What is Acne?
Acne, pimples, spots or zits no matter what you call it is an annoying skin condition that rears its ugly head when you least expect it! You will be happy to know though that you are not alone as acne affects males and females of all races and ethnicity. Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. Approximately 85 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24 experience at least minor acne (AAD, 2004).
Symptoms & Types of Acne
You may be wondering if what you’re dealing with is acne or not. Be on the lookout for a few of the most common symptoms so you can address them accordingly.
Acne signs vary depending on the severity of your condition:
Acne usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders.
The pimples and bumps heal slowly, and when one begins to go away, others seem to crop up. Depending on its severity, acne can cause emotional distress and scar the skin. The earlier you start treatment, the lower your risk of such problems.
Dermatologists rank acne by severity:
Grade 1 (mild): mostly whiteheads and blackheads, with a few papules and pustules.
Grade 2 (moderate, or pustular acne): multiple papules and pustules, mostly on your face.
Grade 3 (moderately severe, or nodulocystic acne): numerous papules and pustules, along with occasionally inflamed nodules. Your back and chest may also be affected.
Grade 4 (severe nodulocystic acne): numerous large, painful and inflamed pustules and nodules (Cleveland Clinic, 2020).
What Causes Acne?
Acne is caused when tiny holes in the skin, known as hair follicles, become blocked with oil, dead skin, or bacteria (healthline, 2017).
- Testosterone: Teenage acne is thought to be triggered by increased levels of a hormone called testosterone, which occurs during puberty. The sebaceous glands are particularly sensitive to hormones. It's thought that increased levels of testosterone cause the glands to produce much more sebum than the skin needs (nhs,2019).
- Your genes: If both of your parents had severe acne, either in adolescence or in adulthood, your risk for having acne breakouts may be higher (healthline, 2020).
- Acne in Women: Women are more likely to have adult acne than men. It's thought that many cases of adult acne are caused by the changes in hormone levels that many women have at certain times. These times include: periods, pregnancy, polycystic ovary syndrome (nhs,2019).
Treating Your Acne
Grahams Natural's acne treatment is a two step approach - Acne Gel and Acne Wash. Suitable for even the most sensitive skin types, this routine will cool and soothe troubled skin, helping to reduce redness and inflammation for a clearer complexion.
Grahams Natural Acne Wash is a gentle cleanser formulated from soothing ingredients. Unlike some cleansers which dry out skin, our Acne Wash focuses on cleansing the pores and nourishing the skin at the same time.
Grahams Natural Acne Gel is formulated to soothe skin, reduce inflammation and treat problem spots. Use morning and night to reduce redness and size of visible pimples and pustules.
Save 20% with our Acne Pack.
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Links to these pages will be available throughout the article to benefit the user and do not constitute medical advice or treatment recommendations.