Note: The difference between acne and pimples is that acne is a disease, and pimples are one of its symptoms.
Acne is a skin disease, mainly inflammatory, characterized by the appearance of skin lesions resulting from folliculitis (inflammation of the follicles) and subsequent infection of the pore. This skin infection causes the formation and appearance of pimples although it is not a severe health disease, it can leave scars on the skin and alter the quality of life of people who suffer from it.
Acne is a common skin disease that occurs when the sebaceous glands, which produce oil, are blocked by the accumulation of oil and dead cells. This disease fundamentally affects areas of the skin that accumulate a more significant number of these glands, such as the face, neck, or back.
This pathology develops in four major stages. To begin with, the hormones that are produced during puberty increase the production of sebum released by the glands in the skin. Consequently, excess sebum and dead cells block the opening of these glands, giving rise to what is called a comedone (pimple). Next, this excess oil on the skin acts as a "food source" for the growth of the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, associated with acne. The immune system responds to the growth of this bacterium, forming papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.
Sometimes it seems as if your skin is impossible to control, especially when you wake up and see in the mirror a huge pimple on your nose or a "fever" in the corner of your mouth. A pimple starts to appear when the pores of the skin become clogged with a type of oil called sebum, which normally lubricates the skin and hair. Acne is common during puberty, when hormones go haywire, causing the skin to produce excess sebum. Since many sebum-producing glands are found on the forehead, nose, and chin, this area—the T -zone —is the most prone to breakouts.
For many, oily skin automatically brings the thought of deep scars, buried breakouts, whitish, redness, and a lot of pain. This is because, despite the fact that there are special routines to take care of oily skin, we do not know how to apply them in our day-to-day life.
What is oily skin? This is characterized by having brilliance, an oily texture to the touch, open and dilated pores, and the constant appearance of pimples. Oily skin can only appear in the T zone of our face (forehead, nose, and chin). Oily skin can appear due to genetics, hormonal issues, stress, and even the continuous use of face masks. However, there are a few steps to follow to give your skin everything it needs without irritating or hurting it.
Different factors can cause the appearance of acne, and they can be both external and internal. Some of the most common factors are:
-Hormonal changes can cause changes, especially during adolescence and the menstrual cycle.
-Medications such as antidepressants or antibiotics for a long time can stimulate the appearance of acne and alter the intestinal flora and therefore have negative results on the health of the skin.
-Smoking, since tobacco aggravates acne symptoms by causing oxidative stress in the skin and altering the composition of sebum.
-Stress is one of the factors that most stimulates the sebaceous glands, which produce excess oil, and thus pimples and blackheads appear on the skin.
-Wearing makeup can lead to clogged pores and blackheads.
-Diet is one of the keys to the health and well-being of our body since it is possible that some foods, such as those that contain a lot of sugar or dairy products, can aggravate the situation of the skin that may already suffer from imperfections.
Currently, there is no foolproof method to prevent acne, but those who suffer from it can reduce the impact of this pathology if they follow some recommendations such as:
Clean face daily
Dry the skin without rubbing it, but by patting it with a towel
Reduce contact of hair with facial skin
Use non-comedogenic cosmetic products
Do not touch the pimples that form. Don't squeeze! This point is one of the most important when you have oily skin. We know the endless temptation that bursting a pimple represents; however, this could lead to a skin infection that increases the production of sebum in the area, or an increase in bacteria on the skin, worsening the situation. Pimples are formed thanks to the accumulation of pus, bacteria, and dead skin, and when these pimples are touched and burst, the bacteria it contains can spread to other areas of the skin. People with acne should avoid squeezing their pimples, as this increases the risk of scarring and infection.
-Home remedies can also be used with medication or for very mild cases of acne on the forehead.
An example of a home remedy is applying warm compresses to the forehead twice daily, which can help remove excess sebum and improve recovery.
Other home remedies that people with forehead acne can try include:
Aloe Vera. Apply pure aloe vera oil directly on the forehead.
Tea tree oil. Mix a few drops with water and apply to the forehead with a cotton pad.
Apple vinegar. Mix a quarter of apple cider vinegar with three-quarters of the water and apply it to your forehead with a cotton pad.
Lemon or lime juice. Apply directly to the forehead with a cotton pad.
Zinc. Zinc can be taken orally as a supplement to help improve skin.
People can also combine the following ingredients to form a face mask that can be left on overnight:
mix 2-3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with 3-4 drops of tea tree oil
apply on the face
leave overnight
wash in the morning
Repeat every night until acne or pimples improve
But of course, acne can disappear over time, although there are treatments that are very useful to prevent and eliminate them. Depending on the type of acne, oral treatment or a combination of topical and oral treatments is necessary.
As for the consequences of acne, although the most difficult part of the process is precisely this, eliminating it, for many people, it continues after it, simply because sometimes scars and marks remain on the skin, which unfortunately today cannot be removed by complete, but reduce them and make them less visible. It is best not to touch the pimples with your hands to prevent this from happening. Scars arise from damage caused to the outer layer of the skin. Therefore, the skin cannot regenerate, and wounds heal thanks to the collagen fibers, but the problem is that these fibers leave a rough appearance and visible marks on the skin. There are various treatments to reduce them but in any case,
Although it is not entirely true, it is common to think that acne is a consequence of a lack of personal hygiene. An excessive (aggressive) cleaning routine may not be favorable for the skin. Therefore, if you have acne-prone skin, treat it correctly by acquiring new habits:
Always remove your makeup before bed and wash at most twice a day with a mild cleanser.
Use non-comedogenic moisturizing creams; that is, they do not favor the appearance of acne so as not to cause dryness.
Protect your skin from the sun with non-comedogenic spray or gel sunscreens to avoid sunburn.
There are also habits in our day-to-day that should be changed in order not to favor the appearance of acne. For example, hands accumulate a lot of dirt and oils. Therefore, it is preferable not to touch pimples to prevent them from becoming infected by contact. If you try to hide pimples, use oil-free makeup, but never try to squeeze and pinch them as it will favor the appearance of scars.
-Why does adult acne appear?
Many may think that acne appears due to a lack of hygiene, but this is not the case. One of its main triggers is our hormones, which cause the sebaceous glands to go overdrive. Hence, we associate this problem with adolescence. However, excessive sebum production can occur at any age. Once this process has started, the body produces more and more sebum which, in contact with dead skin cells, blocks the pores and causes an outbreak.
-What you Eat that might cause Acne
You must be aware that eating is not the main cause of acne before reading the list. The following foods only produce a response if you have acne-prone or overly oily skin, poor gut health, and no regular cleaning program.
Sugar: Sugar is high in refined carbohydrates and is consumed in our homes as refined white sugar as well as in other products like soda, tetra pack juices, honey, etc. These quickly enter the circulation and raise your blood sugar levels. Additionally, the elevated insulin levels force extra sugar into your cells, which results in acne.
Dairy products: According to the research, teenagers’ use of low-fat and skimmed milk was linked to an increase in acne. However, it is still unclear how milk and acne are related. It is advised to stay away from dairy if you start getting acne after drinking milk.
Simple-to-prepare meals: Acne is common among teenagers who eat a lot of fast food such as burgers and fries. Unknown is the connection between fast food and the specific chemical that causes acne.
Chocolate: In a study on men, it was discovered that consumption of 100% unsweetened cocoa did significantly worsen acne. According to the research, consuming chocolate—which often includes milk, a dairy product, and sugar—causes the immune system to respond aggressively to bacteria that cause acne.
Food that is sticky: There is more fat in the meat of fried meals and greasy foods like bacon and hamburgers. Pimples may appear as a result of the extra oil and fat.
Whey Protein Powder: Leucine and glutamine are two amino acids that are abundant in whey protein. Male athletes and bodybuilders often use this powder. However, whey protein intake accelerates the growth and division of skin cells in addition to raising insulin levels, both of which may contribute to acne.
Granular grains: are the Breads, pasta, cereals, and rice noodles often include refined grains or refined white flour. These boost blood sugar levels and have a high glycemic index [5]. Insulin increases the activity of androgen hormones, which causes quicker cell development and sebum production, which causes acne.
Consuming Foods High in Omega: Because they include Omega-6 fats, which are inflammatory in nature, a western-style diet that includes foods like cornflakes, soybean oil, etc. is known to raise the chance of developing acne. Eating these meals may increase your vulnerability if you already have skin that is prone to acne.
Meat and animal protein that is lean: Some people have dark red, quite big pimples that not only form on the cheeks but also around the neck and jaws. These are brought on by consuming too much meat, particularly poultry and mutton. Although the origin is uncertain, red meat might result in these pimples.
Take note of how certain meals affect your skin’s reaction. You might decide to stay away from any of the aforementioned meals if you get breakouts right away after eating them.
What Foods Help Prevent Acne?
The same foods that should be avoided in order to avoid acne may also be consumed in order to maintain clean skin! Acne may be minimized by eating foods with a lower glycemic index, such as complex carbohydrates and several other components of the food chain. Among them are:
Basic Carbohydrates: These may be found in fruits and vegetables (not in liquid form), such as red and yellow peppers, carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, and apricots; whole grains like quinoa, whole wheat bread, and brown rice; and legumes like dals, beans, and peas.
Vitamins A, D, and E: According to the research [6], those who are deficient in vitamins A and E have more acne. Vitamin A is abundant in foods like tuna, liver, cream, feta cheese, butter, eggs, mackerel, etc. Almonds, peanuts, and broccoli nuts are particularly high in vitamin E. Without seeing a doctor, you should not use vitamin A or D supplements.
Probiotics: More than half of the issues with our skin may be solved with them. A healthy stomach contributes to lowering inflammation, which lessens the visibility of acne. Probiotic supplements may be beneficial. Foods high in probiotics include yogurt, buttermilk, kefir, etc.
Curcumin: It contains curcumin, a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. It may control blood sugar levels and lessen the development of germs that cause acne. With the guidance of the doctor, it may be taken orally as a supplement or even administered topically for considerable advantages.
Zinc: Good Sources of zinc include chickpeas, beans, pork, seafood, seeds, including pumpkin and sunflower seeds, and beans. Acne may be more common in those with low amounts of zinc in their bodies.
People with moderate acne can usually treat their symptoms at home with a variety of over-the-counter gels, soaps, lotions, and creams. A person with more severe acne should talk to their doctor, who may prescribe stronger and more effective medications if they feel it is necessary.
You must be logged in to post a comment.