Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, the battle against acne remains a personal and ongoing journey for many.
Understanding the causes of acne is the first step toward formulating an effective strategy for prevention and treatment. That’s why we wanted to delve into the main causes of acne and give you some tips to prevent and treat acne in different forms.
What Are the Main Types of Acne?
Here are the main types of acne:
Whiteheads: These are tiny blemishes that appear white or skin-colored. They occur when a pore becomes blocked with sebum (skin oil) and dead skin cells. The pore's opening is completely blocked, hence the white or skin-colored appearance.
Blackheads: Like whiteheads, blackheads occur when a pore becomes blocked with sebum and dead skin cells. However, the pore's opening remains open, allowing the blockage to oxidize and turn a dark color.
Papules: These are small, red, raised bumps caused by inflamed or infected hair follicles.
Pustules: These are similar to papules, but they're filled with pus. They often have a white or yellow dot in the center, surrounded by inflammation.
Cysts: These are large, pus-filled lumps that are similar to boils. Cysts are the most severe form of acne and can cause pain and lead to scarring.
Nodules: These are large, solid, and painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin. Nodules are caused by the buildup of secretions deep within hair follicles.
What Are the Main Causes of Acne?
Acne can have many causes, but we have listed the most common ones:
Diet: Specific dietary factors, such as consuming dairy products or foods rich in refined sugars, may trigger acne in some individuals. Consuming too much high glycemic index food and fast food can also lead to breakouts and blemishes on your skin.
Poor Hygiene or Incorrect Skincare: Not washing your face regularly or using inappropriate skincare products can lead to clogged pores and result in acne. Touching your face and popping pimples will also lead to inflammation.
Stress: While stress doesn’t directly cause acne, it can exacerbate existing breakouts and make it harder for acne to heal. The thing is, when your body is under stress, it produces more of certain hormones, like cortisol. This can cause your skin to produce more oil, an excess of which can clog your pores and lead to acne.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or due to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome can cause excess oil production, leading to acne.
Medications: Certain drugs, including some corticosteroids, androgens, or lithium, can cause acne.
And How to Prevent Acne?
As acne can be caused by a complex interaction of factors including hormones, genetics, diet, stress, and skincare routines, remember that what works well for one person might not work as well for another. But here we have a few tips that will for sure greatly improve your skin:
Maintain a consistent skincare routine: Cleanse your skin twice a day using a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser. Follow with a toner/serum and a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type. Don't forget to remove makeup before bed.
Watch your diet: As we have already mentioned, certain foods might exacerbate acne in some people. High-glycemic foods, dairy products, and processed foods are often culprits. Keep a food diary to identify any potential triggers.
Manage stress: High-stress levels can trigger acne breakouts. Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises can help manage stress levels.
Regular exercise: Regular physical activity can help regulate your hormones, reducing the likelihood of breakouts. Remember to shower afterward to remove sweat, which can trap oils and bacteria against your skin. Use lightweight cleansers to get rid of dirt and sweat while keeping your skin soft and glowy.
Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can wreak havoc on your skin. Aim for at least 7-9 hours each night. Although the amount of normal sleep is different for everyone, you should at least keep your own norm.
Stay hydrated: While dehydration isn't a direct cause of acne, it can lead your skin to produce more oil. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day. Remember that other liquids don’t replace water.
Limit touching your face: Hands will transfer bacteria and oils to your face, which can lead to breakouts. Don’t touch your face, especially with dirty hands.
BBA Treatment for Clear Skin
First, consult a dermatologist: If your acne is severe or does not respond to over-the-counter treatments, seek professional help. A dermatologist can provide personalized advice and prescription treatments, depending on the results of health checks.
Get advantage of BBA skincare products to treat your acne-prone skin. We have a special set of three products for oily and acne-prone skin - The Glow Trio. This ideal kit is specifically designed for individuals with oily skin. It prioritizes not only the radiance and wellness of your skin but also its safeguarding. The set will also help you control the oil production and breakouts on the skin by healing acne scars and providing a glowy look in the end.
The Oil-To-Milk Double Cleanser streamlines your skincare routine by accomplishing a two-step cleaning process in one go. With the BBA Organic double cleanser, you don’t need to spend extra on many different cleansing products - cleansing balms, micellar waters, foam cleansers, etc... This one product serves a dual purpose by providing a comprehensive facial cleanse, saving you both time and money.
The BBA Organic Daily Exfoliating Toner-Serum works effectively to slough off unwanted dead skin cells, revealing a radiant complexion while combating signs of aging and acne. It's the ideal follow-up product to soothe the skin after cleansing with the BBA Organic double cleanser.
The Clarifying Gel-Moisturizer is designed to deliver deep hydration while offering enduring antioxidant protection. This product actively battles environmental stressors that contribute to premature aging, preserving your skin's health. It also targets blemishes, promoting a balanced skin tone and resulting in a soft, bright complexion.
To Sum Up
Understanding and managing acne effectively hinges on knowing its causes and types, along with the adoption of proactive skin care strategies. Leveraging the right methods and products can help control breakouts and maintain healthy, vibrant skin. Remember, every journey to clear skin is personal and unique, but with knowledge, patience, and the correct products, it's an achievable goal for everyone.
Comments