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What is Acne and why do I have it? Article 1

May 30, 2021

Acne is a very common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles under the skin become clogged. When oil and dead skin cells clog the pores, that's when breakouts happen. These breakouts are often referred to as blackheads, whiteheads, nodules, and pimples. Out breaks often appear on the face, but can also occur on the neck, back, chest and shoulders. People of all races and ages can get acne, however, it is most common in teens and young adults. During teen years, acne is most common in males and while acne can also continue into adulthood, it is then more common in females.

Doctors have found that a few of the following can lead to acne:

●Too much oil in pores

●Buildup of dead skin cells in pores

●Growth of bacteria in pores

There are also a few factors that can make the development of acne more likely, and they include:

●Fluctuating hormone levels, particularly around the time of a woman’s period

●Family history/genetics

●Certain medications

●Age

Certain lifestyle activities don’t necessarily cause acne but can worsen it. These include:

●Certain foods/diets

●Stress

●Pressure from headgear like sports helmets, tight clothes, or backpacks

●Air pollution and certain weather conditions, especially high humidity

●Using oily or greasy personal care products

●Working in an environment where you routinely come in contact with greasy food surfaces and frying oil

●Squeezing or picking at pimples

●Scrubbing your skin too hard

How severe can acne get?

Your healthcare provider can diagnose acne during a skin exam. They will usually ask if you are dealing with significant stress or if you have a family history of acne because those are risk factors. Teenage girls and women may also be asked about their menstrual cycles because some breakouts are related to hormonal changes. Acne is very normal to experience however, sudden,

severe acne breakouts in older people can sometimes signal another underlying disease that requires medical attention.

Below is a scale of how dermatologists rank acne by severity:

●Grade 1 is mild. Mostly whiteheads and blackheads with a few pustules

●Grade 2 is moderate or pustular acne. Multiple papules and pustules, mostly on the face.

●Grade 3 is considered moderately severe or nodulocystic acne. This is where you have numerous papules and pustules, along with occasionally inflamed nodules. At this grade you may notice breakouts on your back and chest.

●Grade 4 is severe nodulocystic acne. There are numerous large, painful and inflamed pustules and nodules.

Besides the obvious side effects of acne being red, inflamed, and irritated skin, there is no doubt that acne takes a toll on your mental health by damaging your self-confidence. Acne can make you feel embarrassed, shy, and anxious, but it is important to remember that acne is a very normal thing that so many people experience. In fact, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. It is estimated that 80 percent of people between the ages 11 to 30 will experience some form of acne at some time during their lives.

While no one wants to experience acne, it is important to remember how common of a skin condition it is. It is also important to note that you are your own worst critic. Odds are your acne doesn’t look as bad as you think it does, so take it easy on yourself when you look in the mirror.

Your journey to clearer, brighter, healthier looking skin can start now!

Schedule an appointment on anikabeauty.com and book a consultation with Teresa Paquin, Licensed NH Aesthetician. She will walk you through any necessary product recommendations and lifestyle changes to put you on the right path to clear skin. Teresa offers many services that can help in the process of clearing

your skin. She also has an acne specific line called Essential Skincare that is perfect for anyone that suffers from chronic acne, acne rosacea, or pigmentation. And be sure to check back soon to read next week's blog post:

The different types of acne and identifying what type you have