Acne: Causes, Effective and Safe Treatment Methods

Acne is a common skin condition at all ages. Although not dangerous, acne can affect the personal and mental well-being of many. While acne is not a difficult-to-treat dermatological condition, lack of proper understanding of its causes and treatment methods may lead to long-term complications for the skin. Let's explore what acne is, effective and safe treatment approaches, and skincare steps for acne treatment through the following article on Mytour. 

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What is acne?

Acne (known as Acnes Vulgaris) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting the hair follicles and oil glands, leading to the development of pustules and red spots on the skin. The condition can occur at various ages, but predominantly in adolescence. The mechanism behind acne is the excessive production of sebum, resulting in bacterial accumulation and clogging of pores. Over time, this leads to inflammation and the formation of pimples.

This type of acne commonly appears on the face but can also extend to areas such as the chest, back, and shoulders. In mild cases, acne presents as small, blackhead-sized bumps. As the inflammation level increases, the bumps become swollen and painful. This can cause concern, prompting individuals to seek effective acne treatment for their skin.

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Causes of Acne Vulgaris

To effectively treat acne, dermatologists recommend pinpointing the exact causes of acne vulgaris. Mytour suggests the top causes as follows: 

• Hormonal imbalance: Disruptions in hormonal balance lead to increased sebum production in hair follicles, stimulating bacterial growth. Inadequate skincare can result in inflamed pores and the formation of acne.
• Follicular keratosis: When facial hair follicles undergo keratosis, the accumulation of dead cells causes sebum and bacterial buildup. Over time, the follicles become inflamed, giving rise to acne.
• P.Acnes Bacteria: Under favorable conditions, P.Acnes bacteria, usually present in small quantities on the skin, proliferate and become a contributing factor to acne.
• Dietary habits: Consuming excessive fried, sugary, or oily foods can contribute to acne development.
• Improper skincare: Neglecting daily skincare or improper care creates conditions conducive to bacterial growth and acne development on the skin.

Distinguishing Types of Acne on the Skin

Acne comes in various types, and each person's body may exhibit different kinds. You can refer to some common types of acne on the skin as follows: 

• Whiteheads: These acne lesions are within closed pores, causing no inflammation. The appearance is often due to the accumulation of dead skin cells, leading to pore blockage. Whiteheads are considered the easiest to treat among acne types. 
• Blackheads: Similar to whiteheads, these lesions are within open pores. They often have a black or brown color, which can cause skin discoloration if they appear in abundance. 
• Hidden Acne: This type of acne is deeply embedded beneath the skin's surface. Hidden acne is typically stubborn, thick, and causes swelling on the skin. If it occurs frequently, it can make the skin feel rough. 
• Pustules: Easily recognizable on the skin, these acne lesions protrude above the skin surface and contain pus inside. 
• Cysts: Cysts are a more severe form of pustules, growing larger to form cystic acne. They are hard, painful, and cause inflammation on the skin. 
• Nodules: This is a more severe condition than cysts and has the most significant impact on skin health. Nodules are often large, containing a mixture of blood and pus, causing redness, swelling, and pain in the skin. 

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Identifying Acne

You can observe and easily recognize acne through the following signs: 

• Appearance of whiteheads if your skin has closed pores. 
• Small-sized, black-headed acne on areas with open pores. 
• Acne with small, red, rough swellings. 
• Pimpled or pustular acne. 
• Hard, red, painful nodules buried beneath the skin. 

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What Does the Location of Acne Breakouts Signal About Health?

When your skin breaks out, it's also a sign about your body's health. You can refer to the following signs for identification:  

• Forehead: This signals your body is overheated, and you may be experiencing mental stress. It disrupts blood circulation, accumulates toxins, and causes acne. 
• Between the Eyebrows and Along the Acupressure Line: Breakouts in this area could indicate a weakened liver. 
• Acupressure Point Taiyang: This may be a sign of an unstable gallbladder, possibly due to excessive consumption of oily and fatty foods. 
• Nose: Acne in this area may be related to heat in the digestive and internal organs, leading to digestive disorders. 
• Chin: If you notice pustules, cysts, and nodules on the chin, pay attention. It could be a warning sign of issues with the reproductive organs such as ovaries, uterus, etc. 
• Lips: Breakouts here may indicate internal heat, an overstressed stomach, leading to poor digestion. 

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Should You Pop Acne Yourself?

When facing skin acne, many tend to pop them for a quick disappearance from the face. However, this is not advisable. Popping acne without knowing what to do afterward can lead to mistakes in post-acne hygiene. According to dermatologists, popping acne is a way to treat acne at home. However, there are various types of acne with varying severity. For pimples like pustules, cysts, and nodules, seeking professional dermatological treatment is recommended. Using non-sterilized tools can easily cause infections on the face. Moreover, your hands carry numerous bacteria, posing a risk of contamination during the self-popping process. 

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How to Treat Acne

After identifying the root cause of acne, consider the following treatment methods: 

Use the Acne Treatment Protocol from the Ministry of Health

To determine the acne condition, consult a specialized dermatologist. In cases where medication is necessary, consider some prescription drugs recommended by your doctor such as: 

• Topical Acid Azelaic: Antibacterial and helps exfoliate dead skin cells.
• Cream containing Benzoyl Peroxide.
• Topical Retinoid Acid medication.
• Oral antibiotics like Oxytetracycline, Erythromycin, Minocycline, Doxycycline.
• Antibiotic creams such as Clindamycin, Erythromycin, Tetracycline: Use for redness and inflammation-causing acne.

Note: Always follow the doctor's instructions when using any medication. 

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Treating acne with advanced technology methods

Nowadays, many people utilize advanced technology methods directly targeting acne-prone areas. This technology helps you treat acne and even scars quickly and effortlessly. You can seek treatment through this method at spas or beauty salons.

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Treating acne at home with traditional remedies

You can also consider some ways to treat mild acne at home without the need for spas or beauty salons, such as:

• Use a honey and cinnamon mask: Both ingredients contain antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and help reduce acne.
• Apply tea tree oil: Tea tree, also known as melaleuca alternifolia, has anti-inflammatory properties. However, it may have side effects on the skin, such as dryness or allergies, so pay attention to the concentration when using.
• Apply a green tea mask: Green tea has high levels of antioxidants. It protects the skin from bacteria, reduces sebum production, and has anti-inflammatory effects.
• Moisturize with aloe vera: Aloe vera contains many anti-inflammatory compounds, helping to reduce pain, swelling, and promote rapid wound healing.
• Use apple cider vinegar: Vinegar contains organic acids that prevent bacteria and viruses, dry the oil on the skin. Moreover, it contains lactic acid that helps reduce scars and prevent dark spots after acne.

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Products to support acne treatment

In addition to the above methods, you can also use specialized products to support acne treatment, such as:

Derma Forte Gel - Acne Treatment Cream, Rapid Dark Spot Reduction

Derma Forte Gel - Acne Treatment Cream is considered one of the most effective products for treating acne by Alcom. In addition to reducing acne, the cream also helps prevent dark spots, heal scars caused by acne, and promotes bright, smooth skin.

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Megaduo Plus Gel - Prevents Acne and Dark Spots

Megaduo Plus Gel is highly recommended by many doctors and pharmacists for preventing and supporting the treatment of all types of acne. It functions as a 3-in-1: acne prevention, dark spot prevention, and nourishment for fresh, youthful, and smooth skin.

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La Roche-Posay Effaclar - Specialized Acne Reduction Cream

La Roche-Posay Effaclar is designed to eliminate emerging acne spots on your face. Just apply the cream, and within 48 hours, the acne will automatically subside. This cream helps you prevent the formation of dark spots.

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DHC Japan Acne Prevention, Dark Spot Reduction Combo Pills

DHC Japan Acne Prevention, Dark Spot Reduction Combo Pills is renowned for preventing dark spots in just 60 days. Thanks to the combination of vitamin C and zinc, it accelerates the process of fading acne scars. Moreover, it helps regulate hormonal activity and reduce body oil secretion.

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What to Eat and Avoid When Dealing with Acne?

If you have unhealthy eating habits that harm your health, it will exacerbate the severity of acne on your face. Therefore, if you are dealing with acne, avoid consuming the following foods:

• Limit the intake of fat and sugar: These are two types of substances that cause an increase in insulin hormones in the blood, stimulating increased sebum production. Hence, leading to more acne growth.
• Caffeine and alcoholic beverages: These are also two substances that increase sebum production, hindering the skin's recovery process.
• Spicy and hot foods: This nutrient group not only adversely affects the stomach but also harms the skin. Spicy and hot foods increase sebum production, causing inflammation and clogging of pores.

Instead, you should enhance the following food groups in your daily meals:

• Fruits and green vegetables: Vegetables provide a lot of fiber, vitamins, helping to boost the immune system, reduce stress. Moreover, this food group has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to restore damaged skin cells.
• Drink plenty of water: This habit will help detoxify your body, eliminating toxins for the liver.
• Yogurt: With abundant probiotics, it helps balance the microbiota for the skin.
• Fatty fish: This nutrient group contains a lot of protein, minerals, especially Omega-3. These substances have the ability to reduce dry skin, anti-inflammatory, and reduce acne.

Skin Care Routine for Acne-Prone Skin

To get rid of acne on your face, you can apply the following methods: 

• Use a specialized face wash for acne-prone skin.
• Apply moisturizer.
• Limit makeup use.
• Use non-comedogenic sunscreen.
• Adjust your diet.
• Regularly wash blankets, curtains, and pillows.

Notes for Safe and Effective Acne Treatment

To treat acne safely and effectively, in addition to the methods mentioned above, you need to consider the following: 

Hoping this article provides you with valuable information on the causes and effective treatment of acne. Mytour wishes you successful acne treatment and a radiant, smooth, and glowing skin. Additionally, explore sunscreen products like Cell Fusion C, Centella sunscreen, La Roche Posay sunscreen,... genuine and affordable at Mytour.