Acne is one of the most common skin problems among people. It is a condition during which the hair follicles under the skin get clogged due to dead skin or oil and results in breakout of lesions.
Some people outgrow acne after the teenage years, but many others don’t. If this describes you, know that you are not alone.
Since acne products are often designed for teen complexions, they may not be right for your complexion after adolescence.
That’s because acne products designed for teens are often made to fit a very oily complexion and formulated with the highest concentration of acne fighting ingredients. These types of formulations may be too drying or irritating for your skin after adolescence. Your skin's needs, as well as its tolerance to acne products, change with age.
The good news is that some great acne ingredients can also help fight skin aging that you can find at Kampala Dermatology clinic. If you use the right concentrations of ingredients that fight acne and skin aging then you will get a double benefit - anti-acne products that also fight the signs of skin aging.
To battle acne and slow down the effects of aging on your skin, and get it done right, it will take more product layering. Dr.Katureebe lists a routine that gets the best and fastest results. It always involves these 4 skin care steps for healthy skin:
1.CLEANSE
2.CORRECT
3.HYDRATE
4.PROTECT
Some products are multi-taskers and can function for more than one step.
What is the best skin care routine to fight acne and also anti-aging concerns?
Create Complete Skin Care with products that:
1. Clean skin to remove oil, dirt, product residue and debris to enhance penetration of treating ingredients.
2. Contain ingredients that fight blackheads, treat skin germs that cause pimples, brighten dull skin and correct uneven skin pigment, and that also stimulate collagen renewal. Collagen renewal will fight wrinkles, skin thinning and acne scars.
3. Moisturize skin with oil-free, non-comedogenic formulations that prevent skin dryness to protect from product irritation.
4. Include a broad spectrum sunscreen used daily for anti-aging sun protection and to fight acne scar hyperpigmentation (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation).
Causes of Acne
Dr.Katureebe asserts that excess sebum production, building up of dead skin cells, growth of bacteria in the pores, and skin inflammation are some of the primary causes of acne. However, it can also be a result of hormonal changes, medications, and poor diet. It can also be passed on genetically in the family.
Causes
How acne develops
Four main factors cause acne:
● Excess oil (sebum) production
● Hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin cells
● Bacteria
● Inflammation
Acne typically appears on your face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders because these areas of skin have the most oil (sebaceous) glands. Hair follicles are connected to oil glands.
● Hormonal changes. Androgens are hormones that increase in boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum.
● Certain medications. Examples include drugs containing corticosteroids, testosterone or lithium.
● Diet. Studies indicate that consuming certain foods — including carbohydrate-rich foods, such as bread, bagels and chips — may worsen acne.
● Stress. Stress doesn't cause acne, but if you have acne already, stress may make it worse.
Treatment of Acne
Acne is a common problem that can be treated easily with good products that I have seen work for patients in past 20 years. However, it is not an over-night process rather a long one that requires patience. You can book a session for consultation with me at Kampala Dermatology Clinic to assess your condition.
Though acne is treatable, it is unfortunately, a subject of social stigma. It tends to affect a person’s mental health and causes emotional distress. Various studies assert that the respective skin condition may hamper one’s confidence and self-esteem and contributes in making them stressed.
If you live with severe acne, you may still want to consult a dermatologist. You can book an appointment with Dr.katureebe a licensed and certified dermatologist at Kampala Dermatology located at Bandali Rise Bugolobi Kampala.