acne

Acne is actually a wide variety of complex disease states, from small bumps to red inflammatory nodules and pustules, all influenced by genetic and hormonal makeup. To help understand it, we start with the fact that the human body is covered with millions of hairs, the vast majority so small they can’t be seen. But you can see the pores where the hairs protrude. And that’s where the trouble begins.

Q: It seems like every time I get a pimple, it turns into a scar. How do I prevent that? 

A: You are right to focus on prevention. The first rule is, as tempting as it might be, don’t pick at your face! Picking at pimples irritates the skin and increases the risk of developing an inflammatory response that leads to scarring. Pay attention to how often you touch your face, consciously and unconsciously. Frequently touching your face can spread more bacteria, increasing the chance of acne scarring. Keep track of that habit and break it!

Q: I never had acne as a teen, but now I have adult acne. What can I do?

A: Adult acne is more common than you may think. Twenty percent of women aged between 25 and 40 are affected by it, so you are not alone. Hormonal imbalances, often a symptom of PMS, are generally at the root of outbreaks, causing overactive sebaceous glands to produce excess oil. Stress can also play a big role in hormonal balance, elevating cortisol levels (the stress hormone) that pave the way for acne eruptions. Certainly, as we approach menopause, significant hormonal swings can prompt acne outbreaks – even if it has been 20 years since you had a pimple.

Q: My acne has improved, but now I’m left with scars. How do I get rid of them? 

A: The only key approach to acne scars is prevention. Treat acne promptly and for as long as it takes to clear. That’s 20/20 hindsight, of course, but it’s an important lesson. You will benefit from working closely with a knowledgeable dermatologist to treat your scars, and your condition might require multiple approaches. The best treatment for you depends on the type and severity of your scars.