Definition of Acne

Acne is a skin condition characterized by the eruption of red pimples, blackheads, and cysts. It mostly affects the face and chest, but also the back, trunk, and even the scalp. Acne reflects reactions occurring in the sebaceous glands. These glands, located in the skin, produce sebum, a lubricating substance. If there is a lack of sebum, the skin will become dry and easily cracked. If there is too much, the skin will be oily and prone to acne. Excess sebum clogs the ducts of the sebaceous glands, facilitating the proliferation of bacteria, particularly Propionibacterium acnes, responsible for inflammation (red pimples). When the blocked follicle expands too much, it causes retentional damage (blackheads and microcysts). Acne symptoms are reasonably well treated in teenagers and can be more challenging to cure in adults.

Who is Affected by Acne?

In Western countries, acne is very common in teenagers: it is estimated that 80% to 90% of them suffer from it at some point. Boys are more affected than girls, and 10% to 20% of them seek medical help for this reason. In most cases, acne disappears around the age of 20 or 30, but it can persist, known as late-onset acne.

Causes of Acne

Acne has multifactorial origins. Here are some elements that can contribute to its formation:

• The hormonal increase during puberty, affecting both sexes.
• Hormonal fluctuations in women, with some experiencing acne before menstruation.
• Disorders in the functioning of the ovaries or adrenal glands.

Myths Associated with Acne

Contrary to certain ideas, acne is not caused by poor skin hygiene or excessive sexual activity. Diet is not considered a direct cause, although it may aggravate acne in some cases. Here are possible complications of acne:

• Deeper lesions (cysts) may leave scars. Avoid piercing lesions, as it can maintain acne and increase the likelihood of scarring.
• Prolonged presence of many pimples or lesions on the face and body can affect self-image and self-esteem, especially in adolescents. It can increase stress in social relationships.

Symptoms of Acne

The face, neck, and chest have the most sebaceous glands, so acne is most prevalent in these regions. Symptoms include:

• Blackheads or open comedones.
• Whiteheads or closed comedones.
• Papules (red pimples).
• Pustules (lesions containing pus).
• Nodules (larger, deeper, and more painful lesions).
• Cysts (balls located more deeply under the skin).

Novos 'Anti-Acne' à venda

Nivea Luminous 630º Anti-Manchas Sérum Marcas Post-Acne

Nivea Luminous 630º Anti-Manchas Sérum Marcas Post-Acne - Combate as Manchas Pós-Acne Descubra o ..

28.95€ 34.50€

-16%

Avène Cleanance Comedomed Peeling

Avène Cleanance Comedomed Peeling - Tratamento Eficaz para Peles com Imperfeições O Avène Clean..

22.95€ 29.00€

-21%

Rilastil Acnestil Pb Soothing Sebum-Normalising Gel

Rilastil Acnestil Pb Gel Sebonormalizante e Calmante é a solução ideal para quem busca um cuidado ef..

17.95€ 25.90€

-31%

SVR Sebiaclear Active Teinté

SVR Sebiaclear Active Teinté é a solução perfeita para quem procura combater as imperfeições da pele..

9.95€ 19.50€

-49%

Obagi Clenziderm M.D. Pore Therapy Acne Treatment

Obagi Clenziderm M.D. Pore Therapy Acne Treatment – Tratamento Avançado para Acne Descubra a soluçã..

45.95€

Melvita Néctar pur Roll-On SOS Action Ciblée

Melvita Néctar Pur Roll-On SOS Action Ciblée é a solução perfeita para quem procura um cuidado efica..

8.95€ 16.00€

-44%

Eve Lom Dynaspot Cream Treatment

Creme Tratamento Eve Lom Dynaspot – Solução Eficaz Contra Imperfeições Descubra a eficácia do Eve..

20.95€ 35.00€

-40%

Uriage Hyséac 3-Regul+

Uriage Hyséac 3-Regul+ é o tratamento ideal para peles oleosas e com tendência acneica. Este cuidado..

13.95€ 16.26€

-14%

❮ ❯