Understanding Acne
Understanding acne and other types of blemishes is important, as they can lead to scarring if not treated properly. Watch our video to learn about common causes and treatments.
Expert: Hadley King, M.D. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Dermatologist, Skin Cancer Specialist »
Transcript
Acne affects nearly all teenagers, as well as 25 percent of adult men and 50 percent of adult women! In this video, dermatologist Hadley King discusses what you may see in the mirror.
Acne is a skin condition in which hormonal changes cause the pores and their oil-producing glands to become clogged. Pores cover most of our entire bodies, so almost every body part is a target for acne.
Although teenagers are the most prone to the condition, people of any age can be affected. Men are most likely to develop severe cases of acne. That’s because male hormones, called androgens, have the greatest effect on the skin’s oil glands.
On the other hand, women’s monthly hormonal changes make them more likely to experience occasional acne well past their teenage years. Even the hottest celebrities aren’t immune to acne’s effects. Brad Pitt still bears scars and pockmarks from his teenage acne, and Jessica Simpson has openly talked about her struggle for clear skin.
Acne’s no fun, that’s for sure – so why on earth do we get it? During puberty and times of stress, the body’s hormone levels elevate. This causes sebaceous glands in the skin to produce more oil. In addition, when hormone levels are high, skin cells shed more rapidly. When dead skin cells build up inside pores, they catch around hair follicles and block the pore’s openings. With no place to go, the skin’s oil, dirt, and bacteria get trapped in the pore. This causes the surrounding cells to swell, turn red and become painful to the touch. The type of acne that results – blackhead, whitehead, pimple or cyst – will depend on how much oil accumulates, and how your body responds to the oil. And while you can’t get rid of acne entirely, there are some factors that may increase your likelihood of breaking out.
It’s no coincidence that a pimple will show up just before a hot date, big meeting or other important event. Studies have shown that people under stress are actually more likely to break out. So calm down – stressing out about that zit may make things worse!
Sometimes, excessively good hygiene can actually be a hindrance to good skin. Washing your face too much, or using harsh cleansers and scrubs, can irritate the skin and make acne worse. Opt instead to gently wash with mild soap twice a day.
Cosmetics, particularly liquids, creams and gels, may block pores, causing acne.
Medications that affect your hormones can also cause you to produce more oil, and prompt a breakout.
Even humidity and overexposure to the sun can prompt a zit or two. Both irritate the skin, making it easier for acne to take root.
Because acne is a skin condition caused by fluctuating hormone levels, it can’t be entirely avoided. The good news is, mild and moderate cases of acne will diminish with over-the-counter medications and cleansers.Remember, you should see a dermatologist if your acne is particularly painful, leads to scars or resists treatment.
Last Modified: 2014-01-20
Category: Health and Nutrition, Videos
