Acne – The Complete Dermatologist’s Guide to Types, Causes, Treatment & Emotional Impact

Acne develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This blockage creates the perfect environment for bacteria, particularly P. acnes, to multiply and trigger inflammation.

The most common acne triggers are:

•            Hormonal fluctuations especially androgens during puberty or in PCOS.

•            Increased sebum production makes skin oily and clog-prone.

•            Stress and sleep deprivation can exacerbate inflammation.

•            Comedogenic skincare products or makeup can blocks pores and exacerbate acne.

Other factors like diet especially high-sugar or dairy-rich foods, humidity, and certain medications may also contribute, although more research is needed to clarify these associations.

The formation of acne is a multistep process involving:

1. There is overproduction of oil or sebum triggered by hormones (androgens).

2. Dead skin cells don't shed normally and block the hair follicle, forming comedones.

3. Bacterial Growth - Propionibacterium acnes thrives in the blocked pores, triggering the immune system.

4. Inflammation - Redness, swelling, and pus occur as the body fights the bacterial invasion.

This chain reaction explains why acne treatments must target multiple mechanisms simultaneously.

Acne doesn’t look the same for everyone. Recognizing the type of acne is essential to choosing the right treatment. Comedonal acne includes whiteheads and blackheads, there can be red, tender bumps (papules) and pus-filled lesions (pustules) and severe acne with nodules and cysts.

During puberty there occurs lot of hormone changes, especially androgens, which increase sebum production and enlarge oil glands. This explains why teenagers are particularly vulnerable to acne, especially on the face, chest, shoulders, and back.

Some of the contributing factors in teens can be genetics as family history of acne often increases the likelihood, stress from school or social media, sports gear (helmets, masks) and sweating, inconsistent skin care routines

While it's tempting to ignore or pop pimples, early dermatologist care can make a huge difference in preventing scarring and emotional distress.

Acne doesn’t just impact skin, it can deeply affect the self-esteem and social confidence of teenagers. Studies link moderate to severe acne with anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, poor body image, bullying and peer rejection. This is why dermatologists often advocate for psychological support alongside medical treatment.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects many women of reproductive age. There can be persistent acne, especially along the jawline and chin.

PCOS related acne can be resistant to conventional treatments, associated with oily skin and hair thinning, often accompanied by irregular periods or weight gain. Addressing PCOS-related acne often requires collaborative care between dermatologists, endocrinologists, and gynecologists.

Quite the opposite! Popping can push bacteria deeper, increasing inflammation and the risk of permanent scarring.

It’s important not to delay treatment, especially if acne is persistent beyond mild occasional breakouts, painful or causing scarring or negatively impacting mental health.

A dermatologist will assess your skin type, acne severity, and potential underlying causes (like hormonal issues or PCOS), then create a personalized treatment plan.

Effective acne treatment must target multiple factors—excess oil, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation. There are different treatment modalities available from topical and oral medications to advance treatments like acne peels and laser therapies.

Some of the peels that can be used to treat acne are salicylic peel, black peel and lactic peel.

Peel treatments reduces oiliness and prevents the formation of more acne. There is also an improvement in skin texture, radiating a healthy glow. Usually 4-6 sessionss are recommended to be done at regular intervals to prevent clogging of pores. Peels are very safe treatment with no side effects.

At The Dermahouse we offer different acne peels treatments depending on the type and severity of acne. We emphasise on the supportive skincare routine such as use non-comedogenic products, gentle cleanser twice daily, oil-free moisturizers with ceramides or niacinamide and use of sunscreen daily.

Consistency and patience are key as most treatments take few weeks to show significant results.