Acne is one of the most common skin conditions. In fact, most people have suffered from it at some point in their lives, especially during adolescence. However, although in most cases acne clears up around the age of 25, there is also late-onset acne, which is more than just a temporary nuisance.
Characterized by the presence of pimples, blackheads, and pustules on the skin, depending on the severity of the acne, it can cause problems ranging from low self-esteem and emotional distress to scars and marks on the skin.
What is acne?
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that develops when the 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 where there is a higher density of sebaceous follicles. That is, on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders.
Causes
A recent study by experts from the Department of Dermatology and Allergy in Munich has found a crucial link between acne and a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids.
These researchers analyzed 100 patients with acne and, when measuring nutritional parameters in the blood, found that 94% of these people 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 sebaceous glands in the skin can produce too much sebum, a natural oil that helps keep the skin lubricated. When produced in excess, sebum clogs pores and contributes to the formation of acne.
- Bacterial proliferation. Bacteria that are naturally found on the skin, such as Propionibacterium acnes, can multiply in clogged pores and trigger an inflammatory response, leading to the formation of pimples and pustules.
- Hormonal factors. Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during puberty, pregnancy, or premenstrual syndrome, can increase sebum production and contribute to the development of acne.
- Genetic factors. There is evidence that acne may have a genetic component, meaning that some people may have a hereditary predisposition to developing the condition.
Symptoms
Acne symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the condition, with the following being the most common:
- Pimples (clogged open pores)
- Blackheads (open comedones)
- Whiteheads on the skin (closed comedones)
- Inflammatory cysts or pus-filled bumps
- Small, red, tender bumps (papules)
- Redness and inflammation around the lesions
- Pain or tenderness in the affected areas
Types of acne
Acne can vary from mild cases with occasional pimples to more severe cases with painful and uncomfortable 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 the touch.
- Nodular acne: Characterized by the presence of deep, painful cysts under the skin, which can leave permanent scars.
Anti-acne treatments
A good skincare routine, including gentle cleansing, regular exfoliation, and the use of non-comedogenic products such as those found in the Purifying line from Toskani, can help prevent and treat acne.
On the other hand, medical-aesthetic and dermatological procedures, such as laser therapy, microdermabrasion, or dermabrasion, may be other options for treating acne that is resistant to cosmetic treatments.
Hormonal acne treatment can also be done with the prescription of oral contraceptives for hormone regulation, 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 the bacteria that cause acne.
If you suffer from persistent acne or cystic acne in its most severe form, experts recommend consulting a dermatologist so that you can begin personalized treatment as soon as possible.