Acne: The troublemaker that ruins your youthful appearance!

Youth is the best time to look beautiful and be happy. But the main mental and skin problem that many young people face is acne. This sometimes hinders both the youthful appearance and the happiness of the heart.

Let's learn scientifically about how acne occurs and the successful skin treatments for it, based on the discussion with Dr. Priya, a 17-year-old girl named Tharushi, who was depressed due to the painful red pimples and blackheads that had appeared all over her face and had even stopped going to school for fear of being teased by her friends.

Doctor-patient dialogue: "Doctor, is it because I don't wash my face properly that I get acne?"

Tharushi (embarrassed): "Dr. Priya, I have big, red, painful acne and blackheads all over my face. I don't even go to school now because I'm afraid my friends will make fun of me. Is this because I don't wash my face properly? Can I get my beautiful face back, doctor?"

Dr. Priya (comforting Tharushi): "Tharushi, first of all, don't stress yourself too much about this. Getting acne is not a mistake caused by your uncleanliness."

The oil-producing glands in our skin are called sebaceous glands . Hormonal changes in the body during adolescence, especially the increase in the level of androgens, a male hormone, cause these glands to produce more sebum. When the pores in the skin become clogged with dead skin cells and dirt, the oil cannot escape. Bacteria such as Cutibacterium acnes then grow there and cause inflammation, resulting in acne. This is not a contagious disease.

! Cute lady with Acne face

Tarushi: "Doctor, are there different types of acne?"

Dr. Priya: "Yes, daughter. Acne can be divided into several main types:
1. Blackheads: Blackheads are open pores on the surface of the skin, resembling black dots.
2. Whiteheads: Small, white bumps that are clogged with pores.
3. Papules: Red, hard, non-pus-filled blisters.
4. Pustules: Pus-filled pimples with a yellow head.
5. Cysts: " Large, very painful cyst-like pimples that form deep within the skin."

🚨 Red Flags that require immediate medical attention

Although acne is a common condition, you should seek immediate medical attention if you have the following symptoms:

1. Deep, painful cysts: The appearance of large, hard, intensely painful cysts that are not on the surface of the skin, but deep within the skin (this can leave deep scars if left untreated).
2. Leaving deep scars and blackheads:When acne heals, the skin peels, leaving deep pit-like scars or dark spots.
3. Signs of infection: Rapidly spreading redness around the pimple, warmth of the skin, and heavy pus drainage.
4. Severe psychological stress: Feeling ashamed of one's appearance due to acne, social isolation, depression, or severe anxiety.

🛠️ Action Steps to Get Rid of Acne

• Step 1: Use a mild, soap-free cleanser to keep your face clean and wash your face gently twice a day. Never rub your face harshly.
• Step 2: If acne is severe, see a dermatologist immediately.
• Step Three: Use only non-comedogenic/oil-free makeup and creams that do not clog skin pores.
• Step Four: Never try to squeeze, pop, or scratch blackheads or pimples. This can spread bacteria and lead to scarring.
• Step 5: Use appropriate topical creams (e.g., Benzoyl Peroxide , Salicylic Acid , or Retinoids ) as directed by your doctor. Your doctor may also recommend oral antibiotics (e.g., Tetracycline) or hormonal therapy as needed.

📊 Do's & Don'ts

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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#### Does eating chocolate or oil cause acne?

There is no direct scientific evidence that chocolate or oily foods cause acne in everyone. However, some people may experience an increase in acne flare-ups from sugary foods, dairy products, or foods high in carbohydrates. If you find that these foods trigger acne, limit your intake of them.

#### How many times a day should you wash your face to cure acne?

Washing your face twice a day (morning and night) is sufficient. Washing your face more than that can completely remove the skin's natural oils and dry out the skin. This can cause the sebaceous glands to produce more oil to control the dryness, which can lead to more acne.

#### Is acne a contagious disease?

No. Acne is a disorder of the oil glands caused by clogged pores and hormonal activity. Although bacteria are involved, these bacteria also live on normal skin. Therefore, acne is not spread to others through contact or close contact.

#### Why does the skin turn red when using retinoids cream?

Retinoid creams increase the rate of skin cell turnover. It is normal for the skin to become dry, flaky, and slightly red during the first few weeks of treatment. To avoid this, apply a moisturizer after applying the cream, and use retinoids only at night.

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📖 Sources and Scientific References

• NHS (UK) Guidance on Acne Causes and Treatment: NHS Acne Overview (Accessed 2026)
• PubMed Central (PMC) Clinical Review: Managing Acne Vulgaris: An Update (PMC10803966)