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Acne  (acne pustulosa) Skin is our barrier to the outside world. It contains a large number of pores. these small holes that allow it to breathe and produce sebum. Sebum is an oil mixture that moisturizes skin and helps it retain its suppleness.
When skin produces sebum in excess quantities, it tends to accumulate in pores and retains dirt particles that are found on skin, thus obstructing the pore. That is referred to as a blackhead or comedo. Bacteria can also nest in a blocked pore, thereby damaging the pore and causing infection and pimples.
Acne-Causing Factors • | | | Heredity: Our genetic baggage determines the size of our pores as well as their sensitivity to the different factors that contribute to acne.
| • | | | Hormones: Testosterone stimulates sebum production and the development of the sebaceous glands (pores). However, oestrogen seems to reduce sebum secretion. This could explain the emergence of pimples the week before women’s menstruations.
| • | | | Strong emotions (stress, anger): They increase hydrocortisone production, a hormone that stimulates the production of sebum.
| • | | | Skin moisture: Humid environments or excessive perspiration can reduce the size of pores, thus worsening blockage and obstruction. Also, irritated dry skin will react by increasing sebum production.
| • | | | Excessive rubbing, such as the one caused by sports gear or coarse fabric.
| • | | | Prolonged exposure to fats and oils (e.g.: mechanics, restaurant short orders, or women who use a lot of cosmetics, i.e. creams and foundations, and capillary products, i.e. hairsprays and waxes).
| • | | | Certain medicines. Consult the table below for a short list of products that are more likely to cause acne. |
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| Acne-Triggering Medicine |
| Indications |
Hormones |
Epilepsy |
Tuberculosis |
Mood regulators |
Anti-rejection drugs |
| Medication |
Androgens,
Corticosteroids,
Oral contraceptives,
ACTH |
Phenytoin (Dilantin®) Phenobarbitals |
Ethambutol,
Isoniazides,
Rifampicin,
Ethionamides |
Lithium |
Cyclosporin |
Acne Information • | | | Acne mostly targets teenagers. During the adolescent period, the human body produces more puberty hormones (or sex hormones). These hormones have a direct impact on sebum production; they promote blackheads and pimples.
| • | | | Poor nutrition does not cause acne. However, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables allows your skin to absorb all the vitamins and minerals that are necessary to stay and look healthy.
| • | | | It is important to wash your face in order to remove dirt from pores. However, you must over-washing, rubbing harshly, or using a medicated soap, each of which could lead to skin irritation. It is recommended to clean skin gently, no more than twice a day, with a non-irritating soap like RESERVE Moisturizing Beauty Soap or a soap substitute like RESERVE Hydrajel. |
A Few Ways to Control Acne • | | | Cleanse your face twice a day with a soft soap or soap substitute.
| • | | | Wash your hair regularly, especially if they are oily.
| • | | | Tie your hair as much as possible in order to clear your face, especially at bedtime.
| • | | | Avoid using oily cosmetics, such as concealers, moisturizers, hair wax, hair creams, hairsprays, etc. Favour products that claim to be oil-free or non-comedogenic (that do not cause comedo).
| • | | | Avoid wearing makeup too often. Opt for oil-free products.
| • | | | Do not play with pimples or “blackheads”. Count the number of times you touch your face in a day and try to lose this habit.
| • | | | Men should shave with the grain, with a new blade each time. Avoid going over the same area twice. |
Can Medication Control Acne? Without a prescription, the most efficacious drug is definitely benzoyl peroxide. In addition to unclogging pores, it kills bacteria that may have developed in the obstructed pore. It must be applied to the entire area in order to prevent the emergence of new pimples. Start this treatment gradually as it may irritate skin. If, after 10 weeks of treatment, there are no signs of improvement, consult a physician. Other over-the-counter products composed of salicylic acid or resorcinol are much less efficacious.
If the acne is non-inflammatory, your physician can prescribe a topical ointment designed specifically to unclog pores, such as a vitamin A derivative. In the presence of swollen lesions, your physician may recommend applying topical antibiotics, which will impede the action of bacteria that cause irritation.
When these measures fail, your physician may recommend taking oral antibiotics; these are more powerful and more easily absorbed by the body. However, they may cause side effects. Oral contraceptives containing a low level of androgens can also contribute to treating women’s acne.
It is possible that your physician suggests taking isotretinoin (AccutaneTM); the most efficacious severe acne treatment to date. However, this drug may cause birth defects and numerous adverse reactions. It severely dries skin, eyes, and mucous areas such as mouth and genitalia. It may alter liver functions, or cause headaches and muscle aches. For some, it can also alter mood and, in extreme cases, bring on depression. This is why it is only prescribed to treat the most severe cases, when all other treatments have failed.
Acne causes lesions that can leave permanent scars. It can also play on self-esteem and the affected individual’s quality of life. If you are suffering from acne, light or sever, discuss it with your pharmacist or physician who can advise and help you.
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