Acne can affect anyone

Acne is a common skin condition that affects people worldwide, regardless of skin type or age – from teenagers to adults. This complex condition requires a thorough understanding and a careful approach to be treated effectively.

The myths!

1. Acne is caused by dirt

Acne is not related to personal hygiene. In fact, washing the skin frequently with soap makes the skin 'dry' and prone to producing even more sebum.

2. Nutritional myths

There is no scientific evidence that specific foods cause acne. However, they can worsen the condition, just like excessive sugar consumption.

3. Sunlight improves acne

Sunlight can offer temporary improvement, but harms the skin in the long run.

4. Acne is caused by stress

Although stress can worsen acne, it is not the direct cause of it. Acne is caused by a combination of factors such as excessive sebum production, the accumulation of dead skin cells, and bacteria on the skin.

5. Makeup causes acne

Although some makeup products can be comedogenic and worsen acne, not all makeup products are bad for the skin. There are non-comedogenic, water-based products that are safe for people with acne.

6. Squeezing pimples is the best way to get rid of them.

Squeezing pimples can lead to scarring, infections, and further spread of bacteria on the skin. It is better to treat acne with suitable products and leave squeezing it to professionals.

7. Acne disappears on its own after the teenage years

Although acne often begins during the teenage years, it can also affect adults. It is important to continue treating acne, even after the teenage years are over, to prevent further skin problems.

The facts!

1. Topical treatments

Applying products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids to the skin helps reduce inflammation and inhibit bacterial growth.

2. Oral medication

For severe acne, Roaccutane, oral antibiotics, or hormonal therapies may be prescribed by a doctor.

3. Professional dermatological treatments

Cleansing, including learning how to manage acne and how to care for your skin, chemical peels and/or light therapy and laser therapy for certain forms of acne.

4. Prebiotics and probiotics

They create an environment in which beneficial bacteria thrive and the balance between microorganisms is promoted. Because harmful bacteria have less of a chance, the number of acne breakouts decreases. Moreover, there is a positive effect on skin wound healing, which is necessary for a pimple to heal. Research in this area is still in full swing, including the gut microbiome and its interaction with the skin.

Causes of acne explained

During puberty, pregnancy, and the menstrual cycle, hormonal changes can increase the skin's oil production. Acne develops when hair follicles or sebaceous glands become clogged due to excess oil production (sebum) and the accumulation of dead skin cells. This leads to inflammation caused by bacteria that feed on the trapped sebum and multiply. A common misconception is that only 'bad' bacteria cause acne.Research in the field of the skin microbiome indicates that the imbalance between different types of microorganisms on the skin is a major factor in acne. For not only is the presence of the bacterium Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) important, but the ratio of microbes on the skin also plays a crucial role. Interestingly, people with acne sometimes even have less of the well-known acne bacterium on their skin than people without acne, while Pseudidomina, Staphylococcus, Malassezia furfur, and Candida actually increase. This points to a complex interplay between the various bacteria on our skin. Consequently, there are now new ways to treat acne, for example by improving the balance of the skin flora instead of merely combating specific bacteria.

What to do?

• Cleansing and hydration: Find a suitable mild cleanser and hydration product for your skin. Oily and dry skin require different products. Additionally, topical treatments with ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinoids, or niacinamide can be effective in reducing acne and preventing new breakouts.
• Sun protection: Use a suitable, non-comedogenic sunscreen for oily skin. This helps protect the skin from sun damage and reduce inflammation. Choose a product with a broad-spectrum SPF and apply it daily, even on cloudy days.
• Power supply: Eat foods rich in fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
• Avoid antibiotic use as much as possible: This disrupts your microbiome.
• Relax. Find moments of rest in your schedule and plan stress-reducing activities. Since stress lowers your resistance, it can negatively affect your skin's oil production.
• A free intake at Medicadermis: With us, you receive a consultation where we assess your personal situation and help you with a treatment plan. We have a special IPL therapy that both reduces the bacterial population and simultaneously promotes skin repair. Furthermore, we have various microbiome-improving products that we can use. Finally, we can also remove scars caused by acne with a special fractional laser. Feel free to contact us for a no-obligation consultation. consultation in the Medikadermis Skin Therapy practice with our skin therapist. But also low-threshold contact in the form of a free video consultation That is of course also possible. Discover which treatment(s) best suit your needs. Receive compliments with a clear, even, and firm skin. Enjoy minimal recovery time with lasting results.

Sources and footnotes

• Guo, Z., Yang, Y., Wu, Q., Liu, M., Zhou, L., Zhang, L., & Dong, D. (2023). New insights into the characteristic skin microorganisms in different grades of acne and different acne sites. Frontiers in Microbiology, 14, 1167923.
• Rhee, M.S., Alqam, M.L., Jones, B.C., Phadungpojna, S., Day, D., & Hitchcock, T. M. (2023). Characterization of a live Cutibacterium acnes subspecies defendens strain XYCM42 and clinical assessment as a topical regimen for general skin health and cosmesis. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 22(3), 1031–1045.
• Lane, M.E., Hadgraft, J., Oliveira, G., Vieira, R., Mohammed, D., & Hirata, K. (2012). Rational formulation design. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 34(6), 496–501.