Acne

Acne means more than just a few pimples on the face. It is a complex skin condition that can be both physically and emotionally distressing. Have you ever wondered why acne develops or what treatments are effective? Only with the answers to these questions will you understand what you can do preventively and how your skin can become more beautiful.

  • One of the inflammatory skin diseases that affects the sebaceous glands and hair follicles.

  • Depending on the severity, blackheads, pimples and nodular redness may appear on the face or upper body.

  • Depending on the course of the disease, there are a variety of treatment options.

Akne behandeln
From Head of Cosmetics:

From Head of Cosmetics:

Nathalie Herndlhofer
Medically reviewed by:

Medically reviewed by:

Dr. Peter Herndlhofer

Acne: Simply explained!

Acne is a skin disease caused by clogged skin pores. Depending on the severity, a variety of factors are responsible for its development. Usually, excessive production of sebum as well as changes in hormonal balance lead to clogging of pores. The result: visible blackheads, pimples, pustules or even lumps. It is a common misconception that acne can only occur during puberty. Especially in adulthood, inadequate facial cleansing and too much cosmetics or make-up can clog the skin pores, causing acne.

When acne becomes a problem

Acne can occur at any time in life. Especially at a young age, severe progressions with nodular skin changes and pimples can be physically and psychologically stressful. At the latest when it affects the quality of life and self-confidence suffers, it becomes a problem for those affected. The first medical signs that it has become a problem are: Scarring or pain during daily facial cleansing. Also, if it does not respond to existing therapy, it becomes problematic. In all cases, get medical help in time to receive appropriate treatment to reduce symptoms and the impact on your quality of life.

What causes acne

Acne is caused by a combination of different factors that affect the sebaceous glands in your skin. When sebum and dead skin cells build up in your pores, it can clog your pores. This in turn makes it easier for bacteria to colonize and multiply, creating areas of inflammation on the skin. The result: pimples appear. These additionally clog the pores, which is why a vicious circle is created. But be careful: these are not to be confused with ordinary razor bumps. Important to know: Hormonal changes, especially during puberty or pregnancy, can result in increased sebum production, so that the glands clog more easily. There is also solid evidence that certain foods increase the risk of acne.

What are the first signs

The first signs depend on the type and severity of the acne. Below you will find the most common types, including their signs, starting with the mildest form.

  • Acne comedonica: Here, white or black blackheads appear on the skin, usually caused by clogged pores. A real inflammation of the skin is usually not yet present.
  • Acne papulopustulosa occurs when blackheads become inflamed in the skin. The picture is characterized by papules and pustules. Papules are small red inflamed bumps. And pustules already show up as pus-filled tiny bumps.
  • Acne conglobata: Is one of the most severe courses, in which painful nodules form under the skin. These can fuse together and form fistula tracts between individual blackheads. The skin is nodular and has pustules and papules as well.
  • Acne inversa occurs particularly in the armpit and genital region, where painful inflammation in the form of lumps, pimples and subsequently scars form. Therapy is usually not possible without surgery.
  • Special case: Mallorca acne. This is noticeable by itchy lumps on the skin – usually after strong sun exposure. The arms, feet, face and décolleté are affected. The good thing: Medically, it is not a form of acne, as it is easily treated with sunscreen.

When should acne be treated

Acne should be treated if it impairs the quality of life or is already causing acne scars. Likewise, if inflamed areas of the face are very painful, it is advisable to seek medical help. But note: There is no single treatment for acne. It should be tailored to both the type and severity as well as your individual skin type. Also, treatment options in adolescence differ significantly from those in later adulthood. Acne is often a chronic problem that recurs. Especially in the 20s and 30s, ongoing treatment and regular skin care help to keep symptoms under control.

Any questions? Our FAQ section has the answers!

The best therapy depends on your age, the severity and your personal skin type. A general statement would not be medically justifiable and must be assessed on an individual basis. Nevertheless, we will try to give you a rough overview. General measures you should follow on a daily basis are: Washing your face with pH neutral soaps, reducing makeup to a minimum and eating a balanced diet. In particular, it is important to limit sugar consumption. Since the main problem with mild to moderate acne is clogged pores, you can use a HydraFacial to create a more beautiful complexion. On the one hand, the dead skin cells are removed, blackheads are sucked out and then a gentle peeling is applied. This noticeably improves the appearance of your skin, but the treatment quickly reaches its limits if the acne is more severe. Keyword: scrubs. These can control certain forms of acne very well. At GoAesthetic, we use up to 80% fruit acid peels for this purpose. Good results can be achieved, especially at a younger age. If severe acne has been present for many years and has already led to scarring and skin discoloration, we recommend microneedling or even more intensive radiofrequency microneedling – both treatments help to remove acne scars.

As you know by now, acne is caused by an overproduction of sebum in the sebaceous glands. The result: clogged pores and blemished skin. These blockages cause normally harmless bacteria to multiply and cause inflammation. In truth, however, countless other factors play an important role. Some of them can’t be influenced, but others can. The things that can be influenced include: Smoking, a high weight, certain medications or an unbalanced diet.

Hormonal imbalance can contribute to acne. There is no specific nutrient deficiency that causes acne, but thorough skin care and a balanced diet can help mitigate symptoms. Did you know: dairy products and foods with a high glycemic index can promote the development in young adults. So what is the glycemic index? It indicates how quickly your blood sugar level rises after eating food containing carbohydrates. Examples of a high index are: White bread, chips or cornflakes.

Yes. Especially if it is treated properly. Treatment options are vast and range from skin creams to medications, such as antibiotics and hormone supplements, to chemical peels and light therapy. It is important to consider the severity of acne and your personal skin type. Because not all acne is the same. And be careful: the therapy also depends on your age. Especially in teenage years, acne can disappear on its own, as it is often caused by hormonal changes.

More questions? Simply make a personal consultation appointment online.

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References

Last update: 14.01.2024

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