Acne 101: Everything You Need to Know About Breakouts

Introduction

Let's face it - breakouts are the worst. You've got a big presentation at work, that long-awaited date, or a family function coming up, and there it is – a stubborn pimple staring right back at you in the mirror. Here in India, where the heat, humidity, and even pollution can play havoc with our skin, understanding why and how breakouts occur becomes even more important.

Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition faced by almost 10% of people worldwide, especially during puberty and adolescence and less commonly as adults. That's right; you're not alone in this struggle. But when you learn when you are more likely to get pimples, you will be in a better position to know how to prevent and treat them for clearer, healthier skin. 

So, let’s get started. Let’s find out what happens on the skin surface that leads to acne formation. 

What causes acne to appear on the skin?

When pimples form, it kickstarts a well-defined process occurring beneath the surface of your skin. Here's a closer look at the formation of acne:

Key players 

• Hair Follicles: Imagine these as tiny tunnels in your skin. Each follicle houses a hair and a sebaceous gland.
• Sebaceous Glands: These glands produce sebum, an oily substance that lubricates and protects your skin.

Understand the factors that affect oily skin and how that leads to acne formation in our new blog linked here: The Role of Diet and Lifestyle in Managing Oily Skin and Acne.

• Dead Skin Cells: Our skin constantly sheds dead cells to make way for new ones.
• Bacteria: A population of bacteria is always naturally present on our skin's surface- some are good bacteria, while some can be acne-causing strains.

Acne formation

• Sometimes, hormonal fluctuations, stress, certain medications, or even genetics can trigger the sebaceous glands to overproduce sebum.
• Extra sebum combines with dead skin cells that haven't shed properly. The resulting mixture creates a sticky substance that plugs the opening of the hair follicle (pore).
• With the pore blocked, sebum gets trapped inside, forming an ideal environment for the naturally occurring, acne-causing bacteria on your skin to multiply.
• Your body's immune system fights the increased bacterial activity, leading to inflammation. This translates to redness, swelling, and the formation of a pimple.
• Sometimes, the clogged pore can rupture, spilling the trapped sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria deeper into the skin. This can lead to more severe acne lesions like cysts or nodules.

Find out what could be causing your breakouts in our latest blog linked here: 5 Surprising Acne Triggers - and How to Avoid Them

The Acne Classification: A Guide to Different Pimple Types

Now that we understand how acne forms, let's explore the different variations of pimples you might encounter.

1. Comedones are the non-inflammatory early stages of acne - white and blackheads.

• Whiteheads: are tiny, flesh-coloured bumps trapped under the skin. These occur when dead skin cells and sebum clog the pores completely.
• Blackheads: Unlike whiteheads, blackheads have an opening to the surface. The trapped sebum within reacts with oxygen in the air, causing the characteristic black appearance (so, while they look like dirt particles trapped on your skin, they are not!)

Struggling with stubborn, enlarged pores? Target the root cause with our innovative PoreMini Gel. Learn more and minimise your pores for a smoother, shine-free complexion!

If your pores are not cleared out at this stage, then they can get inflamed and lead to more noticeable pimples:

2. Papules are small, red, and tender bumps caused by inflamed hair follicles.

3. Pustules: These are papules with a white or yellow pus-filled centre, indicating the presence of infection.

4. Nodules are deeper, solid bumps that can be painful. They develop beneath the skin's surface and often take longer to heal.

5. Cysts are large, pus-filled lumps that can cause significant discomfort and scarring.

Remember, this is just a general classification. You might experience a combination of these types on your skin.

Ready to say goodbye to breakouts? SeboReg Gel is your one-stop solution for clear, healthy skin. It unclogs pores, fights bacteria, and regulates sebum for lasting acne control. Explore more now!

Acne Mapping

Did you know that where you tend to get breakouts on your skin—whether on your face or body—can give clues to suggest the cause behind your acne, especially if they are recurrent? 

Here's a breakdown of common breakout zones and what they could indicate: 

• T-Zone (Forehead, Nose & Chin): This oily area is prone to clogged pores due to high sebum production.
• Cheeks & Jawline: Fluctuations in hormones, especially during your periods, can often trigger breakouts in these areas.

To find out how hormones affect your skin, check out our blog linked here: Hormonal Havoc: Unveiling the Truth About Hormonal Acne

• Hairline & Temples: Fallout from hair products, sweat, or friction from tight hats or sweatbands can irritate these areas and contribute to pimples.
• Back & Chest (Truncal Acne): Similar to the T-zone, the back and chest have numerous oil glands, making them susceptible to breakouts. Tight-fitting clothing and sweat can make it worse.

It's important to remember that acne mapping offers clues but not definitive answers. Consulting a dermatologist will ensure a personalised diagnosis and the most effective treatment plan for your unique skin.

Step-wise Plan for Managing Acne

Since acne is a common skin concern, planning a good skincare routine can help get your skin clearer and smoother. Here's how to get started:

1. Cleansing

Wash your face with lukewarm water. Harsh scrubs can irritate your skin, so opt for a gentle cleanser that removes excess oil and dirt without stripping your skin's natural moisture.

“Most of us should cleanse twice a day with a gentle cleanser,” said Dr Jushya Sarin, a dermatologist. “However, if you happen to cleanse your face more than that, your skin will produce more oil to compensate for the dryness caused by cleansing. This can lead to your skin flaring up, which can cause acne.” she continues. 

2. Exfoliation

Dead skin cells can clog pores and contribute to breakouts. That's where exfoliation comes in. But be gentle! Harsh scrubs can worsen inflammation. 

Use a gentle exfoliating product a few times weekly to buff away dead skin cells and promote a smoother texture while fighting acne scars, pigmentation, or dark spots. 

Want to wake up to a brighter, clearer complexion? SeboPeel Night Peel gently buffs away dead skin cells and fades dark spots. Read more about this game-changer!

3. Moisturise

Even acne-prone skin needs hydration. Dehydrated skin can produce more oil, making breakouts worse. The key is to choose an oil-free moisturiser that provides hydration without clogging your pores.

Nurture your skin while fighting breakouts. EpiDense Moisturiser provides the perfect balance of hydration and repair. Experience the difference of a healthy skin barrier. Read more about it here.

4. Treatment Options

Now, depending on the severity of your acne, there are various treatment options. Topical medications like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can be very effective for mild to moderate acne. These come in gels, creams, or washes and target bacteria and clogged pores.

Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) like retinol or adapalene are used for more stubborn cases. These work by increasing skin cell turnover and unclogging pores. They require a bit more patience as it can take a few weeks to see results, but they're a powerful tool in the long run.

Of course, if your acne is more severe, oral medications like antibiotics or isotretinoin might be an option. Discussing these with your dermatologist is important, as they require a prescription and close monitoring.

Conclusion

With this knowledge about acne and the right skincare routine, you can take charge of your skin health. Remember: Consistency is key! Sticking to your personalized skincare routine and using the right products will help you achieve the clear skin you want. 

Check out our blogs and our range of products for more effective ways to beat your breakouts!

Key Takeaways

1. Acne forms when excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria get trapped in your pores.
2. There are different types of acne, each with its own characteristics.
3. The location of your breakouts might reveal underlying causes.
4. A consistent skincare routine with gentle cleansing, exfoliation, and oil-free moisturising is key.
5. Treatment options like topical medications and retinoids can be highly effective.