At some point in our lives, almost all of us will experience acne. Acne is a very common skin condition that can affect people of all ages, but it is most commonly associated with adolescence. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 will experience at least some degree of acne.
So, what exactly is acne? Read on to find out.
What is Acne?
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. These clogged pores can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples. Although acne is most commonly associated with puberty, it can actually occur at any age.
What Causes Acne?
Many factors can contribute to the development of acne. Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during puberty or pregnancy, can increase oil production in your skin and cause your pores to become clogged more easily. Certain medications, such as corticosteroids or lithium, can also trigger or worsen acne breakouts. In addition, genetics plays a role—if you have family members who have struggled with acne, you are more likely to experience it yourself.
How is Acne Treated?
The first step in treating acne is identifying the underlying cause. Once the cause has been determined, a course of treatment can be tailored to your individual needs. For some people, making simple lifestyle changes—such as washing their face twice daily or using non-comedogenic products—may be enough to control their acne breakouts. Others may require medication, such as topical creams or oral antibiotics. In severe cases, you may need to see a dermatologist for treatment.
Conclusion:
Acne is a very common skin condition that affects people of all ages. Although it's most common during adolescence, anyone can experience acne at any age. Many factors can contribute to the development of acne—hormonal changes, certain medications, genetics—and the best way to treat it depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, making simple lifestyle changes may be enough to control breakouts while others may require medication or even see a dermatologist for treatment. No matter what course of treatment you ultimately decide on, know that you are not alone—acne affects millions of people worldwide every day.
