It’s unclear what causes the development and degree of acne. It’s most common in young adults and teenagers, with an estimated 80 percent of people between ages 11 and 30 experiencing acne outbreaks at some point.
Hormones called androgens, which increase in boys and girls during puberty, play a role. Androgens increase the size of the skin’s oil glands as well as the amount of sebum produced.
Other factors that contributing to acne outbreaks include:
- Genetics: Acne may be more likely to develop in kids whose parent(s) experienced outbreaks.
- Medicines: Drugs containing corticosteroids, androgens or lithium can make acne worse.
- Cosmetics: Water-based products cause less acne than oil-based makeup.
- Diet: Studies show that dairy products and foods high in carbohydrates may trigger acne.
- Stress: Stress can make acne breakouts worse.
How do you treat acne?
While there is no cure for acne, treatment options can reduce problems that cause acne to develop, including:
- Clumping of dead skin cells in the follicles
- Excessive production of oil
- Bacterial infections caused by the build up of cells, hairs and oil
- Inflammation
The goal of treating acne is to:
- Heal existing lesions
- Stop new pimples from forming
- Prevent scaring and permanent blemishes from forming
Treatment options are available in over-the-counter and prescription forms. OTC treatments often work well for mild to moderate acne or occasional breakouts. If you suffer from severe or chronic acne, prescription medicines may work better.
Whether OTC or prescription, treatment methods are administered topically or orally. Topical treatments include lotions, gels, creams, soaps and other products applied directly to the skin. Oral medications include antibiotics, contraceptive pills and isotretinoin (a medicine used specifically to treat acne).
Acne is not a skin condition limited to the teenage years. Many people have it as adults. Some people experience a recurring bout of acne for the first time since adolescence. Others develop acne for the first time as an adult. At any age acne can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and even depression. Adults are just as prone to these side effects. But there are steps you can take to help control acne outbreaks.
