Acne: Types, Causes, and Effective Treatments

Struggling with stubborn acne that won’t go away? You’re not alone. Acne can be frustrating, affecting your confidence and leaving behind scars that take months to fade. From painful breakouts to recurring flare-ups, finding the right treatment can feel overwhelming. This blog’ll explore the causes, types, and best acne treatment options, including advanced solutions at Bliss Clinic in Ajman.

UNDERSTANDING ACNE AND ITS SYMPTOMS

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. It often appears on the face, chest, back, and shoulders. Acne is common among teenagers but can occur at any age.

Symptoms vary in severity and include blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules (pimples), nodules, and cysts. It can also cause redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain, especially in deeper lesions like nodules and cysts.

TYPES OF ACNE

Acne comes in different types based on its severity and appearance. Here are the main acne types:

Blackheads (Open Comedones)

Small, dark, or black bumps that are open at the surface of the skin.
Filled with excess oil and dead skin cells.

Whiteheads (Closed Comedones)

Small, white, or flesh-colored bumps that are closed at the surface of the skin.
Occurs when oil and skin cells prevent a clogged hair follicle from opening.

Papules

Small, red, or pink inflamed bumps without pus.
Sensitive to touch.
Form when clogged pores become irritated and inflamed.

Pustules

Red bumps filled with white or yellow pus.
Form due to bacterial infection in clogged pores.
Pricking or squeezing can cause scars or dark spots.

Nodules

Large, inflamed bumps that are firm to touch.
Develop deep within the skin and painful
Can last for weeks and often leave scars.

Cysts

Large, pus-filled, painful lumps that look similar to boils.
Caused by deep infections in the pores.
The most severe form of acne, often leading to scars.

CAUSES OF ACNE

Acne occurs when the hair follicles get clogged. Hair follicles are small tubes that hold a strand of the hair. When the hair follicles accumulate with various materials, it can lead to the development of acne. It includes:

Excess production of oil(sebum) in the pores
Accumulation of dead skin cells in the pore
Growth of bacteria

Several factors can trigger acne formation including:

Increase in male sex hormones especially testosterone during the teenage and young adult years
If a family history of acne exists
Certain medications such as medications that contain hormones, corticosteroids, and lithium
Pressure from tight clothes and sports helmets
Environmental conditions such as air pollution and high humidity
Using oily or greasy personal care products including heavy lotions and creams
Stress
Pricking at acne
Scrubbing the skin too hard
Food such as skim milk, whey protein, and high-sugar diets

EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS FOR ACNE

Acne treatment depends on how severe it is. It can vary from weeks to months. The various treatment options available for acne management include:

Over-the-counter (OTC) Treatments

If you have mild to moderate acne, a pharmacist should be able to advise you how to get rid of them with over-the-counter gels or creams containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinoids and azelaic acid. The benefits include:

Benzoyl peroxide

Clears pores and has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
The active ingredient fights acne-causing bacteria without bringing about bacterial resistance.
Found in leave-on and cleanser products at concentrations of 2.5-10%.

Salicylic acid

Helps unclog pores by exfoliating dead skin cells.
Found in leave-on and cleanser formulations at concentrations of 0.5-6%.

Retinoids

Drugs that mimic vitamin A’s structure and function.
FDA has approved four topical retinoids for acne treatment: adapalene, tazarotene, tretinoin, and trifarotene.
The active ingredient can kill off acne-causing bacteria without producing bacterial resistance.
Help clear pores, prolong remissions, and improve dark spots.

Azelaic acid

Helps unblock pores and lightens dark spots.
Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Prescription Medications

For moderate to severe acne or medicine from the pharmacy doesn’t work, a dermatologist may prescribe medications including:

Light & laser therapy

Light and laser therapy uses light of different wavelengths to target and reduce acne-causing bacteria, inflammation, and excess oil production in the skin. It is usually combined with other therapies for better results. It includes

Other Professional Treatments

Several treatments for acne do not involve medicine. It includes:

Extractions – Dermatologists manually remove blackheads/whiteheads safely.
Rf microneedling – Helps with acne scars.
Chemical Peels – Uses acids like glycolic or salicylic acid to exfoliate and clear pores.

Acne is a common but treatable skin condition that requires the right approach for effective management.

If you’re looking for the best acne treatment in Dubai, Bliss Clinic in Ajman offers expert care with advanced facilities and experienced dermatologists. Our specialists provide personalized acne treatment plans to help you achieve clear and healthy skin.

Book your consultation today at Bliss Clinic for advanced and effective acne solutions!