Acne is one of the most common skin conditions caused by clogging of pores, excess sebum production and cornification, and the growth of certain bacteria. Acne manifests itself in the form of blackheads, pimples, pustules and lumps and mainly affects the face, but can also appear on the back and chest. Acne is not contagious and is particularly common during puberty. Around 70 to 95 percent of young people have acne-related inflammatory skin changes. Acne can also have psychological effects as it can affect self-esteem and body image.
Acne forms and their symptoms
"Acne vulgaris" is the medical term for the most common form of acne known as simple acne. Acne is a more general term used for any form of skin condition characterized by inflammation, pimples, and blackheads. Depending on the type and severity of the acne, there are different forms:
- Acne comedonica: This is a form of mild acne that is mainly caused by clogged pores that result in black and white comedones. These are particularly located on the nose, chin and forehead.
- Acne papulo-pustulosa: inflammatory (purulent) pustules, papules and small nodules tender to the touch. Also affects the chest, back and upper arms, with possible scarring.
- Acne conglobata: This is a rare and serious form of acne characterized by large, deep lumps, abscesses, and ducts filled with pus. This form mainly affects men.
Differences between men and women
Although acne can affect both sexes, there are some differences in the type and severity of the symptoms, and the factors that contribute to their development. Hormonal changes may play a role in the development of acne in women, particularly during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Men, on the other hand, are more likely to have a hereditary predisposition that leads to acne. Women also often have a milder form of acne that is mostly limited to the face, neck and back, while men are more likely to suffer from more severe forms of acne that can also spread to the chest and upper body. Stress, unhealthy diet and inappropriate skin care products can contribute to the development of acne in both sexes. In women, hormonal changes caused by taking certain medications or birth control pills can also play a role. When treating acne, women can often benefit from hormonal therapy to treat acne, while men more often need antibiotics or other topical or systemic therapies.
Causes of Acne
The main causes of acne are:
- Hormonal Changes: Changes in hormone levels, such as during puberty or in women during their menstrual period, can lead to increased sebum production, which contributes to clogging of pores and the development of acne.
- Excessive sebum production: Excess sebum can clog pores and encourage bacterial growth.
- Bacterial infection: Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is a bacterium that lives in the pores and can cause acne when there is excessive sebum production.
- Hackification Disorders: A disruption in the skin's natural cornification process can contribute to clogged pores and the development of acne.
- Genetic Factors: Acne can be inherited, indicating that genetic factors may play a role in the development of the condition.
- Environmental factors: Some environmental factors, such as stress, poor diet, alcohol consumption, and certain cosmetics can make acne worse
Diagnosis and treatment of acne
The diagnosis of acne is usually made through a thorough physical exam by a dermatologist. No permanent cure has yet been found for acne. However, with the right treatment, you can shorten the course of the disease and reduce the severity of the disease and prevent the formation of scars. There are a variety of treatment options for acne, including proper facial cleansing and grooming, topical medications like benzoyl peroxide and retinoids, oral antibiotics, and hormonal therapies. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the acne and age. It is best to consult a dermatologist to determine the best course of treatment for your individual situation.
Skin flora: Acne changes the skin microbiome
In addition to the causes mentioned above, it has also been found that a disturbed skin microbiome can have a significant impact on the occurrence of acne. The skin microbiome refers to the diversity and ratio of microorganisms that live on the skin. Healthy skin has a balanced skin flora that protects the skin from infection and inflammation. However, when the microbiome is disrupted, there can be an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes, leading to inflammation of the sebaceous glands and the formation of acne can. A disrupted skin microbiome can result from a variety of reasons, including over-cleansing, antibiotic use, stress, and an unhealthy diet. In order to keep the skin microbiome in balance and prevent acne, it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity and adequate sleep. It's also important to be vigilant about using harsh cleaning and beauty products, and switching to milder alternatives if necessary. Here again something like: a visit to the dermatologist can't hurt here either
The gut as the cause of acne?
In addition to the influence of the skin microbiome, studies have shown that acne is also related to the gut. The gut plays an important role in regulating the immune system and controlling inflammation in the body. When there is a malfunction in the gut, it can lead to systemic inflammation and immune system dysfunction, which in turn can contribute to acne worsening. Certain bacteria in the microbiome are thought to play a role in regulating inflammation and other processes relevant to skin health. In addition, a disturbed intestinal flora can also affect the hormone system, which can also contribute to the development of acne.
How Diet Can Affect Acne
An unhealthy diet high in refined carbohydrates, sugar and processed foods can lead to dysbiosis (disorder of the microbiome) in the gut and thus also affect the appearance of acne. Eating a balanced diet high in fiber, fresh fruits, and vegetables can improve the gut microbiome and help reduce acne.
In studies, scientists were able to determine that acne patients almost exclusively have a microbiome that is out of balance. New approaches to treating acne are therefore increasingly including pro- and prebiotics, as these have been shown to be beneficial to the intestinal flora and can bring them back into balance.
In this context, we developed our Dermabacs - a synbiotic that can also have a targeted effect against acne. Would you like to find out more? Then click here and take a closer look at Dermabacs!
Sources
- Baldwin, H., & Tan, J. (2020). Effects of Diet on Acne and Its Response to Treatment. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 22(1), 55-65. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-020-00542-y
- Lee, Byun, & Kim. (2019). Potential Role of the Microbiome in Acne: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 8(7), 987. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8070987
- Williams, H. C, Dellavalle, R. P, & Garner, S. (2012). acne vulgaris. The Lancet, 379(9813), 361-372. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(11)60321-
