Acne

Acne is a common skin condition. Acne is a condition of the sebaceous glands. Acne can lead to a variety of skin spots, including blackheads, pimples and even cysts or nodules. These skin spots appear on areas of skin that contain many sebaceous glands, such as the face, cleavage, shoulders and back. Although acne is often associated with teenagers because of the hormonal changes during puberty, it can occur at any age. It can cause feelings of insecurity.

Acne is usually caused by a combination of factors:

1. Excessive sebum production: Sebum is an oily substance and is produced by sebaceous glands to keep the skin hydrated. Excess sebum causes clogging of the skin.
2. Accumulation of dead skin cells.
3. Bacteria: Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) can cause inflammation, accompanied by redness and swelling of the skin.
4. Occlusion of the sebaceous gland duct: Dead skin cells along with sebum clogs the skin. This gives bacteria a bigger chance to grow.
5. Hormones: Hormonal changes (such as during puberty, pregnancy or menstrual cycle) increase sebum production and worsen acne.

What can you do against acne?

• Cleansing: Cleansing your skin daily with a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser can help keep pores from clogging and reduce bacteria.
• Skin products: Wrong skin products can aggravate acne and good skin products can help improve acne. Mainly skin products with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids or anti-inflammatory properties can contribute positively.
• Skin treatments: Doctors or dermatologists may prescribe drugs such as antibiotics, retinoids or hormonal treatments. A skin therapist can help through chemical peels, skin cleansing and product advice. It is important not to scratch, pick or clean out skin blockages yourself.
• Sun protection: When you protect your skin from the sun, you give the skin a chance to produce healthy skin cells. In addition, the sun causes more sebum production and faster accumulation of skin cells.
• Nutrition: The link between diet and acne is still unclear. Some studies claim that reducing dairy products and sugar can help.

Example photo of acne with pimples, swelling and redness