Acne Facts That You Never Knew About

Acne is a common skin condition. While it mostly affects teens and young adults, 95% of people will experience having acne at some point in their life. While most people have heard of it, we have some acne facts you aren’t privy too. Generally, acne comes and goes somewhere between the ages of 11 and 30, and symptoms improve over time before they finally disappear. The symptoms usually end completely while a person is in their mid-20s. However, acne remains long-term for some people, and they may even battle it into their 30s, though this is a rare occurrence.

Here are some acne facts about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for the condition to help you understand more about it.

The Symptoms of Acne

Acne usually forms on a person’s face, back, or chest. Nearly all people who develop acne will experience it on their faces. More than 50% will have it on their back, while it’s much less common for the chest to become affected.

Many different types of spots can be formed as a result of acne. Here are the six most common ones and how they appear:

• Blackheads: Can be small black, or yellowish in color. They develop on the outer skin and are often black due to the hair follicle lining that comes with blackheads. They generally burst when squeezed.
• Whiteheads: Blemishes that are formed similarly to blackheads, except they produce a white head instead. They also are more firm and don’t often burst when squeezed.
• Papules: Spots that become raised, show redness, and can be sore to touch.
• Pustules: Similar looking to papules as they form redness around them. They also contain puss and will therefore form a white spot in the center.
• Nodules: Solid lumps that build below the skin. They are often tender and sore to touch.
• Cysts: These appear as large lumps filled with pus are usually very painful. They are the worst type of spot caused by acne, often leaving the person scarred.

What is Acne Caused By?

There can be several different causes of acne. A lot of researchers believe it’s formed as a result of inflammation of the skin, whereas sometimes it can be attributed to hormonal changes. This is one of the reasons why it appears to be more common in teenage years since teens and adolescents will be undergoing puberty. Finding effective acne treatments for teens is somewhat hard, too.

Particular hormones can play a role in over-producing oily sebum.

This is a natural substance produced by the sebaceous glands that act as a skin’s moisturizer and protector. However, when too much sebum is produced, it can result in to bacteria being formed which can lead to the formation of puss and acne.

Other factors include that acne may also be genetic. If one of your parents had acne in the past, it could increase the possibility of you becoming affected too. Other hormones that impact the menstrual cycle can lead to acne during pregnancy. The research in support of diet, hygiene, or being sexually active as involving factors appears to be lacking.

10 Acne Facts You Didn’t Know

Below are ten interesting facts about acne to help you understand the condition better:

1) At least 40% of teenagers will develop acne by the time they reach their mid-teens.

2) 85% of people will have acne at some stage in life. That translates to between 40 and 50 million Americans and makes acne the most commonly experienced skin disease in the country.

3) Research studies have resulted in new treatment types and products being introduced to help provide better treatment for those with acne.

4) There is no set age that someone can or can’t become affected by acne. Whilst it’s most experienced in teens, even those beyond the age of 50 can end up having acne.

5) On the body, acne is usually formed on the face, chest, and back areas.

6) Scars can be caused by popping or squeezing acne spots. Therefore, it’s advised that you never do this with them. Rather, it would be better to try general skincare creams first, and if they don’t work, you should seek further guidance from a dermatologist.

7) Contrary to popular belief, research doesn’t show that diet is the main cause of acne. Instead, changes in hormones seem to be a greater factor at play.

8) A leading dermatologist, Amy Derick, mentions that stress might not be as big of a contributor as people tend to think either. While hormones might be the main cause of the condition, those related to stress don’t seem to have much effect on it.

9) You don’t need to over-wash your face to prevent yourself from getting acne. Twice per day should suffice. You shouldn’t use too many products either. Over-washing and applying too many creams can end up being counterintuitive: it may lead to dry skin or even make the condition worse.

10) Results don’t tend to happen right away. Unfortunately, many people quit using their treatment or products if they don’t work within the first few days. Sometimes, it can take up to a few weeks before they begin to work, and you can start to notice a difference being made.

Try Treating Acne With CBD

Treating acne with CBD is a relatively new approach, but it is already extremely popular.

If the condition is more severe, you should attend an appointment with your health care provider. Usually, they will provide a prescription for a treatment medication such as topical antibiotics or retinoids, or antibiotics in tablet form.

If your treatment isn’t working, you should inform your doctor, who will likely make a referral for you to speak with a dermatologist. They will then usually provide stronger treatments or creams.

CBD Acne Creams

How you go about treating acne generally depends upon how serious it is. If you only have a mild condition, it’s likely that you can pick up some over-the-counter creams or gels that can be advised by the pharmacist. ‘Glow’ CBD acne cream is also a premium cream that you can try.

Summary – Information About Acne You Never Knew About

Acne is the most common skin condition. While it affects mostly adolescents and teens, anyone can have it. Acne usually forms on a person’s face, chest, or back and can lead to many forms of spots or blemishes. Acne is caused as a result of hormonal changes in most cases.

However, genetics might also play a role. The condition can be mild, moderate, or severe, and treatment for each should vary.

While over-the-counter creams might work for mild cases, antibiotics might be needed if it’s more moderate or severe. If treatments prescribed by your doctor don’t work, it will be best to go and speak with a dermatologist.

References:

Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sebum#production
UK National Health Services: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/treatment/