Everything to Know About Acne: Types, Causes, and Treatments
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting people of all ages and skin types. While it’s often associated with teenagers, many adults experience acne due to hormonal changes, stress, or lifestyle factors. At Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, we’re dedicated to helping you understand the different types of acne, what causes them, and the best ways to treat them. Here’s everything you need to know to achieve clearer, healthier skin.
What Causes Acne?
Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. This leads to inflammation, which can present as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or more severe forms of acne. Common causes include:
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can increase oil production.
- Excess Sebum Production: Oily skin is more prone to clogged pores and breakouts.
- Bacteria: Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria can trigger inflammation and worsen breakouts.
- Lifestyle Factors: Stress, diet, and certain skincare products can contribute to breakouts.
- Genetics: A family history of acne increases the likelihood of experiencing it.
Types of Acne
Acne is classified into two main categories: non-inflammatory and inflammatory. Each type requires a tailored approach to treatment.
1. Non-inflammatory Acne
Non-inflammatory acne refers to clogged pores that don’t result in redness or swelling, another name is comedonal acne. The two most common lesions are:
- Blackheads: Open comedones where the pore is clogged with oil and dead skin cells. The black color comes from oxidation, not dirt.
- Whiteheads: Closed comedones where the clogged pore is covered by skin, leading to a small, white bump.
Treatment for Non-inflammatory Acne:
- Exfoliation: Use products with salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. We recommend Salicylic Acid Spray and SkinMedica’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, a good option for all skin types.
- Retinoids: These vitamin A derivatives help regulate skin cell turnover and prevent clogged pores. These are available in non-prescription and prescription strengths depending on your skin sensitivity
- Oil-free Products: Use non-comedogenic makeup and skincare to avoid further clogging pores.
2. Inflammatory Acne
Inflammatory acne occurs when clogged pores become infected with bacteria, leading to redness, swelling, and tenderness. This category includes:
- Papules: Small, red, inflamed bumps without pus.
- Pustules: Pimples that contain pus, often appearing red at the base.
- Nodules: Large, hard, painful lumps deep beneath the skin.
- Cysts: Severe, pus-filled lesions that can lead to scarring.
Treatment for Inflammatory Acne:
- Topical Treatments: Benzoyl peroxide helps kill acne-causing bacteria, while topical antibiotics reduce inflammation.
- Oral Medications: For severe cases, oral antibiotics, isotretinoin (Accutane), or hormonal treatments like birth control pills can be prescribed.
Tailored Treatments for Different Types of Acne
At Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, we provide a range of dermatology treatments to address all types of acne. Our personalized approach ensures you receive the most effective care for your skin concerns. Here are some of the treatments we recommend:
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use exfoliating acids, like salicylic or glycolic acid, to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce the appearance of acne scars. They’re ideal for both non-inflammatory and mild inflammatory acne.
Blue Light Therapy
This non-invasive treatment targets acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation without harming the surrounding skin.
Prescription Medications
Our dermatologists may prescribe oral or topical medications, such as antibiotics, retinoids, or hormonal treatments, to address moderate to severe acne.
Laser Treatments
Lasers target inflammation and help reduce the appearance of acne scars. They can also minimize oil production, which reduces future breakouts.
Preventing Breakouts
Here are some tips to help reduce future breakouts:
- Follow a Consistent Skincare Routine: Cleanse once or twice daily with a gentle, oil-free cleanser. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cells, but use a chemical exfoliator, not your brush or scrubbing beads.
- Avoid Touching Your Face: This prevents the transfer of bacteria and oil to your skin.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Reduce high-glycemic foods (like sugar, soft drinks, skin milk and processed carbs) that can trigger breakouts.
- Manage Stress: High stress levels can lead to hormonal fluctuations that contribute to acne.
- Use Sunscreen: Protect your skin with a non-comedogenic SPF to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and protect against sun damage. Click here to shop some of our favorite sunscreen products!
Schedule a Consultation at Cascade Eye & Skin Centers
Acne can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to control your life. At Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, our team of dermatology experts is here to provide personalized solutions for clear, healthy skin. Whether you’re struggling with mild breakouts or severe ones, we’ll work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
We offer telemedicine appointments on our website if you need a sooner appointment or if time/transportation is an issue. Simply click here, answer a brief history and upload some photos, and we will get back to you for your treatment plan.
Click here to schedule an in-person consultation today, and let us help you achieve the clear, glowing skin you deserve.
