Acne is one of the cosmetic plagues of Westen society. There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for acne, and if you delay acne treatment, you can develop hyperpigmentation and scarring.
Acne occurs in anywhere between 75% and 95% of the adolescent population. With hormone changes, namely an increase in androgens during adolescence, acne can sometimes persist beyond adolescence.
On the surface, acne appears to be a skin condition caused by an overproduction of sebum. Thus, decreasing the sebum may resolve the issue.
Many topicals on the market aim to do this. However, acne rates remain high, and without specialized help, persistent acne often prevails over OTC supplements and skincare products.
Our experts at Colorado Skin Care understand how difficult it can be to find the right acne treatment. We asked them to explain what could cause acne and what treatments are available for sufferers to achieve a clear complexion.
Acne causes
Some studies suggest that acne is a skin disease that primarily occurs in modern societies, as isolated hunter-gatherer tribes who don’t have access to processed foods and don’t live in polluted areas don’t develop acne.
Other studies suggest that acne has been present since ancient times, indicating that our switch from a hunter-gatherer society to an agricultural society may have had something to do with the increase in acne.
Several conditions are associated with acne — including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), diabetes, insulin resistance, Cushing’s disease, and androgen-secreting tumors.
Some medications and supplements may also cause acne, including the following:
- Testosterone
- Intrauterine progesterone
- B12 supplements
- Steroids
- Ciclosporin
- Lithium
Skincare products, makeup products, and clogged pores can also cause breakouts. Overly drying solutions, such as essential oils and some cleansers, can make matters worse by overstimulating the sebaceous glands.
How acne is treated
After ruling out underlying conditions or medications as the cause of your acne, you may be recommended the following:
- Prescription-strength topicals
- Systemic antibiotics
- Laser therapy
- Chemical peels
These treatments can be prescribed even if you’re working on fixing your underlying cause of acne. If you experience large and painful cysts, our specialists can drain the cysts to reduce both your discomfort and your risk for scarring.
Get a customized treatment plan for your acne
If you’re sick of trying out new skincare regimens without seeing any improvements, contact us to schedule an appointment at our office in Englewood, Colorado. Our skin care specialists can help you better understand what’s causing your acne and prescribe a treatment that will clear up your skin.