Acne is due to any of the following four processes, either occurring singly or in combination.
1. Increased/Excessive oil(sebum) production
2. Hyperkeratinization or increased buildup of dead cells and debris in the hair follicles
3. Increased colonization of P. Acnes bacteria on the skin/hair follicles
4. Increased sensitivity of the sebaceous(oil) glands to hormones like androgens
Hence, any factor that can lead to the above can cause acne. In adults, the usual surge in progesterone during the pre-menstrual period and the high levels of androgens in female conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome can all cause acne. Similarly, stress resulting in elevated levels of stress hormones can increase the activity of sebaceous glands and cause acne.
Genetic disposition plays a part too and we are all born with different skin types. People with oily and combination skin types like in your case, are predisposed to getting acne. Using the wrong products for our skintype can also cause irritation to the skin and result in increased sebum production and buildup of debris in the hair follicles, resulting in acne.
Diet plays an important role as well. Lifestyle and diet modifications including avoidance of dairy products and high glycaemic index(sugary) foods have been shown to improve acne.
Treatment and prevention of adult acne include:
I. A good skincare regime that’s suitable for the individual skin type
II. Pharmacological therapies: Topical and oral medications
III. Non-pharmacological therapies: Lifestyle and diet modifications
IV. Procedures: Intralesional steroid/antibiotic injection for inflamed large acne lesions, manual extraction of comedomes,and laser therapy.
Treatment and prevention of acne is a journey and long process and you will need to be patient to see improvement. More importantly, you should get a proper assessment by a good doctor who will look into the possible causes of your acne and come up with an individualised therapy plan for you.
