Is Your Acne Under Control?

Acne occurs when excess oil, called sebum, and skin cells clog the pores. Normal skin bacteria can grow in the plugged pores and produce substances that lead to inflammation. Acne is not a sign of poor hygiene. In fact, excessive washing and scrubbing can irritate your skin and make acne worse. And there is no evidence that foods such as french fries, chocolate, or pizza cause breakouts. If your acne is being treated properly, what you eat shouldn't affect your skin.

Anyone can develop adult acne, even if you never had acne as a teenager. But it is most common in women. Like hormonal swings in teens, fluctuating hormones during a woman's menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and even menopause can cause acne to flare. Discontinuing birth control pills, taking certain prescription drugs, a family history of acne, stress, and some skin and hair products may also make women more susceptible.

Sometimes, breakouts on the skin can be a sign of a more serious condition underneath. For example, if you have acne along with excess facial hair, thinning hair or bald spots on the scalp, or irregular periods, it could be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome, an adrenal gland disorder, or a hormone-secreting tumor. Until the medical condition is treated, your acne may not clear up.

Severe acne and a family history of scarring are two big factors in acne scarring. Early, aggressive treatment is the best way to prevent severe acne and keep it from leaving behind its imprint on your face. If your acne covers a quarter of your face or more or you have a tendency to scar or a family history of scarring, get professional treatment early.

Some acne products contain alcohol, but it can dry out and irritate skin – potentially worsening acne. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are effective acne fighters that reduce excess oil and help break down whiteheads and blackheads. Retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A, treat acne by unclogging pores, which helps prevent whiteheads and blackheads.

Acne can leave emotional as well as physical scars. Some people say their acne makes them less attractive to dates and employers. Others say it has made them lose confidence or become more pessimistic. These are all good reasons to get professional treatment. With the many treatment options that are available now, there's no reason to let it affect your self-esteem or outlook on life.

Although some people feel that sunlight helps clear up acne, there is no proof of this. Some acne products make skin more susceptible to sunburn. Bike helmets, baseball caps, and headbands that rub against your skin can also cause problems, as can heavy foundation makeup.

Blemishes that leave behind dark spots, called "post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation," are common in people of color. They are a natural reaction to inflammation and usually diminish over time. But many people who get them feel that they are as unattractive as blemishes. Early treatment from a dermatologist can help you avoid these spots and scarring if you have dark skin.

There are no overnight treatments or cures for acne. Because acne treatment is aimed at preventing new blemishes, it takes time to work. If an over-the-counter treatment doesn't seem to be improving your acne after about 4-8 weeks, don't give up. See a dermatologist.

Dermatologists often use combination therapy -- two or more different treatments -- to manage acne. Sometimes this includes an oral antibiotic or contraceptive in women. Birth control pills, which help slow oil production, are most often used for women who get blemishes around their menstrual period. Laser and light therapies are used on both acne and acne scars. They appear to work by destroying the bacteria that contribute to acne as well as shrinking the oil glands where they live.

As acne treatments have become more effective, virtually all acne can be prevented or treated effectively. Most cases of moderate to severe acne require the care of a dermatologist, who can prescribe stronger treatments than those that are available over the counter. Even acne scarring can be treated now with laser resurfacing, chemical peels, or other treatments.