Acne : Causes And Types - Glowing Guide

If you're battling with acne, know that you're not alone. Acne is a common skin condition that affects many people and it causes pimples, mostly on the face, back, chest, and shoulders. Find out expert insights with Glowing Guide for glowing skin. 

Many of us battle with Acne

Here we are going to cover

• What Is Acne? 
• What Causes Acne? 
• Types Of Acne 
• What Are Pimples? 

Let's explore...

What Is Acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that develops when oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria clog the hair follicles on your face, back, chest, and shoulders. 

Pimples, which look like pus-filled bumps, whiteheads, or blackheads, are the result of this blockage. Although not harmful, acne sometimes can leave scars.

What Causes Acne?

• Excess oil production

Hormones during puberty increase your skin's oil glands to create more sebum or oil. It might clog pores.

• Dead skin cells

Normally, skin cells shed, but sometimes they do not and oil and dead skin cells clog pores.

• Bacteria

Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) is a species of bacteria that lives on the skin. Normally, it is harmless, but when there is too much oil, the C. acne bacteria multiply and irritate the skin, causing irritation and acne.

• Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes, that are experienced during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, can lead to acne breakouts.

• Genetics

If your parents had acne, you are more likely to get acne.

• Stress

Acne might worsen with stress. Your body releases hormones in response to stress, which may trigger acne by increasing oil production.

• Certain medications

Certain drugs may trigger acne, including corticosteroids, androgen-containing birth control pills, and certain anticonvulsants.

• Friction

Touching or massaging/rubbing your face can cause friction that irritates the skin and worsens acne.

• Cosmetic products

Hair and makeup products with oil-based content can clog pores and cause acne.

• Diet

There is no single acne-causing food, however, research suggests that a diet high in sugary or processed foods can increase acne. 

While no single food directly causes acne, certain dietary habits could be contributing factors. 

Let us explore this further

High Glycemic Index Food

• Food with a high glycemic index (such as white bread, potatoes, and sugary junk food) could worsen acne.
• These foods promote rapid blood sugar increases, which may stimulate hormonal changes and inflammation associated with acne

Processed and Sugary Food

• Acne may be worse by a diet high in processed foods and added sugars.
• Increased sugar levels can cause insulin to increase, which can alter other hormones that have an effect on the skin.

Individual diferences

• Keep in mind that every person reacts to food differently.  
• While some people may not have any consequences related to acne, others may be more sensitive to specific foods.

In brief, consuming a balanced, whole-foods-based diet can improve general skin health, even if it might not be the only factor contributing to acne. 

Give lean proteins, whole grains, and fresh produce the first priority. And as usual, get individualized guidance from a healthcare expert.

Types Of Acne 

There are several forms of acne, and each has specific characteristics.

Acne comes in a variety of types

Here's an overview of the most common types of acne

Comedones

These are the first, non-inflammatory stages of acne development. They appear when bacteria, dead skin cells, and excess oil clog pores.

• Whiteheads
• Closed comedones are tiny, flesh-colored bumps that are visible beneath the skin's surface.

• Blackheads
• Unlike whiteheads, open comedones have a surface opening. 
• The distinctive black color is produced by a reaction between oxygen and sebum, or oil, that is trapped inside the pore. 
• Although it seems dirty, dirt is not what causes a blackhead.

Inflammatory Acne

These occur when bacteria trapped within clogged pores multiply, causing inflammation and redness.

• Papules
• Tiny, sensitive, red pimples that come on the skin's surface.
• Pustules
• These tiny red pimples with white or yellow pus at the tips are typically known as pimples.
• Nodules
• Large, firm, painful blisters that form beneath the skin surface.
• Cysts
• Cysts are the most severe type of acne; they are big, pus-filled lesions that can leave a noticeable scar.

What Are Pimples? 

Pimples are a common side effect of acne, which mainly affects your face, back, and chest. It happens when bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells clog hair follicles.

The pores in your face are connected to glands that produce sebum, an oily fluid found beneath the skin. The glands and pores are linked by a canal called a follicle, which contains thin hair that grows to the skin's surface.  

When sebum and dead skin cells build up, they form a plug in the follicle. Bacteria in the plug creates inflammation, which results in red acne pimples.

Finally...

It is important to know that acne can appear in any combination of the above forms. A dermatologist can assist you in identifying the correct kind of acne you have and suggest the best treatment for you.