It is estimated that approximately 85 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24 will suffer from acne at some point. Acne is a common skin condition characterized by clogged pores 9comedones) and inflammation. While acne is most commonly associated with adolescence, it can affect people of all ages.
There are many myths about acne, so let’s dispel some of those and talk about treatment options. Acne is not a medical condition; it is a dermatological disease and can cause tremendous amounts of emotional distress.
Acne Myths
Myth #1: Only teenagers get acne.
Fact: Approximately 50 million Americans suffer from acne, making it the most common skin condition in the United States. While acne is most commonly associated with adolescence, it can affect people of all ages. In fact, one in five women over the age of 25 still suffers from acne.
Myth #2: Acne is caused by poor hygiene.
Fact: Acne is not caused by dirt or poor hygiene. In fact, over-washing your face can actually make your acne worse by irritating your skin and stripping it of its natural oils.
Myth #3: Acne is caused by stress.
Fact: While stress can exacerbate acne, it is not the root cause. However, managing stress through healthy lifestyle choices like exercise, meditation, and getting enough sleep can help improve your skin health overall.
Here are five facts you should know about acne:
- Acne is caused by a combination of factors, including hormones, bacteria, and inflammation.
- Acne can occur on the face, back, chest, or shoulders.
- Acne is not caused by poor hygiene or dirty skin.
- Acne is not contagious.
- There are many treatment options available for acne, including topical treatments, oral medications, chemical peels, light therapy and laser procedures.
Treatment Options
There are many treatment options available for acne sufferers. The type of treatment will depend on the type of acne (yes there are different types of acne that your dermatologist can diagnose), the severity of your acne as well as any underlying factors that may be contributing to your breakouts.
Here are some of the most common treatment options:
Topical treatments: Topical treatments are applied directly to the skin and come in the form of creams, gels, lotions, and serums. They work by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria. Common active ingredients include retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and topical antibiotics.
Oral medications: Oral medications are taken by mouth in pill or capsule form and work to reduce inflammation from within. Common oral medications used to treat acne include antibiotics, hormonal control medications, and isotretinoin (Accutane).
Conclusion
While there are many myths about what causes acne—such as poor hygiene—the fact is that pimples are caused by a number of factors like hormones, genetics, and inflammation. However, there are many treatment options available to help control breakouts. If you are suffering from acne, talk to your dermatologist about which option may be right for you.
To learn more about Acne treatment options for your children and teens, we invite you to fill out our contact form or call Children’s Dermatology at (949) 679-1990 to schedule a consultation today. We will be happy to answer any questions and help determine an accurate diagnosis and the best treatment options for your family.
