FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common Acne or acne vulgaris is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and white heads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. Acne affects most teenagers to some extent and the underlying cause is the hormonal changes of puberty. However, the disease is not restricted to teenagers; adults in their 20, 30 and 40s can get acne. Severe acne can lead to permanent scarring. Even moderate cases can lead to scarring if poorly managed.

What causes acne?

Common acne results from the changes that take place as young people go from childhood to adolescence. The hormones that cause physical maturation also cause the sebaceous glands of the skin to produce more sebum or oil. The key hormones are the androgens (male hormones), which are present in girls as well as boys, but in higher amounts in boys. Sebaceous glands are found together with a hair shaft in the sebaceous follicles. During puberty, the cells of the skin that line the follicle begin to die and shed more rapidly. When these dead cells mix with the increased amount of sebum being produced, they can plug the opening of the follicle – causing acne. The sebaceous glands then continue to produce sebum, and the follicle swells up with sebum. Additionally, a normal skin bacterium, P. acnes, can then begin to multiply in the clogged hair follicle. This bacterium produces irritating substances that cause inflammation. The wall of the follicle can sometimes burst, spreading inflammation to the surrounding skin. This is the process by which acne lesions can progress from blackheads to pimples to nodules.

Does stress cause acne?

No but it can aggravate exiting acne. Stress can have many physiologic effects on the body, including changes in hormonal balance that may lead to acne. If the acne is being treated effectively, a little stress will not prevent or retard a cure. Daily aerobic exercising such a jogging is a great way to subdue stress as are breathing exercises.

Why am I now getting acne as an adult?

Usually, acne begins at puberty and is gone by age 20. In some cases, acne may continue into adulthood. Some severe adult forms that affect the body as well as the face are more common in men and some acne is associated with the menstrual cycle in adult women. In other cases, acne may not present itself until adulthood. This acne is more likely to affect women. In all cases hormonal changes are involved although the use of comedogenic cosmetics can sometimes be a contributing factor.

Is diet important in acne?

There is no scientific evidence that suggests food causes acne. You should avoid any foods which seem to worsen your acne. It is our view that any food that can stimulate the production of hormones and/or stimulate the inflammatory response should be avoided. Avoid spicy foods and foods containing known stimulants such as colas, coffee and chocolate.

Can sunlight help acne?

There is no proven effect of sunlight on acne. Moreover, sunlight increases the risk of skin cancer and early aging of the skin. Sunlight is not a recommended technique of acne management. Remember that many acne treatments increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, increasing the risk of ultraviolet light exposure. 

Should I squeeze blackheads?

Inflammatory acne lesions should never be squeezed and doctors would even prefer that blackheads not be squeezed to avoid inflammation and scarring. If you feel that you must do so, be very, very gentle and consider using products designed to help dislodge blackheads and disinfect the pores. Special extractors can be found in drugstores. Never use these where there is even a little inflammation. We recommend you not do so more than once a week and that you useNeutrogena Daily Acne Scrub before doing so.

My topical treatment works but I keep getting new acne. What should I do?

Use your cleansers and medicines on all acne-prone areas, not just individual spots. The goal here is to treat the skin before lesions form and to prevent formation, not just to treat existing lesions. 

Can I stop my medication once the acne is cleared?

It depends on the medication in large part. Treatment often involves several steps and products. You may want to try discontinuing the chemicals but continue with the mild herbal Dermapure Rx Acne Formula.

What kind of cosmetics should I use?

Buy non-comedogenic cosmetics and toiletries. These products have been designed so that they will not cause acne. Girls should avoid heavy foundation makeup. Most should choose powder blushes and eye shadow over cream products because they are less irritating. Dermablend Quick-Fix is an excellent and easy to use product for those who wish to hide their acne blemishes. If you do use it, do not let this stop you from staying on your therapeutic regimen.

Can anything be done about acne scarring?

Scarring is best prevented by quickly controlling the acne and in particular the inflammation due to acne. If you do get scars, good treatments are available but these should not be started until the acne itself is well under control. See your dermatologist for moderate or serious scarring. Mederma is an excellent product for the home treatment of mild scarring. Use it only once your acne is under complete control.

The commentary on this web site is researched and based upon the writings and opinions of medical doctors, nutritionists, herbalists and other health and wellness experts as well as upon the experiences of others who have suffered from acne. Nevertheless, it is not meant to replace in any way the advice you can get from your medical practitioner. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. You and your doctor can then determine together if any of the advice found here constitutes a suitable therapy or adjunctive therapy in your particular circumstances.