FAQs

What is acne?

Acne is a term also known as "zits", "pimples" or "breaking out" consists of different types of bumps on the skin. The most common types are blackheads and whiteheads. The severe types of acne include cystic and nodular acne.

Where does acne form?

Acne can form anywhere on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and upper and/or lower back. Severe cases of acne can cause permanent scarring.
What is Acne Vulgaris?

Acne Vulgaris is another skin condition, which is affecting nearly 17 million people in the United States. This skin condition includes everything from whiteheads to more deeply lodged cysts and is all the result of clogged pores.

How common is acne?

People of all ages and races get acne. Acne is a common condition affecting both men and women. About 17 million Americans are suffering from acne and most of them are teenagers. Almost four out of every five teens have acne. Acne affects boys and girls almost equally, but boys generally have more severe cases.

Acne usually starts during puberty, and usually will be mild. The cause is not understood but it is becoming more common for women who are in their 20s, 30s, and 40s to develop acne.

What causes acne?
There is only a single cause of acne (inflammation of sebaceous glands) but there are hundreds of factors causing the inflammation of sebaceous glands. Some of the most common factors are:

• Antimicrobial Infection (Caused by Propionibacteria or any other)
• Week immune system
• Menstrual cycles
• Certain types of allergy
• Smoking
• Cosmetics
• Unbalanced diet and processed diet
• Direct exposure to sunlight
• Certain medications
• Stress (A psychological disorder, stress is common but its severity is a psychological disorder)

These factors are most common affecting 99% of acne sufferers. Acne is completely curable if properly diagnosed and the real cause is inhibited. Remember, using harsh chemicals for treating acne may also worsen the symptoms.

What changes occur in skin by the factors mentioned above?
Your skin is a delicate organ, which is soft, smooth, shiny and fair. To maintain these features, skin secrets an oily substance called sebum produced by millions of tiny glands in skin called sebaceous glands.

The sebum keeps on secreting from tiny hair follicles to the upper skin layer called epidermis.

The above factors induce increased production of sebum; on the other hand, shedding cells of hair follicles in teenage is common. Thus, these shedding cells mix with increased sebum and plug the opening of hair follicles. Due to continuous overproduction of sebum, hair follicles rupture and form bumps. The bumps at this stage are called whiteheads. When the bumps rupture on the outer layer of skin, they are called blackheads. Pimples, pustules, papules, cystic acne are all given names to bumps depending on their severity.

Can contraceptive pills (birth control pills) make my acne better?

Yes, contraceptive pills can improve acne condition in many women. There are particular hormones in them help in controlling acne.

Does washing face prevent acne?
Washing the face while sebum is continuously overproduced is as water is continuously dribbling from the tap and you are soaking it with a cloth. Now you are fed up of soaking the water and when you stop soaking it, it streams elsewhere. Thus, washing the face more than twice a day with baby soap containing no harsh chemicals is sufficient and help prevent acne. But the real and solid treatment is to prevent production of sebum internally at its root level. Instead of preventing, too mush washing may aggravate the symptoms. So avoid washing more than face twice a day.

What are the best ways to treat acne?
When you notice you are having acne, first you should consult with your dermatologist. Natural acne treatment is another safest treatment option. But do consult with your dermatologist before trying any natural remedy.
Do not use harsh products unless your doctor prescribes you.

What types of cosmetics can I use?
Acne sufferers can use non-comedogenic cosmetics. Non-comedogenic substances are those that prevent comedones. They are also called occlusive substances.
Besides these cosmetic products, you should not use any other cosmetic products.
It revealed recently that some cosmetic and acne preventing products contain mineral oil produced as a by product during gasoline formation. It is a highly toxic substance.

Is it harmful to squeeze blemishes?
Absolutely! Acne is an inflammation and infection of hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Squeezing the blemishes causes the sebum to burst hair follicles and enter deep skin layers. In this way, infection from upper layers of skin is transferred to lower skin layers. Always avoid squeezing and touching the pimples and blemishes.


What treatment topical or oral is effective?
For treating acne, both options run side by side as acne is a disorder of skin caused by internal or external or both stimuli? So, your dermatologist may prescribe you both medications.

How can I strengthen my immune system?
Avoid self medication and using too much antibiotics without prescription. You can use honey, Nigella sativa balanced diet for strengthening your immune system. Always consult with your doctor before using these medications which I mentioned here.

I am developing no pimples, can I stop taking medications?
No. Do consult with your doctor, in case you stop taking medications, you may get acne again and this time, it may be worst than before. Thus, it is highly advisable that you do not stop taking medications unless you consult with your doctor.

I usually forget taking medications what should I do?
It is a most common problem. You should associate taking medication with reminder activities such as brushing and make-up. You may adjust alarm cloak in your hand watch that will beep to remind you that you have to take medications. In case you forget to take a dose, do not take double dose.

How long until I should expect improvements?
It depends on medications you are having. Some medications are effective to show results even within a week while some may take a month or two, while complete cure may take up to 6 months to a year.

Is laser treatment safe and effective?
It depends on technology being used. Although it is effective for few, it produces extreme side effects. You should avoid laser treatment unless until it is possible. However, you should consult with your doctor, if you intend to treat yourself with laser.

My skin is itchy after I use benzoyl peroxide?
Mild itchiness is normal, especially for few initial weeks of its use. If you are having uncontrolled itchiness, stop taking the medication and visit the doctor.

Benzoyl peroxide makes my skin drier and drier, is it normal?
It implies that the medication is working and inhibiting the overproduction of sebum. Apply dermatologist recommended moisturizers to soften it.

Can I use benzoyl peroxide for long term use?
Ask your dermatologist, but recent research shows that it should never be used for long term. It produced cancer in a trial done on an animal when it was used for a year long period. Ask your doctor for possible risks.