We’ve been there.

It’s the night before an important event. You go to bed confident and ready for the next day, and you wake up to a massive pimple smack in the middle of your forehead.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting over 50 million Americans, but just because it’s common, this doesn’t mean it’s not important to address.

The stigma around acne is real. Studies have shown that it can affect self-image and self-esteem. Early intervention to manage acne might help prevent associated emotional distress.

The #1 Acne Myth

One major myth about acne is that it’s caused only by lack of hygiene and poor diet. In fact, the primary causes of acne are much more complicated, with one of the main causes being your oil glands.

When these oil glands produce too much oil, which then combines with dead skin cells, the result is blocked pores and follicles. Bacteria develop in the blocked follicles and pores, inflammation develops, and a pimple is born.

Of course, one trigger to the build-up of oil and bacteria is not washing your face frequently enough, but many cases of acne are determined by more complex factors. Heredity plays a major part — if parents suffered from acne, their children are more likely to as well.

The Truth About Hormones and Stress

Hormones can cause increased oil production as well, which is one of the reasons why teenagers, young women, and those with hormone conditions are especially susceptible to developing acne.

Stress is a major contributing factor as well — stress affects hormones, which might be the reason for that pimple on your big day.

How To Get Control of Your Acne

There are several types of acne lesions, and understanding each one can make them easier to treat. Blackheads and whiteheads are raised bumps that are caused by blocked pores. Papules and pustules are bumps that are caused by blocked pores becoming inflamed. Nodules and cysts are deeper bumps, often painful, that should be treated by a dermatologist.

But luckily, no matter what type of acne, there are solutions. Visiting a dermatologist can help determine what type of acne you’re dealing with, and from there, you can learn about options for prescription and over-the-counter remedies.

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States and there are effective options to manage it!
Sources: American Academy of Dermatology, Indian Journal of Dermatology

Related posts:
Teenage Acne: Do Boys and Girls Experience it Differently?
Helping Teenagers Deal With Acne: A Parent’s Guide

 

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Participate in a Research Study

Austin area residents: are you or someone you know struggling with skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, or rosacea? Participating in a research study provides an opportunity to be involved in the process of discovering new treatments while receiving compensation for time and travel. Inquire about eligibility by calling DermResearch at 512-349-0500 or view our current studies