Acne

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. It often manifests as pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, or nodules, typically appearing on the face, chest, back, and shoulders. Acne can play a significant role in quality of life and self-esteem as it can leave scars and have a lasting emotional impact, especially if left untreated.

There are different types of acne, including:

• Comedonal Acne: Characterized by blackheads and whiteheads.
• Inflammatory Acne: Red, swollen pimples that may feel tender.
• Cystic Acne: Severe and painful acne that forms deep under the skin.

Manipulation of any of the above three types of acne can lead to scarring. This includes squeezing, picking, or excessive force with medical instruments. It is recommended to try and keep your hands off of your acne in order to minimize discoloration and scarring from your lesions.

Understanding the type of acne one is experiencing is crucial for choosing the most effective treatment approach. Medical dermatologist Dr. Seena Monjazeb will examine your skin during your consultation and determine the treatment regimen that will target the root causes of your acne.

The development of acne is multifactorial, involving several interconnected causes:

Clogged Hair Follicles

Dead skin cells that are not properly shed can accumulate in hair follicles, combining with sebum to create a plug. This plug is the first step of the acne cascade as it traps bacteria and leads to inflammation.

Excess Sebum Production

Sebum is an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands to keep the skin moisturized. Overproduction of sebum can clog pores, leading to acne and providing bacteria with nutrients to thrive.

Bacteria

Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is a type of bacteria that naturally lives on the skin. When trapped in clogged pores, this bacterium feeds off sebum and its byproducts leads to inflammation, resulting in pimples and cysts.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy, can stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more oil, increasing the likelihood of acne. Dr. Seena Monjazeb often explains during consultations that hormone levels are typically normal in these instances, however the follicles have increased sensitivity to the hormones present.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

• Diet: High-glycemic foods and certain dairy products have been linked to acne flare-ups.
• Stress: Stress can exacerbate acne by triggering hormonal imbalances.
• Cosmetics: Some skincare and makeup products can clog pores if they are not non-comedogenic. Dr. Monjazeb highly recommends all his patients to use non -comedogenic cosmetic products and will provide resources to assist in finding compatible products.
• Environmental Irritants: Pollution and high humidity can contribute to acne.