Acne

Acne is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition. It occurs when hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to the appearance of comedones, pimples, and inflammatory nodules.

Read our guide to: Acne

Acne

Treatment Options for Acne

Treatment depends on the severity of your acne. Dermatologists recommend a multi-faceted approach:

Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter options include benzoyl peroxide (kills surface bacteria) and salicylic acid (exfoliates pores).
Medicated Creams: Prescription retinoids (like Tretinoin) help regulate cell turnover and prevent clogs.
Oral Medications: For moderate to severe acne, antibiotics, hormonal birth control, or isotretinoin (Accutane) may be prescribed.
Professional Procedures: Chemical peels, light therapy, and extraction treatments help manage breakouts and scarring.

What Causes Acne?

Acne is a complex condition, but its development usually involves a combination of factors:

Excess Oil Production (Seborrhea): Overproduction of sebum from the skin's oil glands can clog pores.
Clogged Pores: Dead skin cells accumulating in the follicles contribute to blockages.
Bacteria (P. acnes): The bacteria Comedococcus acnes thrives in the clogged, oily environment, leading to inflammation.
Hormonal Fluctuations: Puberty, menstrual cycles, and other hormonal shifts (like PCOS) are major triggers.