LET’S TALK ABOU ZIT

Happy Friday Lovelies!

This week’s entry aims to inform you about the different types of acne, how they are treated and give you some easy tips and tricks. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), acne is the most common skin condition. Despite this, acne can cause a reduction in confidence and self-image. It can also be incredibly painful when severe and really difficult to treat without knowing the cause.

Acne shows itself in the form of breakouts of pimples, zits, and cysts. The predominant symptom of acne, which is a chronic (ongoing or recurrent) inflammatory skin disease, is spots, which vary in type depending on what is causing the acne, your skin type, and at what stage you are in your life hormonally. It's possible that some people don't classify their issue as acne because they don't believe it's serious enough, but it may be, even if it's only mild acne.

The condition typically begins during puberty, this is due to the fact that it is during puberty when your oil glands are stimulated, and hormones become active. Overactive oil glands in the skin, often overproduce sebum and a build-up of dead skin cells which leads to inflammation in the pores. Although acne usually begins during puberty, it can occur at any stage of life and can continue into one’s 30’s and 40’s, meaning it affects many adolescents and adults alike. Acne can be genetic, but not contagious and it can be triggered by other conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, Cushing’s syndrome etc.

Statistically, men who suffer with acne, tend to experience large breakouts and severe pustules, nodules and cysts. This is due to their higher production of testosterone, which results in an increase of thick, oily sebum which can lead to clogged pores. However, contrary to belief, more women suffer with acne than men. Women have a more complex hormonal makeup than men do, with varying levels of hormones in their bodies on an almost constant basis, and this is partially to blame for the often rollercoaster journey that is managing acne prone skin. Additionally, hormonal disturbances caused by pregnancy, the menstrual cycle, menopause, and oral contraceptives can contribute to acne by modifying the production of certain hormones.

The condition is categorised into 5 groups:

- Bacterial acne

Normally harmless bacteria that live on the skin can then contaminate and infect the plugged follicles, causing papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts. This is typically the quickest and easiest form to treat, often with acne specific skincare and antibiotics.

- Fungal acne

Fungal acne occurs when yeast builds up in your hair follicles. These can be itchy and inflamed. The most effective solutions are oral antifungal medications, which can be applied or consumed, alongside anti pore clogging skincare.

- Cystic acne:

Cystic acne causes deep, pus-filled pimples and nodules. These can cause scarring. Typically treated by using a balanced PH cleanser and topical spot treatments, from the pharmacy. This can be a painful condition, and is often triggered by hormones.

- Hormonal acne

Hormonal acne affects those who have an overproduction of sebum that clogs their pores. This variant of the condition may be prescribed with retinol or steroids of various kinds. It is also important to use skincare that doesn’t intervene with the prescribed medication. Hormonal acne will not be subsided by skincare alone, and needs addressing medically, as the cause is internal.

- Nodular acne

Nodular acne is a severe form of acne that causes pimples on the surface of your skin, and tender, nodular lumps under your skin. A range of topical treatments, antibiotics and steroids can be prescribed by a dermatologist. Often these medications can cause skin sensitivities so it is important to chose sensitive skincare, having looked into the ingredients, and ensured they will not react negatively with the medication given.

Evidence suggests that strategies that may lessen the symptoms of acne include eating a diet high in nutrients, avoiding dairy products, and consuming little added sugar. Other healthy ways to combat this condition include getting adequate sleep, stopping smoking, minimising stress, and taking supplements like vitamin D and green tea extract.

Now that you know the different types of acne, and how they are best treated, here are some tips and tricks to consider if you suffer with acne.

1. Gently wash your face twice daily, and after sweating. – choose a gentle cleanser.

2. Shampoo your hair often, alternatively pull your hair back out of your face and neck.

3. Do not touch your face.

4. Do not pop, pinch, or squeeze your spots or lesions. – This is what causes scarring.

5. Steer away from tanning beds and direct sunlight, use anti pore clogging SPF daily.

6. Stay hydrated - this can also improve your immune system, supporting your body in fighting off infections — which in turn helps prevent acne.

7. Apply an acne-safe moisturiser.

8. Regularly clean your bedsheets, pillowcases, phone, makeup brushes/sponges, headbands, hats, or anything else that will touch the area.

9. Do not apply toothpaste, egg whites or any other trending skincare ‘hacks’.

10. Reach for foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as: mackerel, salmon, sardines, pastured eggs, soybeans, tofu, spinach, kale, grass-fed beef, walnuts, almonds etc.

Lastly, if your skin is becoming painful or affecting your self-image/confidence, seek help from a dermatologist.

To sum up this entry, everybody’s skin is different. Everybody’s journey with their skin will be completely different. You may have suffered with acne in your teens and are glad to see the back of it, you may be dealing with it now, or maybe you’ve missed it, and it will hit you in your 30’s. Maybe you won’t experience it at all. But it is important to remember one’s value does not depreciate because of a skin condition, and that everyone, with or without acne, is trying their best to feel comfortable in their own skin. Leaving negative comments or unsolicited advice about someone’s skin, online or in person, is never okay. Be kind to yourself and others.

All the best lovelies!

Xoxo

Reference list

- Aad.org. (2019). Skin conditions by the numbers. [online] Available at: https://www.aad.org/media/stats-numbers

- Cleveland Clinic (2020). Acne: Causes & Treatment. [online] Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12233-acne

- Healthline. (2022). What Causes Acne and How Can I Prevent It? [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/acne#types-of-acne