Acne is a common skin concern that can develop in most people at some point in their lives and it especially affects teenagers and younger adults. It involves the inflammation and/or blockage of pilosebaceous units (hair follicles and sebaceous glands) present in the tiny skin pores with dirt, excess sebum, excess dead skin cells, and bacteria (in case of pimples or zits).

Acne is not a life-threatening medical condition but can be painful in its severe form. Its appearance on visible parts of the body can lead to emotional distress and lower self-esteem or confidence. It can flare up as non-inflammatory lesions (comedones), inflammatory lesions (papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts), or a mixture of both. The inflammatory type of acne blemishes may cause permanent physical scarring. Acne vulgaris is the common type of acne in teens. This skin disease usually affects the face, neck, chest, shoulder, and upper back but can be found in other body parts as well.

Dr. Priyanka Reddy, acne treatment doctor in Bangalore at DNA Skin Clinic is an expert in treating acne skin conditions and provides one with smooth blemishes-free skin.

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What Causes Acne?

The human skin and hair are kept well-lubricated and soft with the natural oils (sebum) secreted from the sebaceous glands present just underneath the skin surface. The sebum travels up the hair follicles (composed of hair and oil glands), out of the skin pores, and onto the top skin layer. Moreover, the hair follicles routinely shed dead skin cells which are carried out by the sebum to the skin surface to be flushed out of the body. When the skin starts producing excess sebum and extra dead skin cells, they stick together and clog the skin pores resulting in skin blemishes, called acne.
In some cases, few bacteria (most commonly the ones known as Propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes) normally found on the skin surface begin to flourish in the sebum present in the blocked pore leading to its inflammation and redness. This contributes to the development of pimples.

Risk Factors for Developing Acne

A genetic predisposition to acne.
Intake of certain medications such as birth control pills or corticosteroids.
Hormonal fluctuations caused during puberty or pregnancy triggers more oil production (particularly a rise in testosterone).
A diet rich in carbohydrates or refined sugars such as chips and bread.

Types and Symptoms of Acne

There are six main types of acne

Blackheads (Open Comedones)

These are clogged pores that remain open at the center and exposed to air resulting in a darker top surface (black color due to oxidation).
Whiteheads (Closed Comedones)

These are clogged hair follicles that are closed out from the air and bulge out from the skin. As they have no obvious opening, they appear as tiny white bumps under the skin. They may be firmer than blackheads and cannot get empty when squeezed.
Papules

These are small red bumps that may feel sore and tender to touch.
Pustules (Commonly Called Pimples)

These are inflamed clogged pores, similar to the papules but filled with pus, thereby appearing as red bumps with white tips in the center.
Nodules

These are large hard bumps that build up beneath the skin surface and can be painful.
Cysts (Most Severe Type)

These are larger (about an inch across), painful, pus-filled bumps that go deep under the skin and carry the greatest risk of developing permanent scarring.

Best Acne Treatments in Bangalore Offered at DNA Skin Clinic

To achieve the desired result with acne treatment, the patient must consult an expert and begin with the correct diagnosis and then follow a customized treatment plan to achieve desired outcomes.

For the mild form of acne, the dermatologist at DNA Skin Clinic recommends over-the-counter products that comprise of one of the several active ingredients such as:
- Benzoyl peroxide- to dry excess sebum, kill acne-causing bacteria, and eliminate dead skin cells from clogged pores.
- Salicylic acid- to slow down the loss of skin cells to prevent clogged pores and may help in breaking down open and closed comedones.
- Alpha-hydroxy acids (like lactic acid)- help exfoliate the skin (i.e. get rid of dead skin cells), reduce inflammation, and promote the growth of new, healthy, smoother, and refreshing skin.
- Sulfur- It is found in lotions, masks, and cleansers which help dry the extra oil and remove dead skin cells.
The skin specialist in Bangalore at DNA Skin Clinic may also recommend the use of stronger prescription lotions such as:
- Vitamin A- to reduce the accumulation of dead skin cells in the pores
- Topical antibiotics- to kill the acne-causing bacteria in the skin
- A combination of benzoyl peroxide and topical antibiotics.

For moderate to severe acne types, the dermatologist may recommend oral medications either alone or along with the topical treatment or dermatological procedures.

The oral medications include:
- Antibiotics- to kill or inhibit bacterial growth and reduce inflammation
- Isot-retin-oin- vitamin-A based medication is only used for most severe cases (i.e. nodules and cysts).
- Corticosteroid injection- to relieve pain and get rid of large skin lesions
- Birth control pills containing estrogen (only for women)- to lower the effects of testosterone

Dermatological procedures for acne treatment

Some dermatological procedures are usually performed for the treatment of severe acne and to prevent scarring. These work by removal of damaged skin and reduction of extra sebum. Some of the in-office acne treatments offered at DNA Skin Clinic, the best acne treatment clinic in Bangalore includes:
- Photodynamic therapy- During this treatment, a solution that makes the skin more sensitive to light or laser is applied over the treatment site (i.e. the acne-prone skin). It is left to settle for a while (i.e. between 15 minutes to 3 hours). Next, a special light or laser device is hovered over the skin surface to improve acne by reducing sebum production and killing acne-causing bacteria by heat. This procedure is done for the treatment of severe acne like nodules and cysts.
- Photo pneumatic therapy- In this treatment, intense pulsed light is used in combination with a vacuum. This works by removing the extra dead skin cells and excess oil from the clogged pores. It is an effective therapy for whiteheads, blackheads, and some pimples.

Chemical peel- This skin-resurfacing treatment works by removing the acne-affected top skin layer using acids. As the skin peels off, it reveals the underlying fresh skin that is not much damaged. It can also improve mild acne scarring. Examples of superficial and medium-depth peels effective for active acne treatment are salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, Jessner's solution, and trichloroacetic acid.
Carbon laser peel- It is a newer evolution in acne treatment. This is a mild toning and exfoliating procedure that can clear stubborn chronic acne as well as pigmentation instantly. In this treatment, a layer of the liquid form of activated carbon is applied over the surface of the affected skin and evenly distributed. It is left undisturbed for some time to dry. The applied carbon strongly binds to the skin contaminants (dirt or debris), dead skin cells, and excess oils present in the upper skin layers. Next, a focused light beam (i.e. laser light) is delivered to the targeted area for a precise duration. The carbon actively absorbs the light and gets broken into tiny fragments before the vacuum suction removes them gently along with their adsorbed materials. Simultaneously, the heat generated from laser light promotes the fresh collagen production and appearance of a healthy-looking skin complexion. As a result, the opened pores get purified and cleared and the skin structure is visibly strengthened.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the skin care tips recommended by a dermatologist to take care of the skin to prevent acne?

Following a good skincare routine can help prevent the occurrence of acne. There are some do-it-yourself remedies by which acne breakouts can be prevented as well as get cleared quickly. These include:

Washing or cleaning the problematic areas gently with mild soap to remove skin impurities.
Applying regularly, an oil-free, water-based moisturizer (for dry peeling skin)
Using only oil-free, non-comedogenic labeled cosmetic products.
Avoid squeezing or picking of skin blemishes to prevent infection and scarring due to the spread of bacteria and excess sebum.
Avoid squeezing or picking of skin blemishes to prevent infection and scarring due to the spread of bacteria and excess sebum.
Avoid frequently touching the face with dirty hands, hairs, or any other object.
Not wearing tight headbands or hats.