What Causes Acne & Acne Scarring?
Acne, or Acne Vulgaris, as it is medically termed, is an inflammatory skin condition that causes the blockage of hair follicles with sebum, dead skin cells or bacteria, resulting in spots, or breakouts.
Acne reveals itself across a spectrum of symptoms. Our practitioners in the Avicenna Clinic regularly see patients experiencing oily skin, yellow spots, blackheads, pustules and eruptive cysts – primarily on their face, though also often appearing on their back and/or chest areas.
While the NHS reports 95% of those aged 11-30, and 3% of people over 35 experience acne, its presence can still be hugely uncomfortable to those who suffer from it.
Here we explore – and answer – the key questions our practitioners are most frequently asked about acne.
What Causes Acne?
Most commonly, acne – specifically blackheads and whiteheads – is the result of skin reacting abnormally to testosterone levels. During puberty, testosterone activates the sebaceous glands to produce oil to lubricate skin… and those experiencing acne secrete especially high levels of sebum. In addition, the skin cells lining hair ducts may also react abnormally to testosterone. Instead of shedding dead skin cells, they stick inside the duct, therefore blocking the flow of sebum. Over time, this oil solidifies, forming blackheads and whiteheads.
This build-up of oil in the ducts also causes bacteria on the skin, known as Propionibacterium acnes, to multiply. This in turn triggers inflammation, itching and soreness as well as the formation of red or pus-filled spots.
Similarly, at any time of profound change in our lives, and even as we age, hormone levels fluctuate and breakouts may be triggered. Acne may also be induced by stress, poor diet, or as a result of medication taken for other conditions.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, where conditions are viewed through a more holistic lens, acne is seen as a symptom, or as an indication of underlying imbalances of the body’s energy (Qi). The appearance of breakouts is therefore a sign that there is a disruption in the balance, or excess internal heat.
Why Does Acne Keep Coming Back?
The most common reason for acne returning is stopping treatment too soon. While acne cannot be cured, it can be effectively treated and managed with a tailored skincare routine for oily and acne-prone skin. The most common reason for acne returning is that treatment is often stopped too soon.
Oftentimes, particularly when acne is treated as the skin concern, rather than the symptom, patients will stop treatment as soon as breakouts begin to subside. Yet, if the balance within the individual has not been restored, the spots will return.
Poor diet or lifestyle habits may also prolong or exacerbate acne. Overly spicy, fatty or fried foods, as well as excess sugar, caffeine, nicotine and alcohol, are known to increase heat in the system, therefore risking inducing acne flare ups, among other skincare conditions.
What Causes Acne Scars And How To Minimise Them?
Often, spots will leave behind dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, while deeper spots or cysts can cause indented, v-shaped scars. Though rather unwelcome, acne scarring is part of skin's normal healing process when recovering from damage.
While it is almost impossible to entirely prevent acne scarring, you can very effectively minimise the likelihood of experiencing acne scars in four simple ways:
- Prompt treatment as soon as you notice acne, in order to get it under control.
- Avoid using harsh abrasive products on your skin.
- Resist picking, popping or squeezing spots and scabs (this can force debris deeper into skin layers and spread infection, plus prolong the natural healing process).
- Calm any areas of inflamed acne as soon as possible.
Is There A Cure For Acne?
As mentioned earlier, acne is incurable. However, both acne and acne scars can be effectively minimised and greatly improved with the right diet, lifestyle and specialised skincare routine.
Visit our Spotlight blog on acne for our recommendations on effective acne and acne scar treatment.
Read more about acne and how to manage it, plus, don’t miss our TCM alternative treatments to Roaccutane and Benzoyl Peroxide.
If you need further support, please contact us here.
