Acne is one of the most common skin conditions. In fact, most people have experienced it at some point in their lives, especially during adolescence. However, although in most cases acne stops around the age of 25, there is also late-onset acne, which goes beyond a temporary nuisance.
Characterized by the presence of pimples, blackheads, and pustules on the skin, depending on the severity of acne, it can cause anything from self-esteem issues and emotional distress to scars and marks on the skin.
What is acne
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that develops when hair follicles in the skin become clogged with sebum and dead skin cells.
This blockage can cause inflammation and the formation of pimples or spots, blackheads, cysts, and pustules on the skin, especially in areas with a higher density of sebaceous follicles. That is, on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders.
Causes
A recent study conducted by experts from the Department of Dermatology and Allergy in Munich found a crucial link between acne and a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids.
These researchers analyzed 100 acne patients and, by measuring nutritional parameters in the blood, found that 94% of these individuals had low levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
Therefore, it can be concluded that nutrition plays an essential role in the prevention and onset of this skin disorder.
But acne is a multifactorial problem. Some of its causes are as follows:
- Excessive sebum production. The skin’s sebaceous glands can produce too much sebum, a natural oil that helps keep the skin lubricated. When produced in excess, sebum clogs pores and contributes to acne formation.
- Bacterial proliferation. Bacteria naturally found on the skin, such as Propionibacterium acnes, can multiply in clogged pores and trigger an inflammatory response, leading to pimples and pustules.
- Hormonal factors. Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during puberty, pregnancy, or premenstrual syndrome, can increase sebum production and contribute to acne development.
- Genetic factors. There is evidence that acne may have a genetic component, meaning some people may have a hereditary predisposition to develop the condition.
Symptoms
Acne symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the condition, with the most common being:
- Pimples (clogged open pores)
- Blackheads (open comedones)
- Whiteheads on the skin (closed sebum spots)
- Inflammatory cysts or pus-filled bumps
- Small, sensitive red irregularities (papules)
- Redness and inflammation around lesions
- Pain or tenderness in affected areas
Types of acne
Acne can range from mild cases with occasional pimples to more severe cases with painful and bothersome inflammatory cysts.
- Comedonal acne: Characterized by the presence of open comedones (blackheads) and closed comedones (whiteheads).
- Inflammatory acne: Includes inflamed pimples, such as papules and pustules, which can be painful and sensitive to touch.
- Nodular acne: Characterized by the presence of deep, painful cysts under the skin that can leave permanent scars.
Anti-acne treatments
A good skincare routine, including gentle cleansing, regular exfoliation, and the use of non-comedogenic products like those found in the Purifying line by Toskani, can help prevent and treat acne.
Additionally, medical-aesthetic and dermatological procedures, such as laser therapy, microdermabrasion, or dermabrasion, can be other options to treat acne resistant to cosmetic treatments.
Hormonal acne treatment can also be done with the prescription of oral contraceptives to regulate hormones, especially in young women.
Finally, dermatologists may also prescribe topical or oral antibiotics, or a combination of both, to reduce sebum production, decrease inflammation, and fight acne-causing bacteria.
In cases of persistent or cystic acne in its most severe form, experts recommend consulting a dermatologist to start a personalized treatment as soon as possible.