It was reported that as of 2015, acne was responsible for impacting upwards of six hundred million people around the globe, making it one of the most common skin conditions in the world. Though acne usually takes hold during our youth, and this therefore means that it’s uncommon for it to persist past the age of 35, it has been known to affect all ages. Though this information doesn’t make it any more pleasant to endure, the fact that acne has gained so much exposure in the world of dermatology means that it has become increasingly easier to find ways to alleviate it.
From scarring to low self-esteem, acne can be a big dermal burden for anyone to carry. It is typically characterized by various features, the main ones being: papules (raised red bumps that are small in size), nodules (solid lumps that are usually painful to the touch), pustules (red, pus-filled spots), cysts (lumps that are large in size that are known to contain pus and are often painful), blackheads and whiteheads (also called ‘comedones’). Though acne can vary in severity, it is usually hard to disguise and in some cases stubborn to treat. However, don’t despair, for there are many approaches you can take to find the best one for you, which we’ll cover in more detail below.
Before we move onto how to treat acne, it can be useful to know the common causes of it. There are various factors that can contribute to the formation of acne, but the main culprits can be one or more of the following: hormones, genes, and even your lifestyle (i.e. how high your stress levels are, whether you’re eating inflammatory foods, or are applying products that don’t agree with your skin). An oilier complexion is more likely to suffer from the emergence of acne since, when blocked with sebum, skin cells, or agitated by bacteria, breakouts can result and escalate from there.
Though it might not be apparent at first, diet actually has a lot more to do with your skin than meets the eye. Foods high in carbohydrates and sugar can be incredibly counter-intuitive since they are known to cause your blood sugar levels to spike. When blood sugar levels rise at an unnaturally fast rate, insulin is generated by your body to help regulate them. The negative side to this process is that this reaction can trigger other bodily hormones to be produced, which can have the domino effect of increasing sebum production, which then leads to breakouts and, ultimately, acne. Eating a balanced diet full of protein (especially plant-based protein), complex carbohydrates and other such nutrients can help to prevent any unwanted reactions from happening and improve your complexion as well as your overall dermal health. Consuming foods rich in protein means that you are helping to provide your body with the essential amino acids that are required in collagen production. Collagen itself is a vital protein that’s intrinsically linked to healthy skin in that it can boost both dermal resilience and healing capabilities, which extends to managing acne and reducing wrinkles. Looking next to complex carbohydrates, foods that include wholegrains for example, are designed to release energy gradually, meaning no sudden blood sugar spikes and less risk of your skin reacting.
When it comes to treating acne-prone skin, the first port of call is to ensure that you’re applying the right products to your face. A skincare routine that includes a gentle, non-medicated cleanser, a toner that doesn’t contain alcohol, a non-comedogenic moisturizer and a weekly nourishing but lightweight face mask can do wonders for problematic skin. Depending on its severity, acne can be subjected to harsh treatments via various medications and/or products in order to help tame it. This in itself can leave your skin feeling dry and irritated, more so if it’s sensitive to begin with. If you’re looking for a more natural but still effective approach, having a skincare routine in place that caters to your specific skin type can serve as an excellent base to work from. For best results, try to avoid oil-based products if possible, unless they’re non-comedogenic (non-clogging to the skin). For a guide on carrier, facial and essential oils and which skin type they’re best suited to, visit our Diy Skincare section for more information.
Even if you already have a good skincare routine under your belt, it’s often tempting to take things one step further and try additional treatments to help keep your acne under control. However, before you turn to harsh products, it may be worth your while to try some more natural alternatives first. Known for its astringent scent, apple cider vinegar is quite a widely acknowledged acne treatment since it fights bacteria, helps to moderate sebum production and lessens the appearance of dermal scars over time. Though traditionally a breakfast food, oatmeal also has some equally impressive properties when topically applied – it contains the anti-inflammatory element zinc which actively goes towards combating acne-causing bacteria while gently cleansing the skin without depriving it of its natural moisture levels. Moving on to essential oils, there are two that are crowned king when seeking to defend the skin against acne flare-ups, and these are: geranium essential oil and tea tree essential oil. Both are anti-inflammatory and get to work on helping to reduce bacteria, redness and breakouts. Do remember, though – if using an essential oil, always dilute it with water or a non-comedogenic oil first to avoid irritation and the risk of essential oil burns.
Another ingredient to consider adding to your routine is sulfur. Like apple cider vinegar, sulfur is not an ingredient that’s particularly loved for its smell, but it is coveted for its ability to gently soak up moisture from the skin’s surface and, in doing so, help to control sebum production to minimize breakouts and flare-ups triggered by excess oil. It’s been compared to salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide in terms of effectiveness, but it is reported to be a much milder alternative. In this vein, it’s also worth mentioning the power of coconut oil. Though this oil is notorious for clogging pores when used excessively, it can actually be beneficial for acne sufferers when topical application is moderated and used only in targeted areas. As for its strength in fighting acne, it has also been likened to the potency of benzoyl peroxide.
Though they’re not for everyone, there are slightly more intensive treatments available to battle acne. Chemical peels and dermabrasion are two such alternatives that have been met with success when targeting acne and the marks that it leaves behind. A chemical peel is a treatment that is designed to remove your skin’s foremost layers to visibly refresh the face by lessening the severity of acne scars. Dermabrasion, similar to a chemical peel, involves removing one or more of your skin’s top layers to reduce the appearance of scars and other such marks. Microdermabrasion is a less harsh version of dermabrasion that aids in the removal of debris such as dead skin cells to improve the complexion, and is therefore also a popular choice. Read more about chemical peels, dermabrasion and more on our Dermal Treatments page.
Though acne is not a desired condition to have, it does appear to have one surprising upside. The link between dermal aging and acne has been a subject of interest for many dermatologists, and various findings have been unearthed over the years to suggest that those with acne seem to age at a slower rate as opposed to those who don’t have this condition. This comes down to the subject of telomeres, which are structures that cap the ends of our chromosomes and are designed to safeguard them against fusing with other chromosomes or degrading. In simple terms, they’re likened to the metal or plastic caps that are placed over our shoelaces’ ends to prevent them from unravelling. Telomeres shorten in length as we age, and have more of an effect on both our lifespan and dermal aging than a lot of us think. Because those with acne-prone skin typically have longer telomeres, their cells are more likely to be defended against the signs of aging, which means that it’s not all bad news when it comes to this skin condition. We’re all for growing old youthfully and, with the help of on-going research, acne may just be the ticket to dermal youth.
If you’d like to read more about acne, visit our Acne-Prone Skin page. If you’re interested in finding out which foods and nutrients are best for your skin, please refer to our Diet and Dermal Vitamins pages respectively.