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Acne is a skin disorder that can cause lesions or blemishes to form on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders.
The lesions, commonly called pimples or zits, are the result of hormones and other substances disturbing the skin’s oil glands and hair follicles.
Acne usually begins around puberty when hormonal changes cause oil glands to shift into high gear, but it can happen at other times for a variety of reasons.
Although acne is not a life threatening condition, it can be very upsetting and embarrassing.
The goal of acne treatment is to improve the appearance of the skin, decrease the chance of scarring, and relieve discomfort.
Fortunately, many excellent treatments are available for acne sufferers.
Located just under the skin, there are thousands of oil-producing glands, called sebaceous glands.
These glands are found all over the body, but they are most numerous on the face, upper back and chest.
Normally, oil from these glands passes through a pore to the surface of the skin.
Acne usually occurs when the pore is blocked by dead skin cells, bacteria, hormones, or excess secretions.
This blockage causes a pooling of oil within the pore that helps acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes) to grow.
The bacteria often cause inflammation, making the pimple red, sore, and occasionally full of pus.
Despite popular myth, acne is not caused by particular foods, including oily foods, soft drinks, chocolate, and it does not result from poor hygiene.
Although emotional stress, fatigue, humidity, cosmetics and menstrual cycles do not cause acne, they can aggravate it.
In addition, acne tends to run in families. Is SOLODYN® right for you? Ask your dermatologist.
Having a few zits here and there is definitely normal.
Almost 100% of teenagers have at least an occasional whitehead, blackhead or pimple, regardless of race or ethnicity.
But while many teens are able to manage their condition with over-the-counter drugs, more than 40% of mid-teens have acne conditions that require treatment by a doctor or dermatologist.3
If any of the following statements apply to you, it may be time to see a dermatologist:
- You are embarrassed by your acne
- Your acne makes you shy, depressed or pessimistic
- You are preoccupied or frustrated by your acne
- Your acne is negatively affecting your performance at work or school
- Your acne is keeping you from enjoying social activities
- In addition to whiteheads and blackheads, you have pus-filled lesions or reddened spots
- None of the over-the-counter acne products you have tried have worked
- You are beginning to see scars or dark patches after acne lesions clear
Most people will outgrow their acne by the time they reach their thirties, though some people continue to have this skin problem into their forties and fifties.5
There is, however, no reason to suffer with acne for any part of your life.
Today, virtually all acne conditions can be successfully treated by a dermatologist.
In addition to clearing your existing acne, a dermatologist can help prevent new lesions from forming and reduce your chance of developing disfiguring scars.3
There is no "instant" single cure for acne.
Due to the nature of the condition, a treatment that works for one person, may not work well for another.
In most cases, a physician-directed course of treatment can take 6 to 8 weeks to produce results.
After some initial success, subsequent treatments may be needed to keep acne under control.
Your dermatologist can help to select the treatment regimen that is best for your unique skin needs.3
- Wash your face gently with a mild cleanser, once in the morning, once in the evening, and after heavy exercise. Ask your doctor or dermatologist to recommend a cleanser for you.
- Avoid excessive rubbing of the skin because it may increase irritation. Try to keep your hands, hair and objects like straps, hats and the phone away from your acne.
- Do not touch or squeeze pimples. Squeezing can spread infection and lead to permanent scarring.
- Avoid the use of oily cosmetics. All cosmetics, such as foundation, blush, eye shadow, moisturizers, and hair-care products should be oil free. Look for products labeled noncomedogenic (meaning it does not clog pores). Also, be sure to remove make-up thoroughly before bed.
- Avoid a sunburn or suntan. Contrary to popular belief, tanning does not clear acne; it only masks it. Tanning also increases your risk of skin cancer.
- Eat a balanced diet and maintain proper hygiene.
- Be patient. Understand that your acne may get worse before it gets better. It takes at least one month to evaluate your treatment’s effectiveness.
- Follow your dermatologist’s instructions and use medications as directed.
See important safety information.
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