The 3 Most Common Types of Acne, And How To Treat Each

Over 95 percent of Americans at some point in their life will experience acne, according to dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD, of New York City. In fact, according to Dr. Marchbein, 25 percent of women in their 40s and 50 percent of women in their 20s still have acne.The 3 Most Common Types of Acne.

Even if those statistics may seem discouraging, there is a bright side: because acne has become more common, there are more research studies on the many varieties of acne than ever before, and there are more treatment options available than ever.

The 3 Most Common Types of Acne, And How To Treat Each

Acne Cystic

How it occurs: In women, these deep, below-the-surface lumps are typically found along the jawline and chin. They have no head.

A combination of oil (sebum), dirt, and Worn out skin cells become caught within pores, causing the condition, which is frequent in those with oily skin (particularly at that time of the month, when estrogen can increase sebum production).

In addition to being painful and red, the lesions have the potential to leave scars and PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, popularly known as dark patches).

This, according to Dr. Marchbein, is the reason why cystic acne needs to be treated immediately away.

The therapeutic course: A consistent skincare routine can: Wash your face twice a day with a cleanser that contains chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, and at night, use a retinoid like AcneFree Adapalene Gel ($10; amazon.com).

Adapalene is meant to be used all over the face to lessen the development of sluggish skin, which in turn prevents breakouts.

Compared to prescription retinol, it is kinder. A prescription might be useful if your regimen isn’t working, but Dr. Marchbein warns that with this form of acne, “traditional therapies like topicals are less likely to work.”

Route of administration: For the treatment of acne, the FDA has approved the use of certain birth control pills that contain estrogen and progesterone.

These drugs are given because testosterone and other acne-causing androgens, like estrogen, can induce the sebaceous gland to produce more sebum.

Spironolactone, a blood pressure medicine, works similarly for women in that it blocks androgens without hormones even though it is not FDA-approved for the treatment of acne. Derms might also advise combining the two.

In more severe circumstances, “Isotretinoin—formerly Accutane—is the gold standard and has the potential to give a lasting remission, or even cure, scarring cystic acne,” according to Dr. Marchbein.

Isotretinoin should be avoided by women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant since it can result in birth abnormalities.

It’s a retinoid, which is another name for vitamin A, and it works more forcefully to decrease oil production.

Blackheads/Whiteheads

How it occurs: The cause of these begins with “sebum plugs” in a pore or hair follicle, according to dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD, of New York City. Sebum, germs, and dead skin cells that clog the pore’s opening make up a blackhead.

Whiteheads are created when a clogged pore closes. These patches are less deep than cystic ones.

According to Dr. Marchbein, open comedones are the reason why blackheads appear black; when sebum, germs, and Worn out skin cells are exposed to air, they all oxidize and become darker.

Whiteheads and closed comedones have pollutants beneath the skin that are not in contact with the air.

Because the T-zone contains the most sebaceous glands, both are frequently seen there.

Salicylic acid is essential to the treatment regimen since it can clear pores and permeate them.

Antimicrobial silver and salicylic acid are combined in Naturopathica Colloidal Silver & Salicylic Acid Acne Clearing Cleanser ($38; naturopathica.com) to help prevent outbreaks. SET UP A FACIAL:

You should seek the advice of a professional if you frequently discover that your pores are clogged. In order to maintain a clear complexion, Christine Chin, a certified esthetician and the owner of the eponymous spa in New York City, advises scheduling extractions with a specialist.

Use an acne patch as soon as a whitehead appears for a quick treatment.

The hydrocolloid used to make these stickers transforms into a fluid-absorbing gel that removes dirt and oil, reduces irritation, and forms a barrier to keep bacteria out. As the zit heals, Alba Botanica Acnedote

How it occurs: You could still experience body breakouts while having a clear complexion. According to Dr. Marchbein, the majority of people have a combination of both, but many people only have neck-down problems.

Sweat is also a significant contributing element, despite the fact that the common causes include filth, oil, and worn out skin.
Many women discover that the areas where sports bras collect sweat are where they get zits the most.

The course of treatment: To get rid of bacteria that cause acne, use a benzoyl peroxide cleanser after working out, like CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser ($15; available at mass merchants).

Unexpected offenders

shaving of hair. Your approach might result in breakouts! For instance, dermaplaning, a razor-based exfoliation technique, is excellent for removing peach fuzz from the face.

However, if you already have active breakouts or oily skin, the process may actually make your skin generate more oil and aggravate your skin, which could lead to more outbreaks. The best option is laser hair removal.

your bed linen. It should be changed once per week because it could be a bacterial habitat.

haircare products. Even while some compounds are great for hair, the skin around the hairline, on the shoulders, and on the back might suffer serious harm.

Try the Seen product range ($24–$29; helloseen.com), which was developed by dermatologists specifically for those with acne.

When was the last time you cleaned your screen? According to research from the University of Arizona, a cell phone can contain ten times more bacteria than a toilet seat.

Every time you put your phone up to your ear, you are essentially exposing your skin to the bacteria it is carrying, which could result in an outbreak later on.

Make your lifestyle acne-proof.

Change your diet. Dr. Nazarian notes that eating high-glycemic foods can mess with your hormones.

See if your skin gets better by attempting to eliminate these. Inform your dermatologist if not.

Go to bed. Poor sleep can make acne and skin disorders like eczema worse.

Get the seven to nine hours of sleep per night that the National Sleep Foundation advises.

Less can be more. Avoid the temptation to use every medication in your medicine cabinet at once.

The best strategy to deal with inflamed skin is simply to reduce your routine. Types of Acne

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