Acne

Everyone has probably experienced acne before, but if you find yourself having constant acne, know that you are not alone! Many teenagers and adults suffer from acne. We’ll go over what it is, what causes it, what you can do at home, and what doctors can prescribe for you to defeat it.

What is acne?

It happens when hair follicles in the skin become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This can lead to pimples, blackheads, and sometimes even deeper bumps called cysts. Understanding acne can help us deal with it better, so let’s explore what causes it, how to treat it, and what you can do at home.

What Causes Acne?

Several factors contribute to acne:

1. Hormones: During puberty, the body produces more hormones called androgens. These hormones can increase oil production in the skin, leading to clogged pores.
2. Bacteria: A type of bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes can grow in clogged pores. When this happens, it can cause inflammation and lead to pimples.
3. Diet and Lifestyle: Certain foods and stress can also play a role in worsening acne. It might be helpful to keep a food journal and track what worsens your acne.

Non-Pharmacological Treatments

There are several ways to help manage acne without medication. Here are some effective methods:

1. Clean Your Skin Gently: Wash your face twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser. Avoid scrubbing hard, as this can irritate your skin.  If you wear makeup, be sure to remove it entirely with an oil-based cleanser before washing your face with your regular face wash.
2. Moisturize: Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic (designed not to block pores) moisturizer. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
3. Avoid Touching Your Face: Your hands can carry dirt and bacteria, which can worsen acne. Try not to touch your face and keep hair away from your skin.
4. Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support skin health. Some people find that reducing dairy and sugary foods helps their acne.
5. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help keep your skin healthy.
6. Sun Protection: Use a sunscreen that is non-comedogenic. Too much sun can cause skin damage and make acne worse.

Treatments Prescribed by Doctors

If non-pharmacological treatments don’t work, a doctor may recommend medications. Here are some common ones:

1. 1. Topical Treatments: These are creams or gels applied directly to the skin.Some popular options include:
      
      • Benzoyl Peroxide: This helps kill bacteria and reduce oil.
      • Salicylic Acid: This helps to unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
      • Retinoids: These are derived from vitamin A and can help prevent clogged pores.
   2. Antibiotics: We usually prescribe doxycycline once daily for a few weeks at a time. Be sure to drink plenty of water with this.
   3. Hormonal Treatments: Birth control pills can help regulate hormones and reduce acne. Ask your doctor for a birth control pill specifically for acne. Another option might be spironolactone, which is a diuretic (water pill) that helps reduce androgens.
   4. Isotretinoin: This is a powerful medication usually reserved for severe acne that doesn’t respond to other treatments. It has strong effects but also potential side effects, so it requires close monitoring by a doctor.

Dr. Favret is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501©3 Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland, and Huntsville, and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.