How To Get Rid Of Acne & Acne Spots

Acne is a well-known skin condition that affects not just teenagers. Up to 73 per cent of adults report having suffered from acne of some kind at some point in their adult lives. While it disproportionately affects women, acne is a real problem for a large proportion of the population. It presents itself through pimples, blackheads, and cysts caused by blocked pores, irritations, and germs in the skin. 

It is equally important for people to manage post-acne marks or hyperpigmentation as it has been shown that dealing with active acne is very crucial. This blog will therefore provide an extensive guide on how to eliminate these spots; using solid medical information based on real clinical research.

What is Acne – Causes 

Acne develops due to the accumulation of oil (sebum) and dead skin cells in hair follicles. Hormonal changes, diet, stress, and some medications can contribute to the formation of acne. 

Although the image that pops into our heads when we think about acne is that of antsy teenagers, it is clear that acne is a problem that plagues us all. Treating acne requires us to understand its causes and how it is affected by our lifestyle. 

The two broad types of acne include non-inflammatory acne and inflammatory acne. The treatment for acne is different based on the type of condition, and inflammatory acne can be trickier to manage. 

• Non-inflammatory Acne 

It includes types that do not cause significant redness or swelling and primarily affect the surface of the skin. 

• Inflammatory Acne 

It has lesions that are red, swollen, and frequently painful, which means a skin response takes place under the skin.

Types of Acne

1. Blackheads (Open Comedones)

Blackheads are small, dark lumps formed when a hair follicle is blocked by oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. Exposure to air also leads to sebum oxidation, making it appear dark. Blackheads are usually not inflamed and can effectively be treated through over-the-counter products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which help exfoliate the pores and clear them.

2. Whiteheads (Closed Comedones)

Image Source: Cleveland Clinic 

Similar to blackheads, whiteheads are characterised by the formation of a closed clogged pore. They appear minute, manifesting the colour of flesh or white. Whiteheads can be more resistant to treatment than blackheads, but they may also be handled with strategically applied exfoliation remedies that assist in the removal of dead skin cells and thus prevent clogging.

3. Papules

Papules are small raised red spots caused by skin inflammation. Touching these changes is painful and indicates an active acne lesion. Pus is absent in papules, so topical retinoids or antibiotics may be used to reduce inflammation and enhance healing.

4. Pustules

These are just like papules, but they have pus inside them, hence the whitish or yellowish appearance in the centre section. They can be painful sometimes and get inflamed, too; treatments usually involve topical or oral antibiotics plus benzoyl peroxide-containing products to reduce bacteria and inflammation.

5. Nodules

These are solid lesions that are bigger than others and develop deep down into skin tissues. They hurt rather much, making their severity noticeable; sometimes, seeking medical treatments may be required because of that. Besides being hard to treat, nodular acne could also necessitate prescription-strength medications such as oral retinoids or antibiotics.

6. Cysts

The most serious kind of acne appears in the form of a large painful lump filled with pus resembling a boil known as a cysts. If not handled appropriately, cysts create permanent disfigurements over time. The usual combination includes oral isotretinoin, while doctors may suggest drainage procedures depending on the size and nature of the cysts.

Special Considerations

Image Source: Derma Blue

• Hormonal Acne: This type of acne is influenced by hormonal changes, often seen in women during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause. In general, a woman’s chin and jawline area is most affected by hormonal acne, which can be treated through hormonal medications such as birth control pills and anti-androgens.
• Acne Vulgaris: This is the most prevalent kind of acne, which is a combination of all the types we mentioned earlier. Anyone can develop the condition regardless of age, but it is more common among teenagers because of their hormonal changes during adolescence.

Acne Treatment Options

For effective treatment of acne, lifestyle adjustments, topical treatments, and oral medications must be made. The following are some of the most recommended options:

1. Topical Treatments

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a very strong topical agent that kills off bacteria that cause acne, especially Propionibacterium acnes. It also unclogs pores and lessens inflammation. 

Various forms, including washes, gels, creams and lotions containing concentrations ranging from 2.5% to 10%, are available for benzoyl peroxide. In addition to mild to moderate levels of acne, it is often the first-line medication but can also be used together with topical antibiotics or retinoids to enhance efficacy.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that can unclog pores by promoting desquamation (shedding) of dead skin cells. It has mild anti-inflammatory effects as well. Salicylic acid concentrations in cleansers, toners and spot treatments generally range from 0.5% to 2%. It is especially useful in managing comedonal acne (blackheads and whiteheads).

Topical Retinoids

Tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene are vitamin-A derivatives of topical retinoids which target multiple aspects of acne pathogenesis. They help unclog pores, reduce inflammation and normalise follicular keratinization. 

Different formulations of retinoids are in the form of gels, creams or solutions. They often serve as initial therapy for comedonal acne but may be used together with other topical agents or oral medications in severe cases.

Topical Antibiotics

The primary function of topical antibiotics such as clindamycin and erythromycin is to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria responsible for acne. They are mainly used along with benzoyl peroxide to hinder the development of antibiotic resistance. 

Inflammatory acne commonly necessitates the use of topical antibiotics, although they may also be combined with other treatments like retinoids or benzoyl peroxide.

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and comedolytic properties. It is available in a 15-20% concentration as cream or gel and is particularly effective for treating inflammatory acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

2. Oral Medications

• Antibiotics: Eliminate the bacteria as well as inflammation; however, they are not long-term solutions because of possible resistance.
• Hormonal Treatments: The birth control pills can balance hormones that lead to acne in women.
• Isotretinoin: It is a powerful drug used in severe cases where other treatments fail. It has serious side effects and requires careful monitoring.

3. Lifestyle Modifications

Apart from medical treatment options, here are some changes you can make in your life that will help control breakouts:

• Diet: High-glycemic food such as white bread and sweet snacks may worsen breakouts according to some research studies. Eating healthy with lots of fruits, vegetables and grains is recommended.

• Skin Care Routine: Use soft products without comedogenic compounds. Avoid oil-based creams which cause clogged pores
• Sun Protection: UV harm caused by the sun increases hyperpigmentation, sunscreen is meant for this purpose. Choose broad-spectrum SPF 30+

Managing Acne Spots and Hyperpigmentation

Often, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is the cause of a dark spot remaining after acne has healed. To manage and prevent these spots, do the following:

Topical Treatments 

Hydroquinone

It is a strong skin-lightening agent that helps in preventing melanin production within the skin. This is why it is viewed as the best when it comes to treating hyperpigmentation. 

Hydroquinone can deliver results after a few weeks, but it is usually suggested for short periods only due to side effects like dermatitis or a bluish-black discolouration called exogenous ochronosis, which may occur after long usage.

Azelaic acid

The anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and comedolytic properties of azelaic acid make it an effective drug for acne as well as hyperpigmentation. It works by stopping melanin production and increasing cell turnover rates which makes it ideal for people who have sensitive skin or have been irritated by stronger agents such as hydroquinone. 

Optimal results are generally reached at concentrations of 15-20%.

Retinoids

In the same manner as tretinoin, adapalene and tazarotene are derivatives of vitamin A that enhance cell turnover while also helping to reduce hyperpigmentation. They work by speeding up the process of skin exfoliation as well as lowering melanin production. 

Retinoids are effective both in treating acne and removing dark spots, but they may cause skin irritation, particularly when just starting with them. It’s best to start using these drugs slowly.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a strong antioxidant capable of brightening your complexion or helping you get rid of dark marks on your skin. 

This vitamin affects the synthesis of collagen, thus improving general texture Moreover, vitamin C serums are easily accessible, so you can make use of them in your daily facial care for better brightness as well as free radical defences

Kojic Acid

Kojic acid is another substance that reduces brown pigment formation in our bodies. Often it’s made from mushroom extracts and it’s mixed with other substances to enhance its performance. 

Additionally, Kojic acid cream products and concentrated serums are sold, which would be very good for those whose skins are extremely sensitive.

Glycolic Acid

AHA, glycolic acid, works well under the skin to promote cell turnover and exfoliation. Dark hyperpigmented spots fade thanks to it because the top layer of dead skin cells is removed which unveils newer less pigmented skin. This chemical peel ingredient is often found in exfoliants.

Niacinamide

Vitamin B3 or niacinamide has anti-inflammatory effects as well as improving skin texture and tone. Among other things, it diminishes dark marks appearance and therefore can be associated with other treatments for better results. It is a mild compound that is non-irritating towards sensitive skin and is ideal across different types of skin, allowing generally improved skin health.

Professional Treatments

Experts recommend consulting professionals when managing persistent dark marks and recommend clinical treatments such as;

• Chemical peels: solution applied to peel off the first layer of our skins, leaving fresher layers underneath
• Laser therapy: Lasers can be used to specifically target dark patches on the face while also stimulating collagen production, thereby improving both skin quality and colour
• Microdermabrasion: This involves the removal of the uppermost layer on the surface of our face therefore getting rid of visible darkness marks

Home Treatments

Though a good number of home remedies are not supported by science, they may have some minor health benefits.

• Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is well known for its ability to soothe skin and heal cuts thereby reducing pigmentation.

• Turmeric: It is rich in curcumin which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it can be applied on dark patches in the form of a paste.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: This diluted liquid could lighten dark patches due to the presence of acetic acid but must be used sparingly else it may irritate.

Ways To Prevent Further Acne And Scarring

Here are measures that you can take so that future breakouts and/or scars can be minimised.

• Do not pop or squeeze: Popping zits often leads to scars because they take longer to heal.
• Gentle Cleansing: One should use a gentle cleanser while avoiding facial scrubs that could aggravate inflammation or irritate the skin in any way.
• Change your pillowcases and towels regularly: It helps in avoiding the transfer of oil and bacteria to your face.
• Drink plenty of liquids: Adequate water intake helps maintain skin health and enhance general wellness.

Wrapping up

Acne and its aftermath may, at times, seem frustrating; however, it can be kept under control if treated carefully. One needs to use several effective remedies alongside lifestyle changes and precautions to attain smoother skin with less visible signs of acne scars. Always get in touch with a skin specialist so that you can receive individualised recommendations on therapies that are suited specifically for your type of skin.

We hope now that you can take proactive measures towards handling your cases of acne with grace and armed with scientific research to enhance your self-esteem.