Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of women all over the world. According to recent studies, it’s estimated that between 40-55% of adult women aged 20-29 suffer from acne, and this number increases to 60-75% for adult women aged 30-39. That calls for the most evident acne treatment that almost everyone needs amidst their hectic lifestyle.
Blame it on hormonal changes, diet, certain medicines, or stress. Acne is quite common in men and women both alike. You should read this post now if you tend to pick at your acne more often. Avoid worse consequences by understanding the ins and outs of the best acne spot treatment.
An overview of acne: Symptoms and causes
Acne usually occurs when hair follicles get clogged with dead skin cells and oil. Pore blockages lead to whiteheads, blackheads, and other pimple types. They are pus-filled bumps and, at times, can be extremely painful.
Thinking that acne issues are only common among teenagers is a misconception. Anyone (at any age) can develop this skin condition. The cause may vary from one individual to another. While you may get it due to hormonal changes, another person can develop this skin condition because of specific medications.
Women are more likely to develop breakouts with ageing. At times, they can develop this condition after menopause too.
Did you know?
Due to the widespread use of masks for controlling COVID-19, anyone can develop friction-caused acne, popular as ‘maskne’.
Based on the condition’s severity, acne signs may vary. Here are the common signs and symptoms:
- Blackheads
- Whiteheads
- Nodules (painful, solid, and large lumps)
- Pustules or pimples
- Papules (tender and small, red bumps)
- Cystic lesions (pus-filled, painful lumps)
Want to treat your acne condition? Learn the most effective and best acne treatment options depending on the following types.
What are the types of acne?
Demonstrated below is the list of acne types:
Pityrosporum folliculitis
Also referred to as fungal acne, it occurs when hair follicles develop yeasts. The condition can be itchy and cause inflammation.
Cystic acne
This acne results in pus-filled nodules and pimples. They are deep and may cause intimidating scars.
Nodular acne
It is one of the most severe forms of acne, causing pimples on your skin surface and tender lumps under the skin.
Hormonal acne
This type may affect adults with an overproduction of sebum that clogs pores.
2 of the best types of acne treatment
Dermatologists rank the condition by grades concerning severity. For Grade 1, blackheads and whiteheads occur with some pustules and papules. In Grade 2, multiple pustules and papules occur on your face.
The third stage consists of papules and pustules, alongside occasionally-inflamed nodules. The chest and back area might also get affected. In grade 4, various painful, large, and inflamed nodules and pustules occur. Depending on these conditions, one may select any of the following acne and acne scar treatment options.
- Over-the-counter treatment
- Medical treatment
Besides the above, an individual can opt for oral medications, laser or steroid therapy, chemical peels, antibiotics, or at-home treatments too.
Over-the-counter acne treatment: 4 best ingredients to look for
If you experience mild acne conditions, always consider choosing an over-the-counter women’s acne treatment. The best part of this treatment is that it doesn’t need any prescription.
Washing your face regularly is an integral part of the routine, it makes a big difference. But always be gentle and remember overusing any product can make things worse.
Acne face washes come with salicylic acid, eliminating oil and clearing your pores. Do you have sensitive skin? If yes, please find a foaming face wash for better results. Below are the four best ingredients that can treat acne in no time.
1. Salicylic Acid
A go-to fix for teenagers, salicylic acid reduces swelling and unclogging pores, it helps pimples shrink and eventually disappear. Its anti-inflammatory properties assists with inflamed cystic breakouts. While cruising through your skincare aisles, ensure you find a face cleanser with this ingredient.
2. Benzoyl Peroxide
This antibacterial ingredient is another popular woman’s hormonal acne treatment. It kills acne bacteria causing breakouts. But excessive use of this ingredient can dry out your sensitive skin. Look for a face wash containing only 2% benzoyl peroxide.
3. Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is the AHA or alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates your skin. As a result, it eliminates dead skin cells that may clog pores. Whether a face serum or peel-off mask, an adequate amount of glycolic acid in the product eases your skin condition.
4. Lactic Acid
Another AHA, lactic acid, is a great chemical exfoliant for the skin. For people with sensitive skin, lactic acid is better than glycolic acid. Note that it’s a humectant and it helps keep the skin moisturised. Lactic acid is also an effective agent in treating acne, as it can reduce oil production, exfoliate dead skin cells, and unblock pores.
Medical Treatment
Tried almost all over-the-counter products but didn’t get satisfying results? If yes, it’s time to consult your dermatologist for prescription-strength medications. Here are a few of them:
1. Retinoid and retinoid-like drugs
Drugs with tretinoin or retinoic acids are useful for mild to moderate acne conditions. They are available in the form of gels, lotions, and creams.
2. Antibiotics
Antibiotics for acne kill excessive skin bacteria, reduce inflammation and redness. You might use an antibiotic and a retinoid for the first few acne spot treatments together. Antibiotics work best when combined with benzoyl peroxide. It reduces the chances of developing antibiotic resistance.
3. Dapsone
Using dapsone gel twice every day can be great for inflammatory acne, specifically in women. Your dermatologist will recommend a product with 5% or less gel. Otherwise, you may experience side effects like skin dryness or redness.
4. Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is the derivative of vitamin A. A dermatologist only prescribes it to those who experience moderate or severe acne. If any other acne treatment for women does not work, this particular choice gets recommended.
Learn more about acne treatments with Ova
Acne in the lower third of your face can be a warning sign of PCOS. If you get acne issues in your hormonally-sensitive areas like jawline, cheeks, upper neck, and chin, consult a dermatologist today.
At OVA, licensed Singaporean doctors can recommend birth control pills, topical retinoids, or oral antibiotics for acne. Book a consultation today.
Conclusion
At times, your acne needs additional help. On such occasions, your at-home skincare routine won’t work as effectively. Consult a dermatologist to build a routine that works for you.
FAQs about acne
Can acne be permanently cured?
Acne involves genetics, so even if you treat superficial causes topically, it does not get cured permanently.
Is vitamin C good for acne?
Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce acne swelling and redness. It improves the appearance and reduces hyperpigmentation.
Why is my acne getting worse?
Your acne gets worse due to several reasons. It might be stress, unhealthy eating habits, alcohol, or smoking. These issues play a major role in breakouts.
Are acne and rosacea the same?
No, they aren’t. Even though the symptoms for both are similar – inflamed and red skin, sensitive skin, and pimples – they are separate conditions resulting from different causes. Your skin develops acne due to stress, genetic, hormonal changes, or diet. But rosacea develops due to an overactive immune system and other environmental factors.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about skincare treatments here.