Are you frustrated with dealing with those annoying bumps and stubborn zits that just won’t seem to disappear? Trust me, I know the frustration all too well. You’re not alone; acne affects about 9.4% of the global population.
Today, we’re diving into part one of our six-part acne series, where I’ll not only share my own experiences but also insights from research. This blog looks at the causes and types of acne and what you can do about it, because, trust me, there’s hope.
Causes of Acne
Acne is like a puzzle with many pieces. It can be triggered by
- hormonal changes
- excess oil production
- clogged hair follicles and pores
- bacterial infections
- genetics and family history
- diet and certain foods
- medications
- stress
- pore clogging ingredients
- smoking
- environmental factors such as pollution and humidity
- Poly-cystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Types of Acne
Now, onto the different types of acne. I’ve been through them all – the itchy, the painful, and the annoying.
- Whiteheads: These are those white tiny, trapped bumps that make your skin feel congested.
- Blackheads: Similar to whiteheads, but they show their open pores and are dark.
- Papules: Small, red, raised bumps that often hurt when you touch them.
- Pustules: They’re like papules, but with a visible white or yellow center.
- Nodules: Big, painful lumps lurking beneath the skin’s surface.
- Cystic Acne: The heavyweight champion, deep and filled with pus.
- Hormonal Acne: A familiar foe for many during puberty or menstrual cycles.
Acne can vary in severity, and individuals may experience a combination of the above types of acne.
Acne Treatment
When it comes to treatment, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Over-the-counter products can help with mild acne, while hormonal acne might require a visit to a dermatologist. Personally, I sought professional help and was prescribed antibiotics and a retinoid, but I still battled with dark marks and scars.
If you’re looking to address acne from within, consider natural supplements like Azadirachta indica. They offer a range of benefits, including fighting bacteria, reducing inflammation, and supporting the immune system.
TRY| Azadirachta Indica supplements for acne
Acne Treatments
Now, let’s delve into ingredients to look for that fight acne. The products I had used for acne used to just dry out my skin and make it look worse. But we will get into skincare routines in Part two of the acne series. For now, let me stick to the agenda.
My favourite ingredient is sodium ascorbyl phosphate. Not only is it gentle on the skin but numerous studies show that at a 5% concentration, it improves the appearance of acne-prone skin. It has anti-microbial properties and has been shown to reduce acne inflammation.
Then there’s salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, which can be drying.
Other ingredients include, retiniods, retinyl palmitate, which is a milder form of retinoid, niacinamide, clay, zinc, azelaic acid, sulphur, and alpha hydroxy acids.
Oh, by the way, ShaRique has an acne combo, with everything you need to fight acne, from the inside out, on special for R499. In addition, if you want to just read all about acne then get yourself this ebook on everything you need to know about acne.
Part 2 of the acne series focuses on skincare routines for acne sufferers and lifestyle changes to combat acne.
ALSO read| Part 1 causes and types of acne
ALSO read| Part 3 acne myth and facts
