Acne

Additional information

What is Acne?

Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is a common skin condition most of us experience during our teenage years. It happens when hair follicles get blocked with oil and dead skin cells. This blockage can lead to various blemishes such as blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Acne usually appears on the face, neck, chest, and back, and while it’s most common during puberty because of hormonal changes, it can affect anyone at any age.

What Causes Acne?

Acne develops when your skin’s pores become clogged. The main culprit is sebum, an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands that normally keeps your skin moisturized and protected. However, when too much sebum is produced, it mixes with dead skin cells and clogs the pores, creating a perfect environment for bacteria. Additionally, hormonal changes, stress, diet, and certain medications can also trigger or worsen acne.

Whiteheads vs. Blackheads: What’s the Difference?

When a pore gets blocked, it can form a comedone. If the pore stays open, the air causes the plug to oxidize and turn dark, forming a blackhead. If the pore is closed over by a thin layer of skin, it becomes a whitehead. These comedones are the first signs of acne and can lead to more severe forms of the condition, like papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.

Bacteria and Inflammation in Acne

The bacteria Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) thrive in clogged pores, worsening inflammation and leading to more pronounced acne lesions. This is why acne can sometimes escalate from minor spots to painful, swollen bumps like papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts.

Hormonal Influences on Acne

During puberty, and in other periods of hormonal fluctuation such as menstruation or pregnancy, hormone levels rise dramatically. These hormones boost sebum production, which increases the chance of clogged pores and breakouts. This explains why acne is so prevalent among teenagers and can also affect adults, especially women.

Symptoms of Acne

Acne is typically characterized by:

• Blackheads: Small dark or yellowish bumps due to oxidation.
• Whiteheads: Firm, skin-colored or white bumps that do not drain when squeezed.
• Papules: Tender, red bumps.
• Pustules: Red bumps with white centers filled with pus.
• Nodules: Large, painful lumps beneath the skin.
• Cysts: Deep, pus-filled lesions that may cause scarring.

Diagnosing Acne

In most cases, acne is diagnosed simply by looking at the skin. The severity is determined by the type and number of lesions. Mild acne involves mostly blackheads and whiteheads, while moderate to severe acne includes pustules, papules, nodules, and cysts. Adult acne, especially when it appears suddenly or with other symptoms like irregular periods or increased body hair, may be linked to hormonal imbalances like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and it is important to see a doctor in such cases.

Effective Acne Treatments

For those with moderate to severe acne, prescription treatments might be necessary. These can include:

• Topical Retinoids: Such as Differin or Isotrex to reduce oil production and prevent clogged pores.
• Oral Antibiotics: Like Tetralysal or Oxytetracycline, often used alongside topical treatments to reduce bacterial infection.
• Topical Antibiotics: Such as Dalacin-T or Zineryt to target acne-causing bacteria.
• Keratolytics: Like Acnecide Gel, which helps remove dead skin cells.
• Azelaic Acid: Such as Skinoren, which promotes cell turnover and reduces bacteria.
• Combination Treatments: Products like Duac Gel or Epiduo target multiple factors causing acne.

Even mild acne can usually be managed with over-the-counter options containing benzoyl peroxide, which helps to prevent clogged pores and kills bacteria. However, be aware that benzoyl peroxide may bleach hair and fabrics.

Preventing Acne

While it’s hard to completely prevent acne, you can reduce the likelihood of breakouts by:

• Washing your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day.
• Avoiding harsh scrubbing which can irritate the skin.
• Not touching your face frequently to minimize bacterial spread.
• Keeping hair clean and away from your face.
• Using non-comedogenic, water-based makeup and always removing it before bed.
• Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress effectively.

For more detailed information about acne, check out our blog post: What is Acne?.

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Ready to Find the Right Acne Treatment?

At Courier Pharmacy, we offer prescription-strength and bespoke acne treatments tailored to your skin’s needs. If you’re ready to take control of your acne, complete our online consultation form at courierpharmacy.co.uk and purchase your treatment directly from Courier Pharmacy.