Good Looks

Clearing Things Up

Acne Solutions

By Loretta McCollum

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting close to 50 million Americans each year. It’s often associated with puberty but can occur at any age. Acne can be traumatizing, directly affecting quality of life by causing emotional distress and low self-esteem, not to mention the potential for physical scarring.

Anyone can develop acne, but it does play favorites. It’s more prevalent in teenage boys than teenage girls. Adult women are more likely than men to develop acne, since it is often due to the hormonal changes of pregnancy and menopause. Family history is also an indicator. If your parents suffered from significant acne, chances are that you will, too. Medications that contain corticosteroids or testosterone may trigger or worsen acne. Stress is not a direct cause of acne, but it may increase the severity.

Acne occurs when hair follicles under the skin become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. The follicle wall may bulge, resulting in a whitehead. If the clog is open to the skin surface, it will darken, causing a blackhead. Acne most often appears on the face, forehead, chest, back, and shoulders, as these areas contain the most oil glands.

Although there is no cure for acne, many effective treatments exist. Oral or topical medications are frequently prescribed. In-office procedures such as light therapy, chemical peels, and steroid injections have proven to be beneficial. A treatment regimen is based on several factors, including age and the severity of the acne.

Oral and topical medications work by reducing oil production and swelling. Common topical treatments include antibiotics, azelaic acid, and retinoids. Antibiotics destroy bacteria while reducing inflammation and redness. Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid that has antibacterial properties. It can also be used to minimize the skin discoloration often associated with acne. Drugs containing retinoids help prevent blockage of hair follicles and are frequently prescribed for moderate acne. They may increase sensitivity to sunlight, so use with caution.

Oral medications such as isotretinoin, anti-androgen agents, and antibiotics help fight acne. Isotretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A. It’s only recommended for people whose severe acne hasn’t responded to other treatments. Anti-androgen agents are another option, particularly for adult women and adolescent girls. These drugs work by blocking the effect of hormones on the skin’s oil-producing glands. Oral antibiotics reduce bacteria and are commonly used in conjunction with topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide. Like topical retinoid drugs, antibiotics have been linked to sun sensitivity.

In many cases, in-office therapies such as steroid injections, chemical peels, or light therapy may be helpful. Steroid injections treat painful acne lumps beneath the skin’s surface. These injections decrease pain and flatten those unsightly red bumps. Chemical peels involve repeated applications of a mild chemical solution to unclog pores and exfoliate dead skin cells, blackheads, and whiteheads. They also stimulate new skin growth. Multiple treatments are usually required. As with any treatment, pregnant women should consult with their physician prior to scheduling a chemical peel.

Light therapy targets the bacteria that cause redness and swelling. It also shrinks oil glands, decreasing oil production and helping to prevent clogged pores. These treatments may be used in conjunction with a topical photosensitizing agent. Light therapy is a good option for mild to moderate acne. Once again, increased sun sensitivity may occur. It is not recommended for pregnant women.

Even after it’s cleared up, acne can still leave its mark in the form of acne scars. The good news is that treatments exist to make those scars less noticeable. These procedures are performed in a doctor’s office, outpatient facility, or day spa. More than one type of treatment may be needed to achieve optimal results.

Skin resurfacing removes damaged layers of skin from the treated area, allowing new healthy skin to grow, which makes scarring less noticeable. Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are two frequently used resurfacing techniques. Another option is to insert collagen or fat fillers into the affected area, puffing up the skin under the scar and resulting in a smoother appearance. In cases of severe scarring, surgery may be required to remove the scar tissue, which is then replaced with a skin graft taken from another area of the body.

Diet may also play a role in fighting acne. Consuming foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids helps reduce inflammation. Fish, eggs, spinach, kale, nuts, and soy products are good choices, as are foods rich in antioxidants and fiber. Keeping a food diary will help identify foods that trigger acne breakouts. If your acne is dragging you down, call your dermatologist to get you started on the path to clearer skin.

Sources for this article included: medicalnewstoday.com, webmd.com, and healthline.com.