To mark Acne Awareness Month I look at what it is, what causes it and offer my insights into understanding the condition.
Acne is a chronic skin condition that typically manifests as various types of blemishes, such as pimples, blackheads whiteheads, cysts or nodules. It commonly appears on the face, but can also affect the neck, chest, back and shoulders.
Excess Oil Production: Increased oil (sebum) production is a primary contributor. This clogs hair follicles and lead to the formation of blemishes.
Clogged Hair Follicles: The accumulation of dead skin cells and dirt blocks follicles and creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.
Hormonal Changes: Fluctuating hormone levels, especially during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. Androgens increase, stimulating the oil glands and leads to excessive sebum production.
Bacteria: Propionibacterium is present on the skin's surface. But when it gets trapped within clogged pores, it multiplies and triggers an immune response.
Inflammation: When the hair follicle becomes clogged and bacteria multiply, the body's immune response activates. This results in redness and swelling.
Genetic Predisposition: Acne can have a hereditary component, meaning that if your parents or close relatives experienced acne, you may be more prone to developing it as well.
External Factors: Certain environmental and lifestyle factors can exacerbate breakouts. These include high humidity, pollution, excessive sweating, and pore-clogging skincare or cosmetic products.
As someone who suffered debilitating acne as a teenager, I completely understand what it's like to live with the condition. It's why I started Heaven; I'd tried endless skincare products that just seem to exacerbated the breakouts. Rather than fighting it, I learnt to understand it. I created a comprehensive range of essentials that soothed and healed my spots rather than causing any more.
Adopting a comprehensive skincare routine that includes gentle cleansing, exfoliation and the use of non-comedogenic products can help minimise the occurrence of acne. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage stress levels.
During Acne Awareness Month, let us empower ourselves and others with knowledge about acne and reduce the stigma. Remember, with proper care and management, it is possible to achieve a confident and radiant complexion.
Where spots appear on your face can indicate how you can treat them. More importantly, it may help you understand how to avoid getting them in the first place. Read more in my blog post here.
