheads and blackheads, in most cases, do not cause irritation. When dirt deposited in pores begins to permeate into the deeper layers of your skin, tiny red lumps (papules) may appear. Papules are tiny, circular raised lumps on the skin's surface that do not contain pus.

Middle stage

Acne starts to develop and extend at this stage. Bacterial growth happens over time in blocked pores, resulting in pus production, inflammation, and discomfort. Pustules are pus-filled lumps on the skin.

Final stage 

During this stage, the bacterial infection continues to multiply, causing inflammation in the deeper layers of your skin and the formation of hard bumps. These hard pimples are referred to as nodular acne and cystic acne, and they are the most severe types of acne. Small painful hard lumps without pus from beneath your skin in nodular acne. On the surface of your skin, cystic acne is characterised by pus-filled hard pimples.

Acne Treatment

• Cleanser 

Face cleaning is, without a question, the most fundamental yet crucial step in acne therapy. When suffering from acne, using the wrong cleanser might lead to additional outbreaks. The best face wash for acne-prone skin helps to balance out excess sebum production without disrupting normal skin oil levels. Zinc PCA-based face gel or cleanser, helps to decrease excess oil, unclog congested pores, and soothe sensitive skin.

• Retinoids

Acne scars may be treated with topical retinoids. Topical retinoids decrease inflammation, minimise acne lesions, and speed up cell regeneration, according to the authors of a review published in the journal Dermatology and Therapy.

According to the authors, retinoids may also aid in the reduction of hyperpigmented acne scars, particularly in individuals with darker skin tones. It's crucial to keep in mind that retinoids might make your skin sun-sensitive. When going outside, anyone utilising retinoids for acne or scar therapy should use sunscreen.

• Acne-fighting serum for the face 

Acne face serums containing BHA (beta hydroxy acid) and peptides cure acne lesions while also boosting skin regeneration. Serum's active components also aid in skin texture refinement, collagen production stimulation, and the prevention of future dark spots.

• Acne spot treatment 

​​Acne spot treatments are supposed to be applied on specific regions of the face rather than all over. To cure active pimples and avoid subsequent acne risks, such acne treatment items serve to destroy acne-causing bacteria and manage excess sebum production. The most efficient acne-fighting substances include salicylic acid, Boswellia serrata resin Extract, and Rice Bran Extract.

• Sunscreen 

Unprotected sun exposure might aggravate your acne. If you have acne-prone skin, you should use sunscreen every day. You might want to use sunscreens that are ultra-light, non-comedogenic, and non-greasy.

• Products that are non-comedogenic 

Whiteheads, blackheads, and acne infections occur when your pores get blocked. A product that is non-comedogenic does not clog pores, maintains skin permeability, and inhibits acne production. Non-comedogenic beauty products are beneficial to all skin types, but specifically acne-prone and oily skin.

• Eat a balanced diet

Examine your nutrition and choose a low-glycemic diet that includes more fibre-rich foods, veggies, and fruits. This will prevent blood sugar spikes, which cause inflammation all throughout your body.

• Keep yourself hydrated

Your sebaceous glands may create more oil sebum as a result of dry skin. Fluid includes water, various beverages, as well as high-water-content vegetables and fruits. Baths and face cleaning should be done with lukewarm water, which is soft on the skin. Meanwhile, drinking water with a pH balance of 6.5 to 8.5 is excellent.

Natural treatments

Many individuals believe in natural methods to get rid of acne scars, but the science behind them is murky. Some may irritate the skin or create other issues, so individuals should use them with caution. People have traditionally used the following home treatments to heal acne scars:

• Shea butter
• coconut oil 
• raw honey
• aloe vera gel
• soda bicarbonate
• lemon juice

Take Away

Zits are common, particularly during menstruation. Your hormones are responsible for this. To get rid of pimples, you should use over-the-counter acne medications and make a few changes to your daily routine. Acne scars can be a bothersome reminder of acne and can lower one's self-esteem, but they don't have to be permanent. Receiving medical therapy at a dermatologist's clinic can also aid in the removal of acne and acne scars in situations of stubborn scarring.