Acne

Acne is a skin condition characterized by pimples, blackheads, and cysts, caused by clogged pores, excess oil production, bacteria, and inflammation.

How Does Acne Happen ?

Acne develops through the following process:

1. Sebum Production

Sebaceous glands produce an oily substance called sebum. During puberty or hormonal changes, these glands can produce excess sebum.

2. Clogged Pores

Excess sebum and dead skin cells can accumulate in hair follicles, leading to clogged pores.

3. Bacterial Growth:

The bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) can thrive in these clogged pores, causing inflammation.

4. Inflammation:

The immune system responds to the bacterial growth, leading to inflammation and the formation of pimples.

Triggering Causes

Several factors can trigger or worsen acne:

1. Hormonal Changes:

Hormones, especially androgens, increase during puberty and can enlarge sebaceous glands and increase sebum production. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy and the use of oral contraceptives can also affect sebum production.

2. Diet

Some studies suggest that certain dietary factors, including dairy products and carbohydrate-rich foods, might worsen acne.

3. Stress

Stress can increase the production of hormones such as cortisol, which may exacerbate acne.

4. Medications

Some medications, including those containing corticosteroids, androgens, or lithium, can cause acne.

5. Cosmetics

Use of oil-based cosmetics can contribute to clogged pores.

6. Friction or Pressure on Skin

Items like telephones, helmets, tight collars, and backpacks can irritate the skin and promote acne.

7. Genetics

A family history of acne can increase the likelihood of developing it.

How to Prevent Acne

Preventing acne involves several strategies to keep pores clear and reduce inflammation:

1. Skincare Routine

Cleanse: Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil and dead skin cells.

Exfoliate: Use a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells, but avoid over-exfoliation, which can irritate the skin.

Moisturize: Use a non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) moisturizer to keep skin hydrated.

Consult Dr.Geeta Grewal for a skin care routine based on the cause of your acne

2. Avoid Touching Your Face

Touching your face can transfer oils and bacteria from your hands to your skin.

3. Choose Non-Comedogenic Products

Select skincare and cosmetic products labeled as non-comedogenic to avoid clogging pores.

4. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Reduce intake of high glycemic foods and dairy products if they appear to trigger your acne.

5. Manage Stress:

Practice stress-reducing activities such as exercise, meditation, and adequate sleep.

6. Limit Sun Exposure

While some sun exposure can help clear up acne temporarily, it can also lead to increased oil production and skin damage over time. Use a non-comedogenic sunscreen.

7. Avoid Heavy or Tight Clothing

Wearing loose-fitting clothes, especially in areas prone to acne, can help reduce friction and sweating that may worsen acne.

8. Consult a Doctor

For persistent or severe acne, consult a dermatologist. They can prescribe treatments such as topical retinoids, antibiotics, or hormonal therapies that are more effective than over-the-counter options.
By understanding the causes and implementing these preventative measures, you can manage and reduce the occurrence of acne.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Acne is primarily caused by factors such as excess oil production, clogged pores, bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes), hormonal changes, and inflammation.
You can help prevent acne by maintaining a consistent skincare routine, avoiding pore-clogging products, managing stress levels, and maintaining a balanced diet.
Common treatments include topical treatments (like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid), oral medications (such as antibiotics or hormonal treatments), and in-office procedures (like chemical peels or laser therapy).
Some studies suggest that certain foods with a high glycemic index or dairy products may exacerbate acne in some individuals. It’s essential to monitor your diet and observe how it affects your skin.
The effectiveness and timeline for acne treatments vary depending on the severity of acne and the treatment used. It may take several weeks to months to see significant improvement.
Home remedies like tea tree oil, aloe vera, and honey have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe acne-prone skin. However, they may not be as effective as medically prescribed treatments for severe acne.
These questions cover some of the basics about acne and its treatment, providing insights into causes, prevention, and management strategies.

Treatments for Acne

Chemical Peels: Exfoliate the skin, removing dead cells and unclogging pores, reducing acne and preventing future breakouts.

When combined with other treatment it bring amazing results and treats the problem to the root.

Consult and Aesthetic Doctor today.

Laser Therapy: Targets deeper skin layers to kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation, promoting clearer skin.

Several types of laser therapies are used to treat acne, each with specific benefits and suitability for different skin types and acne severities:

1. Blue Light Therapy

  • Mechanism: Targets and kills P. acnes bacteria.
  • Best for: Mild to moderate acne.
  • Benefits: Reduces inflammation, minimal side effects, non-invasive.

2. Diode Laser

  • Mechanism: Penetrates deep into the skin to target sebaceous glands.
  • Best for: Moderate to severe acne.
  • Benefits: Reduces oil production, effective for treating cystic acne.

3. Fractional Laser

  • Mechanism: Creates micro-injuries to stimulate collagen production and skin renewal.
  • Best for: Acne scars and overall skin texture improvement.
  • Benefits: Promotes collagen production, reduces acne scars, improves skin texture.

4. Nd:YAG Laser

  • Mechanism: Penetrates deeply to target sebaceous glands and blood vessels.
  • Best for: Deep acne lesions and scars.
  • Benefits: Reduces active acne, minimizes scarring, suitable for deeper skin issues.
Microneedling: Stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture, reducing acne scars and promoting healing.

How Microneedling Works for Acne

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that involves using a device with fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. These micro-injuries trigger the body’s natural healing process, which stimulates collagen and elastin production. Here’s how microneedling helps with acne and acne scars:

Microneedling can be an effective treatment for improving the appearance of acne scars and overall skin texture. When performed by a skilled professional and tailored to individual skin types, it can yield significant benefits with minimal risk.

Blue Light Therapy: Uses specific light wavelengths to effectively treat active acne. Blue light therapy treats acne by killing bacteria, reducing inflammation, and preventing breakouts. It’s non-invasive, with minimal side effects and no downtime.

Blue light therapy can be an effective and gentle treatment for acne across various skin types, offering a non-invasive option to reduce bacterial growth and manage breakouts.

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