Acne

More than 3 million people are afflicted with acne each year, a majority of them teenagers. Acne is a common skin condition in which the follicles of hair under the skin become clogged, thereby causing pimples or zits. This clogging arises due to the accumulation of sebum (an oil that naturally moisturizes the skin) and dead skin cells in pores. Different means of this clogging may produce different manifestations of acne: if the clogged follicle is more on the surface level of the skin, this results in a whitehead, whereas a clogged follicle underneath the surface of the skin produces a blackhead. To make matters worse, bacteria that is usually harmless is then able to infect the clogged follicles, causing cysts, nodules, and a range of other skin ruptures. 

Though acne can arise because of hereditary factors, it is also heavily influenced by lifestyle. A United Kingdom study showcased that 81% of acne was genetic. However, lifestyle is crucial to mitigate these effects; the American Academy of Dermatology Association writes that a low glycemic diet, which reduces large spikes in sugar intake, has been shown to reduce acne. Additionally, pressure on the skin may also make skin ruptures and acne more likely. Some medications, including steroids, can also make acne worse. It should be noted that triggers for acne are very individual (i.e. what may trigger one person’s acne may not trigger another person’s). 

Hormones play a big role in breakouts as well. Women tend to break out more during their menstrual cycles. As men hit puberty, their testosterone levels increase significantly, stimulating the production of sebum. If this small spike in testosterone production leaves male teenagers highly prone to breakouts. 

Despite these many factors, acne can still be treated. Depending on the severity of the acne, different treatments are available. If the acne is not too out of control, Benzoyl Peroxide, an over-the-counter medication that targets bacteria, can be used. Retinoids, which are derivatives of Vitamin A, can also be very helpful for managing acne. A good skincare routine is imperative for keeping one’s acne in control. However, if the acne is more serious, a dermatologist may be consulted on further steps. A dermatologist may prescribe antibiotics or hormone therapy to help clear up the skin. Acne affects countless lives around the world, so it is important to know its causes and treatments for clear and healthy skin.

Sources: 

1. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/acne#:~:text=Acne%20is%20a%20common%20skin,commonly%20called%20pimples%20or%20zits.

2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/causes/#:~:text=Sebaceous%20glands%20lubricate%20the%20hair,a%20plug%20in%20the%20follicle.

3. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Genetics-of-Acne.aspx#:~:text=In%20other%20words%2C%20approximately%2050,least%20one%20sibling%20with%20acne.

4. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/diet#:~:text=Scientists%20believe%20that%20following%20a,oily%20substance%20in%20your%20skin.

5. https://www.healthline.com/health/does-testosterone-cause-acne#:~:text=Changes%20in%20your%20body's%20secretion,risk%20of%20inflamed%20sebaceous%20glands.