Acne - what is acne?
Acne, or pimples, is a skin disease that affects most people at some point in their lives. Acne is caused by the sebaceous glands in the skin becoming inflamed. Factors such as skin type, hormones and genetic predisposition affect the risk of being affected.
Other factors that affect acne are:
- oily skin products or sunscreens
- hot and humid environments
- diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- the menstrual cycle for women
- medicines containing cortisone or lithium
muscle-building doping preparations.
Acne is common in areas where most of our sebaceous glands are located, such as the face, back, chest, throat and neck.
That acne would be contagious between people is a myth. However, it is true that acne is to some extent hereditary. For example, there is a greater risk of getting acne if a parent had acne in their teens.
Different types of acne
Acne is divided into three types – mild, moderate and severe.
Mild acne (comedoacne)
The mildest type of acne is characterized by small white or black blackheads. Sore and reddened pimples are uncommon because the inflammation in the skin is low.
Moderate acne (Pustulopapular)
A slightly more severe acne where the pimples are reddened and raised. The sebaceous glands in the skin are inflamed and appear as typical acne breakouts.
Severe acne (Nodulocystic)
The most severe type of acne manifests itself as large and inflamed boils on the skin. The cysts sit deeper and hurt. Left untreated, this type of acne can cause acne scars.
Milder acne caused by clogged pores can be treated with creams, gels and BIOpH Acne prone treatment. These are smeared or bathed on the affected area and help open up the pores. It is often the treatment method that is recommended initially.
If the acne is more severe and does not improve with any of the above-mentioned treatments, a course of antibiotics is often prescribed by your healthcare provider. Such a course is often time-limited because long-term antibiotic use has negative effects. The acne can also come back after finishing the course. Therefore, antibiotics should always be combined with creams, gels, etc. BIOpH Acne prone treatment, which can be used long-term.
When do you get acne?
Acne as a teenager
Acne is common, especially during puberty. More than 90 percent get pimples in adolescence, so-called acne vulgaris. The problems are usually at their worst between the ages of 15 and 19 and then heal in their 20s. Almost a third of all teenagers have acne so troublesome that there is a need for treatment. Some feel very bad because of the problems and feel that the quality of life is deteriorating.
Adult nude
Most, but far from all, get rid of the problems in adulthood. About 3-5 percent still have some type of acne in their 40s. Adult acne can be caused by hormonal imbalance, medications or other factors. The skin disease rosacea is more common among adults and can sometimes be mistaken for acne.
Women can get temporary acne in connection with menstruation. This can continue well into adulthood. If you are a woman and have irregular periods or increased hair growth, this can also be a sign of hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovaries (PCO).
What happens to the skin?
Acne is caused by a combination of sebum production, bacteria and overproduction of skin cells.
The task of the sebaceous glands is to make the skin soft, supple and water-repellent. These are mostly found in connection with the hair follicles on the face, scalp, back and chest. The sebaceous glands are very sensitive to the hormonal changes that occur during puberty. When sebum production increases, the opening is blocked and the sebum, together with skin cells, collects under the skin. This is what is called blackheads.
The skin also contains the bacterium Propionibacterium, which breaks down the sebum. During the breakdown, substances are released that are irritating and cause inflammation in the sebaceous gland, so-called acne rashes.
How to treat acne?
There are several things you can do to treat, relieve, and prevent acne. Keep in mind that it may take time before the treatment has an effect.
Wash your face
Use a mild soap or facial cleanser for oily or acne-prone skin. It is enough to wash your face once or twice a day.
Treat the skin with e.g. BIOpH Acne prone treatment
Bathe the skin with the mixture consisting of granules and water. Leave it on for at least 30 seconds. Leave to dry or rinse. The mixture removes what should not be on the skin and thus creates the best conditions for the skin to heal.
Use the right skin care
Moisturize the skin with products adapted for acne-prone skin. Be continuous with the treatment and do not change products too often. Products that are fatty and oily can clog the sebaceous glands. Make-up does not cause acne but can aggravate the problem if it contains oils or other fats.
Avoid squeezing
Mild acne can be made worse by picking and squeezing pimples. This is because the sebaceous glands are damaged so that the inflammation in the skin increases.
Sun carefully
The sun can help reduce inflammation in the skin, but be careful. Acne can be aggravated by oily sunscreens and burning. If you have acne and sun scars, it may take longer for them to fade.
The importance of diet
How much diet affects acne is a hotly debated topic. Some studies have shown that products that contain a lot of sugar or milk make acne worse. There are also studies that show that the Mediterranean diet has a positive effect. Remember to do what feels best for you.
If you feel unwell or feel that the acne is not getting better, you should seek help. Acne can be treated regardless of severity.