Nothing is more annoying than walking around with unsightly pimples on your face. Where does acne come from, does it have certain causes, and more importantly: what can you do about it yourself and what should you not do?

How does acne occur?

During puberty you have to deal with all kinds of hormones that fluctuate up and down. As a result, you will experience, among other things, an increase in sebum production. Not only your face, neck and shoulders suffer from clogged pores, but your scalp also becomes oilier. In principle, acne is good because it removes all the dirt from your body. But of course it gives an unpleasant result. Adults also sometimes suffer from acne.

Causes

• It comes further from your hormones.
• You are too hygienic. This means that you wash your face too often with products that are too aggressive.
• It is in your genes and is therefore hereditary.
• Using too much make-up and/or oil-based cream. This clogs your pores. It is better to use water-based makeup and creams.
• Some birth control pills can also cause acne. This topic will be discussed later.
• Some other medications can cause acne.
• It can come from your liver and/or intestines if they do not get all the toxins filtered from your body.

What can you do yourself

• Stay away from your pimples! Squeezing often causes wounds that result in scars.
• Change your pillowcase regularly. A satin pillowcase is recommended.
• Do not use too many chemical products together.
• Use products that match your skin type.
• Steam your face regularly to open up your pores.
• Apply a water-based day and/or night cream. That doesn’t clog your pores.
• Wash your face twice a day. Use warm water to open your pores. Then use a mild facial cleanser or very gentle scrub. Then rinse with lukewarm water to close your pores.
• Drink a lot of water.

What can a GP do for you?

A GP can prescribe the contraceptive pill to girls and women. Please note that each pill has a different composition and therefore not every pill works against acne. So it will be a bit of a search. The most common and best pills for acne are Yasmin and Diane 35. A doctor can also prescribe an ointment for you. You will often have to use this for some time before improvement occurs. There are also homeopathic remedies for acne. Such as Viola Tricolor and Great Burdock. This sometimes worsens your acne in the beginning, but not for everyone. You also have to persevere with this for results. If you suffer from severe acne, your doctor will refer you to a dermatologist.

What can a dermatologist do for you?

A dermatologist will find the most suitable treatment for you. This is done based on the form of acne you have.For example, the dermatologist can prescribe a cream, gel, lotion or pills.

Mild acne

• Benzoyl peroxide: causes the stratum corneum to flake off so that sebum can escape better. It also has an antibacterial property. Benzoyl peroxide comes in different strengths.
• Vitamin A acid-containing cream: only available with a prescription.
• Salicylic acid: same effect as Benzoyl peroxide.
• Resorcin: same effect as Benzoyl peroxide.

Moderate acne

• Epiduo: adapalene and benzoyl peroxide containing gel.
• Contraceptive pill: Diane 35 and Yasmin.
• Adapalene: treats moderate acne with mainly blackheads. Adapalene is the preferred product because it irritates less.
• Tretinoin: treats moderate acne with mainly blackheads. Tretinoin is the best known. There is aggravation in the beginning because Tretinoin irritates more.
• Azelaic acid: antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Prevents comedone formation.
• Locally applied antibiotics: this is a lotion that you should apply to the acne. However, this is not a preferred method because bacteria are becoming more and more insensitive to it.

Severe acne

• Oral antibiotics: Minocycline and Tetracycline. Both have a bacterial and anti-inflammatory effect.
• Roaccutane or Isotretinoin: Vitamin A acid containing capsules. Both are basically the same and very effective. But both have very difficult side effects.