Acne is probably one of the most common skin conditions. It doesn’t matter what skin condition you have, nearly everyone gets acne from time to time! Sometimes it can even be impossible to avoid.
To give you a better understanding of the condition, especially on dry, sensitive skin, we are going to discuss its symptoms, types, severity, and precautions to be aware of. 🙂
General overview of Acne
When your hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, acne occurs. Know that if you suffer from acne, you are not alone. It is indeed one of the most common skin conditions.
It is estimated that 80% of people in their twenties will have some form of acne, and most people will face it at some point.
Teenagers are more likely to suffer from acne, but it can affect anyone of any age.
There are four main causes of acne:
· Excess oil (sebum) production
· Hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin cells
· Bacteria
· Inflammation
Typically, it affects the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders.
The most common types of Acne:
Levels of Acne:
Acne is typically classified as:
Mild – generally characterized by whiteheads and blackheads with a few papules and pustules.
Moderate – Whiteheads and blackheads are more widespread with many papules and pustules.
Severe – many large, painful papules or pustules, nodules, cysts; and scarring may also occur.
A severe case of acne can leave scars on the skin and cause emotional distress. The sooner you start treatment, the lower your chances of developing such problems.
Things that can trigger or worsen acne include:
- Hormonal changes. During puberty, boys and girls encounter higher levels of androgens which lead to an increase in sebum production. Additionally, hormonal changes during midlife can cause breakouts in women.
- Certain medications. Corticosteroid, testosterone, lithium, for example.
- Diet. Researchers have found that certain foods, such as carbohydrate-rich foods like bread and bagels, may aggravate acne. It will be important to study whether specific dietary restrictions would benefit people with acne.
- Stress. If you already have acne, stress may worsen it.
Note that things like hygiene, makeup (cosmetics) or sweets like chocolate and greasy foods have little to no effect on acne.
There are however risky factors which may include:
- · Age. Acne can affect anyone, but it is most common in teenagers (as highlighted previously).
- Hormonal changes. These can occur during puberty or pregnancy.
- Family history. Genetics may play a role. It’s more likely that you will get acne if both your parents have it.
- Greasy or oily substances. When you apply oily lotions or creams to your skin, you could develop acne.
- Friction or pressure on your skin. Among such items are telephones, cell phones, helmets, tight collars, and backpacks.
INTERESTING FACTS:
Darker skin types have a higher chance of experiencing these acne complications than do lighter skin types:
· Scars. After acne has healed, pitted skin (acne scars) and thick scars (keloids) can remain.
· Skin changes. It is possible for acne-affected skin to be darker (hyperpigmented) or lighter (hypopigmented) after it has cleared up.
For more insights, I suggest you check the NHS page on Acne NHS -Acne
Dry Skin & Acne:
Acne is well known to be caused by excess oil, but dry skin may also play a role. The skin produces more oil in response to dryness, which can lead to clogged pores and further acne.
Sensitive Skin & Acne:
When acne is combined with sensitive skin, it can be even harder. Acne and sensitive skin can cause burning, stinging, redness, and peeling.
You might get acne breakouts with red bumps and pustules if you have sensitive skin. An acne wash or cream used to treat breakouts may exacerbate your symptoms.
Acne on dry sensitive skin is a common type of acne. It is often a combination of acne caused by a lack of oil production. This can lead to dead, sensitive skin that is easily irritated and prone to pimples. It causes the skin to appear patchy, which can be very embarrassing and uncomfortable.
Finding a safe and successful acne treatment can be an arduous task.
How to defend yourself against acne?
The best defence against acne and dry skin is a regular skincare routine. However, sensitive skin requires careful selection of the right skincare products. Harsh products can irritate sensitive skin more than others.
Indeed, if you have sensitive skin, treating acne can seem like a losing battle. Even though it’s possible to treat acne effectively, acne can persist. Pimples and bumps heal slowly, but the issue is that as soon as one begins to heal, others appear. I have been there and trust me it is so annoying!!!
When it comes to acne on dry skin, fighting breakouts might be as simple as boosting your skin’s hydration. But you should choose products that won’t further irritate your skin if you have acne or dry skin.
The skin of every person is unique, so a product that works for one person might not work for you.
What to be aware of?
Generally, avoid heavy skincare products. Oil-based lotions, moisturizers, and sunscreens fall into this category. Their residue can clog pores. Look for products that are oil-free and noncomedogenic.
You should be aware that products with alcohol, dyes, and fragrances may irritate the skin.
Additional aspects to be aware of:
Pay attention to what your skin is telling you. It will provide you with enough signs as to whether what you are doing to improve the condition is working.
It is important to always stay away from:
*Face scrubs that are harsh to the skin. To get rid of blackheads and breakouts, you may want to scrub your skin. Avoid doing this though.
Your sensitive skin can be easily irritated by harsh scrubs, which can cause redness and burning.
I know, I’ve been there!
Below is my short story with pictures.
*Make sure to also introduce new products slowly and carefully and never ever use too many products at once related. Less is more! Keep your routine simple but effective!!
*In addition, beware of leave-on acne treatments, retinol, and benzoyl peroxide since they may be too harsh for sensitive skin. It is not recommended to leave them on for too long, especially at the beginning.
Note: Consult your primary care physician if you cannot clear your acne with self-care remedies. You may be prescribed stronger medications. If acne persists or is severe, you may want to consult a skin specialist (dermatologist or paediatric dermatologist).
Related:
*Vitamin C vs Retinol vs Hyaluronic Acid-What differs from them
*Benzoyl peroxide and Niacinamide-can you mix the two?
Summary:
By now you should understand the main causes, why they occur, and what triggers them. You are not alone if you suffer from acne and dry and sensitive skin.
Treatments for acne can be helpful, but they shouldn’t be layered on top of too many other skincare products or implemented too quickly. It is one of the most common skin disorders, and its treatment should be simple.
Consult a specialist if the condition worsens after treatment.
