Acne: Types, treatment

 Each form of skin blemish caused by acne has a unique appearance and set of symptoms. Acne is a common disorder.

Small pimples to obtrusive cysts are just a few of the numerous ways acne can manifest.

The following are examples of typical acne-related blemish kinds and labels for them:

1. the whiteheads, or closed comedones

2. blackheads or open comedones

3. pimples or pustules

4. papules

5. cysts

6. nodules

Treatment options range depending on the type of acne lesion. Long-term skin issues, like pitting and scarring, can be prevented with timely, effective treatment.

Whiteheads

Closed comedones is the medical word for whiteheads. These are tiny, flesh-colored lumps or patches. They typically feature a white, spherical center encircled by a red halo on lighter skin. On skin with darker tones, the surrounding area could look black or purple-hued. In most cases, whiteheads do not leave scars.

Blackheads

Open comedones, often known as blackheads, are tiny, dark-colored lumps that might be somewhat elevated. Blackheads typically have normal-looking skin around them, but their centers are darker than the skin around them.

The majority of minor-to-mild kinds of noninflammatory acne can be reduced with a number of home treatments and lifestyle modifications. These comprise:

1. washing twice a day with lukewarm water and soap

2. using gentle cleaners

3. drinking water

4. Avoid over-washing or causing skin irritation.

5. reducing time spent in the sun

6. Applying sunscreen whenever you are outside

Papules

When there is acute inflammation, the walls enclosing your pores collapse, resulting in papules. As a result, the pores become tender to the touch and become hard and plugged. Normally pink, the skin around these pores is.

Pustules

Additionally, as the pore-enclosing walls deteriorate, pustules might develop. Pustules contain pus as opposed to papules. These lumps protrude from the skin and are typically colored red. On top, they frequently feature yellow or white heads.

Nodules

When clogged, swollen pores experience further discomfort, they enlarge and become nodules. Nodules are deeper beneath the skin than pustules and papules are.

Usually, you can't cure nodules at home since they are so deep under the skin. To help clear these up, prescription medicine is required.

Cysts

When germs, sebum, and dead skin cells combine to plug pores, cysts may form. More below the skin's surface than nodules are the clogs, which form deep inside the skin.

Frequently uncomfortable to the touch, these huge red or white pimples. The most severe type of acne, cysts, are formed when an infection becomes very bad. The likelihood of scarring is highest for this kind of acne.

Acne treatment 

It can be challenging to determine precisely which acne treatment could be the best for your skin because there are so many different approaches to treating outbreaks. Even if you've had some form of acne your entire life, adult acne might differ from teen acne and can be challenging to treat due to factors like hormones, changes in skin type and texture, and scarring.

The finest acne remedies for sporadic, mild, and some moderate acne are listed here.

1. Salicylic Acid

Teenagers frequently use salicylic acid as a pimple treatment. The majority of items marketed as "acne wash" or "spot treatment" contain it as the active component, if you browse the skincare aisles at your local drugstore. Salicylic acid helps acne shrink and eventually go away by lowering swelling and clearing pores.

2. Glycolic Acid 

An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), glycolic acid helps to remove dead skin cells that can block pores by gently exfoliating the skin. Similar to salicylic acid, glycolic acid is available at your neighborhood drugstore or beauty supply shop in washes, peels, moisturizers, and serums.

3. Benzoyl peroxide

As an antibacterial agent, benzoyl peroxide is particularly effective at eliminating the acne-causing bacteria. But benzoyl has drawbacks as well. If you're not careful, the leave-on creams and washing procedures can bleach garments and dry out sensitive skin.

4. Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is an AHA, just like glycolic acid, which means it exfoliates the skin by chemical means. It's a fantastic alternative for those who want to use an exfoliating acid but have more sensitive skin because it's often gentler than glycolic acid. Additionally, lactic acid can be hydrating since it is a humectant, which attracts water to itself. Therefore, lactic acid-based exfoliants would be effective without being too irritating for people with dry or sensitive skin.

5. Retinol,

Retinoid creams are arguably best known for their anti-aging properties, but these vitamin forms are also effective for treating acne. Skin cell turnover is accelerated by retinoids, which also assist the skin exfoliate and reduce oil production.

7. Adapalene

Adapalene is a synthetic retinoid that was previously exclusively accessible with a prescription and is frequently referred to by the brand name Differin. However, it recently became over-the-counter, making it a fantastic, potent acne treatment that you can get without a prescription. It was also created to be kinder than other prescription acne medicines because it is synthetic. Adapalene is a great option for people who have outgrown over-the-counter retinol but aren't quite ready for a prescription retinoid's full potency.

HOME ACNE REMEDIES 

1. Apple cider vinegar

The unfiltered juice from crushed apples, or apple cider, is fermented to produce apple cider vinegar.

How to...

1. Combine 3 parts water with 1 part apple cider vinegar (use more water for sensitive skin).

2. Use a cotton ball to gently apply the mixture to the skin after cleaning.

3. After 5 to 20 seconds, rinse it with water, then pat it dry.

4. As necessary, repeat this procedure 1–2 times daily.

The use of apple cider vinegar on the skin should be avoided since it might irritate and burn the skin, according to the majority of dermatologists. If you decide to give it a try, use it sparingly and diluted with water.

2. Zinc supplement

An vital vitamin, zinc is necessary for immune system health, hormone production, cell growth, and metabolism.

The negative effects of taking too much zinc may include gastrointestinal discomfort and irritability.

It's also crucial to remember that skin-applied zinc has not been proven to be beneficial. This might be due to zinc's ineffective absorption through the skin.

3. Honey and cinnamon mask

How to...

To make a paste, combine 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.

Apply the mask on your face after cleansing, and keep it on for 10 to 15 minutes.

Completely rinse the mask off, then pat your face dry.

4. Tea tree oil

The leaves of the little Australian tree Melaleuca alternifolia are used to make tea tree oil, an essential oil.

How to

1. Combine 1 part tea tree oil with 9 parts water.

2. Apply the mixture to the troublesome regions using a cotton swab after dipping it in the mixture.

3. If desired, apply moisturizer.

4. As necessary, repeat this procedure 1 to 2 times daily.