Acne, also known as pimples or zits, is a common inflammatory skin condition, mostly affecting teenagers but increasingly common in adults. A common misunderstanding is that acne is caused by inadequate skin cleaning or unhealthy habits. The major cause of acne are excessive secretion of skin sebum (oil), clogged pores by old skin cell debris, hormonal imbalance, and the incorrect use of cosmetic or skin care products. In addition, genetic factors, stress, medication, sleep deprivation and unhealthy eating habit will also worsen acne skin.

Acne is caused by an imbalance in skin metabolism which leads to rapid shedding of dead skin cell debris, which blocks the pores and cause whiteheads and blackheads. This further assists the growth of skin bacteria (Propionibacterium acne) and develop infection which results in skin redness, swelling and pus. There are various types of acnes, from blackheads and whiteheads (comedones) to abscess formation (nodular cystic acne), and severe patients may have multiple types at a time. Acne often occur in areas where sebaceous glands are active such as the face, neck, chest, back and shoulder. Proper skin care procedure is very important for acne prone skin. Many people are in the habit of using exfoliating scrub and attempt to squeeze out whiteheads and blackheads, but these habits usually do not improve acne and might further stimulate sebaceous gland(oil) secretions or block up more pores. Moreover, don’t pop any pimples with hands or any apparatus as it could worsen skin infections and even cause damage to the dermis, leaving post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (acne marks) and acne scars which could be permanent.

Skincare advice of acne prone skin:

Acne prone skin should be cleaned with a mild skin care product every day and night. Scrubbing is not a solution. Choose cosmetic products that do not clog up pores (non-comedogenic), remove make up thoroughly at night and clean with mild cleansers. Although acne prone skins are mostly oily based, they still need moisturizer to balance oil secretions and provide protection from dry weather.