Acne and how it affects our confidence
Introduction
Acne can be a very challenging condition. It can affect our self-esteem, our confidence, and in some cases, it can even have an impact on the relationships we have with others.
Acne can also affect our social life, as well as our job prospects. For example, some employers are more likely to hire someone with no visible acne or other skin conditions that may be considered unsightly or unhygienic (e.g., eczema). This is because they believe that these issues signal poor personal hygiene, which is not the case.
Acne Causes
Acne can be triggered by hormones (such as testosterone, cortisol), air pollution and certain weather conditions especially high humidity, diet, unhealthy lifestyle, and genetics.
Acne develops from the following four main factors: (insert pathogenesis of acne diagram)
- Increased sebum production
High testosterone level causes increase in sebum production (at sebaceous glands) and this is very noticeable during puberty or female who has PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
- Abnormally rapid shedding of skin cells
Accumulation of shed skin cells (keratin) and sebum results in the formation of micro-comedones
- Bacteria – Propionibacterium acnes
The growth of Propionibacterium acnes results in more enzymes to be released, causing inflammation
- Inflammation
P. acnes causes inflammatory cells to be secreted, hence the disruption of the follicular barrier.
Getting rid of acne is not easy.
Getting rid of acne is not easy. It’s a process that requires patience and persistence, but it’s worth it in the end. As with most things in life, there are some tried-and-true methods that get results:
- Wash your face twice daily using an oil-free cleanser. Make sure you use a gentle exfoliator to cleanse dead skin cells from your pores once or twice a week.
- Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water throughout the day (at least eight 8 oz glasses), which will help keep oily skin under control and clear up breakouts before they occur!
- Have adequate sleep, as lack of sleep has been proven to promote stress in the body, which can cause a spike in a hormone called cortisol; promoting inflammation.
While some people grow out of their teen acne, many people continue struggling with acne long into adulthood. Acne can be treated and managed, but it often takes time for treatments to work. Some people may need to try several different treatments before finding one that works for them. If you are looking for the best acne treatment in Petaling Jaya then continue reading on!
Types of Acne
There are several kinds of acne: Blackheads, Whiteheads, Papules, Pustules, Nodules and Cysts.
Blackheads: When dead skin cells make contact with the surface of our skin and are exposed to air for a long period of time this can cause them to oxidize which turns them black giving off an appearance similar to that of a bead or pearl.
Whiteheads: The same process occurs as in blackheads except that these do not oxidize completely so they remain white when squeezed out from beneath your skin surface.
Papules: This type of acne only occurs under the surface layer of your skin where it becomes inflamed just below our epidermis layer causing redness/irritation around each pore opening. This type of acne looks like little bumps under your skin but many times look nothing at all like how they feel since they don’t hurt unless touched very hard while inflamed!
Pustules: It’s basically a pimple that’s full of pus. Pustules are usually caused by bacteria in the skin that can infect hair follicles. When a pimple gets infected with bacteria like this, it also causes an immune response in your body, which is why your body tries to fight off the infection with more pus-filled bumps!
Nodules: Nodules form when skin cells grow too quickly and form a blockage in the pore. It can be yellow or white, and it’s often surrounded by redness and inflammation. The main difference between nodules and other types of acne is that nodules do not have an opening or pore. This is why they are difficult to treat!
Cysts: Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne and is characterized by large, painful lumps under your skin. Cystic acne can take weeks or months to heal after treatment, as opposed to regular acne which usually clears up in a matter of days or weeks.
Seek early treatment before it gets worse!
If you have mild or moderate acne, topical medication like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or retinoids (which can also be found in over-the-counter products) can help to clear up your skin. However, if your condition doesn’t improve after several weeks of treatment with these OTC products, it’s important to see doctor for further evaluation and treatment options.
Receive the best acne treatment in Petaling Jaya!
There are many clinics out there but if you are looking for the best acne treatment in Petaling Jaya, then look no further! Dr Adriene Chee has been treating adolescent acne and adult acne for more than 10 years and these are her tailored treatments that has worked so well for many of her patients:
⦁ Acne Facial
⦁ Acne Injection
⦁ Chemical Peel
⦁ Fotona SP Dynamis Pro Laser
⦁ PicoWay Laser
Regimens that may work for other patients may not necessarily work for you. Therefore, it is very important that you consult an experienced aesthetic doctor to advise you on the regimen most suitable for you. Google us for the best acne treatment in Petaling Jaya today!
Conclusion
We’ve all experienced acne at some point in our lives. For some people it can be a mild inconvenience that they grow out of in time. For others, acne is a lifelong struggle that affects their self-esteem and confidence. If you’re suffering from breakouts, don’t despair! Drop by for a complementary consultation and see how we can help you regain your confidence!