Stop acne breakouts, prevent scarring with these expert-approved tips for clear, healthy skin Acne is a common skin condition that affects people from all walks of life and across all ages. The most afflicted are adolescents and young adults, however. Acne occurs when hair follicles or pores become occluded with sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria causing the formation of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads or cysts, which can be very tender. Although the face is the most common area for acne, the chest, back and shoulders may also be involved. It is less of a health concern; however, the presence of acne can affect one’s confidence and in severe cases leads to permanent scars if not treated. According to Dr. Chandni Jain Gupta, MBBS, MD Dermatologist and Aesthetic practitioner, Elantis Healthcare, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi, the blockage of hair follicles is due to the excess production of sebum, which is an oily layer of the skin, dead skin cells that have not been shed adequately, or bacterial growth occurring on the skin at a higher than normal level. “As a result, sebum along with these dead cells and bacteria create the blockage of a follicle which causes inflammation, resulting in the redness, the puffiness, the pain, and the change of color that one can see. There are various forms of acne due to hormonal influences, inheritance and other environmental triggers. Yet there are good interventions that can address the symptoms, manage the blemishes and scarring caused by acne,” she concludes.

Pimples (Pustules): Red lesions that are painful with a central ooze of yellowish or whitish color. They are often very inflamed and indicate an infected pore.  Papules: Small and tender bumps on the skin that are usually discolored, either reddened or darker than the surrounding skin. Papules develop as a result of constricted and inflamed pores that lack pus. Blackheads: Enlarged oil and dead skin follicles that sit on the skin's surface that due rusting appear black. They are said to be a mild form of acne and have little chance of leading to inflammation. Whiteheads: Rounded bumps Sit in aa shaded area of the skin under the surface and look white due to blocked skin pores. They occur when a pore that is clogged doesn't get exposed to the skin surface. Nodules: Due to too much inflammation, aggravated and painful bulges form under the skin. They are thick and wide roots as well as self-maintaining for many weeks or even months when untreated. Cysts: swollen painful lumps that are under the shin surface and contain pus. If cystic acne is untreated for long it usually leads to scaring. Cysts are the most extreme of all types and basically always lead to medical conditions. 
The Origin of Acne: The primary factor for development of acne is tightly closed pores or hair follicles. The following factors chief among them sebum over production would contribute to this. Excess sebum: It refers to the excessive secretion of oil on the skin and this is a major cause of clogged pores.

Dead skin Cells: Dead skin that fails to be stripped away while cleansing gets embedded into pores and builds up over time.

Bacteria: The skin is already home to various bacteria however an excessive amount leads to inflammation and infections in the clogged pores.

Acne Treatments:

Regular Washing: Use your face cleanser twice a day at the minimum, however make sure to use a gentle PH balanced cleanser. Make that a firm “no” to astringents or harsh scrubs as they can damage the skin and exacerbate the acne.

Use Topical Treatments: Make use of salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and retinoids which are widely available OTC, these topical treatments are very effective against clogged pores and bacteria. There are several uses of these treatments as well, they are also an inflammation reducer and help in stopping breakouts.

Avoid Picking: Try to not pick or squeeze at the pimples or rub them as doing so greatly increases the irritation and bruising, in the worst case scenario even leads to scarring.

Protect from the Sun: It is advisable to avoid as much sun as possible and use non comedogenic sunscreen as these help in reducing the redness and irritation associated with acne.

Maintain a Healthy Diet: To reduce flare ups and sugar and milk have proven to be effective, this is because a few foods can lead to acne.

Manage Stress: Since stress can cause breakouts, try to focus on breathing techniques.

Avoid Oily Products: Usually non comedogenic and non greasy make up and skin products are highly effective against pore clogging.

Topical Treatments:

Benzoyl Peroxide: It is recommended to use Benzoyl Peroxide for people suffering from mild to moderate acne as it is proven to be quite helpful.

Salicylic Acid: This works well on blackheads and whiteheads by getting rid of dead skin cells and opening up the clogged pores.

Retinoids: They inhibit the clogging of pores and help get rid of blackheads/whiteheads. Wounds and other skin problems also benefit from it since it accelerates cell renewal.

Topical antibiotics: This medication takes care of the bacterial infection that causes acne, and when combined with other acne drugs, it is effective in controlling inflammation.

Oral medications:

Antibiotics: Suitable for the treatment of moderate to severe acne as it reduces inflammation and bacterial activity.

Isotretinoin: This is an extremely potent oral retinoid meant for the treatment of severe acne, it work by restricting the complete development of oil glands so that they will not baconome clogged.

Hormonal treatments: Women utilize birth control pills or spironolactone which aid in reducing the shift in hormones that increases acne production.

Other Measures:

Steroids: Injection of steroids can be given to reduce inflammation associated with large, painful nodules known to cause severe acne.

Lasers: Acne scars are treated by laser and light treatments by applying heat to the scarred collagen beneath the skin surface to prompt a natural healing process which then stimulates new healthy collagen and skin growth.

Chemical peels: During this treatment special chemicals are used to destroy the upper layer of knees which are badly scarred after having acne and the new skin resulting from this treatment is silkier and healthier.

Depending on the type of blockage and the severity of the edges, acne can appear in several forms: