Everything You Need to Know About Acne

Every June we celebrate Acne Awareness Month since this is the most common skin condition in the world. Saying, there isn’t a person that didn’t have a problem with acne over the years. There is endless information about acne on the internet. However, that also means many people read about this topic but don’t exactly know what acne is and how to treat it. We have the answers to all your questions. 

What is Acne? 

Acne is a very common skin condition that affects 9.4% of people worldwide. But, do you really know what is acne? 

The skin has tiny holes called pores, and over time they can be blocked by oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and dirt. When this happens your skin reacts and there might be a pimple on your face. Now, if you get pimples once in a while it is completely normal. However, if you get pimples often, then you might have acne. 

While acne is not a condition that can cause severe health problems, it can be painful. Not to mention the emotional distress they cause, since they are most common in the teenage period. 

What Causes Acne to Appear?

Acne breakouts happen for many different reasons, but these are the most common ones. Whether you are a teen or in your 30, or 40s, acne can occur to everybody. 

Acne can occur when pores become blocked with oil, dead skin, and bacteria. Pores open to follicles that are made up of hair and sebum glands. Sebum is important since it is keeping the skin soft and hydrated. However, if anything mishaps the lubrication process, then acne can occur. This might mean that follicles produce too much oil, that dead skin cells were accumulating in your pores, or that you have bacteria.

In the year of Covid-19, many people noticed they have acne, due to the use of face masks. Masks can damage the outer skin layer, but also they trap excess oil, dirt, and humidity. This leads to excess sweat, acne, and rosacea appearance. 

Hormones are a very common cause of acne. Especially in teens and adolescents, as their bodies produce testosterone. This hormone is the reason why sebum is overproducing. 

Take into consideration that sometimes even wrong skincare routines can make acne appear. Fortunately, Gymsegbe has a whole line that is suitable for acne-prone skin. Whether you need serum or toner for your skin, these products will make sure your skin is hydrated, yet clean.  

Types of Acne

Acne is categorized into two groups, inflammatory and noninflammatory. 

Inflammatory acne is more likely to cause scarring and has a red appearance. Including: 

• Papules - small, red bumps, usually caused by inflamed or infected hair follicles.
• Nodules - painful lumps that develop beneath the outer layer of skin
• Cysts - large lumps that can also be very painful
• Pustules - small pimples that have pus at the tips

Noninflammatory acne refers to clogged pores, often called comedones and they can be: 

• Whiteheads - closed comedones that don’t change their color and form raised bumps under the skin. 
• Blackheads - open comedones that are open to the surface of the skin. Oxygen in the air gives them a darker appearance. 

Tips and Tricks on How to Treat Acne

While you can try skincare products, specially designed for acne-prone skin, you can also change some small lifestyle habits. Believe us, you will notice a huge difference. Try some of these things in combination with appropriate skincare. 

• Try not to touch your face, especially if you are outside and your hands are dirty. It can transfer bacteria from your hands to the skin pores and turn the bumps into inflamed acne. 

• Over-exfoliating really won’t help. On the contrary, it can create redness and irritation that you definitely don’t need. Exfoliation is good for clogged pores, but be careful not to overdo it. 

• Wash your face twice a day with an appropriate cleanser, like this Deep Treatment Acne Cleansing Foam cleanser. You need to wash your face in the morning and evening, to get rid of all dirt, dead skin cells, and excess sebum. 

• Hydrating is recommended not only for dry skin. If you have a problem with acne, you should also know that proper hydration is one of the tricks to getting rid of them. 

• Avoid ingredients like alcohol and fragrance. They can only irritate acne-prone skin even more.