Acne or pimples as it is commonly known is not just a teenage problem. It can happen to anybody at any time! Men and women included. The zit that you have been itching to pop happens when the skin pores become blocked with oil, dead skin cells, debris and even bacteria.
This is why it is important to keep the skin pores clean. When clogged, the skin can not breathe and oil and bacteria find a merry ground to cultivate and cause different kinds of acne. There are millions of pores on the skin and they keep the skin healthy, ensure even distribution of sebum (aka keeps its moisturised) and keeps the skin cool.
The cause of acne and enlarged pores
The pores open outwards to a follicle that has hair and a sebaceous gland. Any disturbance in its function can cause the pores to become enlarged, clogged and turn into blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and other kinds of acne. The common well-known causes of acne and enlarged pores includes
• High level of sebum production
• Loss of elasticity of the skin around the pores
• Hormonal imbalance
• Dirt and pollution
• Sun damage
• Reduction of collagen
• Genetics
• Medications
• Stress
• Diet high in processed food and refined carbs
Of course, we all know or have heard about period pimples but there are some little known reasons that also might be causing those unsightly zits. Some of these are:
• Hair products coming in contact with the skin
• Not removing makeup or using the incorrect makeup remover
• Facial hair removal using topical products
• Too many skincare products and switching products too often
• Heavy sunscreens
• Your cell phone. The surface can transfer bacterial on the skin
Not treating acne or relying solely on home treatments will not bring in the much-needed relief. Acne and large pores are not a threat to your life but can be a bit of a downer for self-esteem and sometimes physically painful too.
Most of the time if you are careful in not popping the zit, it will go away in some time but if there is a pattern to the appearance then your dermatologist is the go-to person for long time relief.
The good news is that simple home care and some professional treatments can help get clean the pores and remove the acne without leaving any scars behind. Treatment depends on the type of acne, your age, the severity of acne and type of acne. Here are some popular treatments recommended by skin specialists worldwide to control acne:
• Medications – There are two types of acne medications one that is applied topically and the other that you have to take orally. Topical medications include:
Benzoyl peroxide cream and gel. This helps in killing the bacteria and drying out the pimple. Use it only on the pimple.
Salicylic acid is a common name for over-the-counter acne medications. This helps by removing the dead skin cells and keeping the pores clean.
Azelaic acid kills the microorganism and reduces swelling and inflammation
Vitamin A derivatives include retinol products that not only prevent clogged pores but also get rid of the signs of ageing. These can be used on the entire face safely.
Glycolic acid works by exfoliating the skin and improving collagen production and thus keeping the pore size in check.
Niacinamide is a popular vitamin B derivative it controls inflammation and reduces excess oil production and thus keeps moderate acne in control.
Oral medications include antibiotics, oral contraceptives and isotretinoin. Contraceptives are commonly given to women and contain a combination of estrogen and progesterone and they target the underlying cause of acne, that is, hormonal imbalance.
• Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion – these professional techniques remove the top layer of the skin using a rotating tip. These are mostly used to remove the dead skin cells (preventive measure) and treat acne scars.
• Photodynamic therapy – Using lasers and lights to reduce oil production in the follicles and preventing bacterial development
• Chemical peels – Specially formulated chemicals are applied to the skin to exfoliate the top layer. This treatment is not a permanent solution.
• Removing blackheads and whiteheads – the blackhead and whiteheads are removed using a special tool to keep the skin pores clean and breathing.
• Cystic acne – For Cystic acne, Cortisone steroid injections are used to bring immediate relief and improve acne healing.
● • Micro-needling – This treatment is specifically used to make the pores appear smaller and improved collagen production. This indirectly helps in controlling acne.
At home, you can do simple things like using skin suitable cleanser morning and night, protecting your skin from the sun, avoid contact with friction such as phones, hats, helmets etc., avoid using greasy products, drinking an adequate amount of water and avoiding ‘breakout’ food to keep the acne and enlarged pores at bay.
The writer is a Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist & Dermato-Surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics.