If you worry about acne, you're not alone! There are millions of people across the world that are worrying about these right now. And millions have worried about it before you. 

Acne is perhaps the only ailment that gets attention everyday when we look in the mirror.  They start to appear during teenage years and can be few or more, depending on the skin condition of different persons. Although acne is harmless, minor irritants and go away with age, they can appear like little monsters! In some cases, they have the power to affect a person’s mood and self confidence too. 

Stress in someone’s life, pollution in the environment, menstrual cycles, oil-based cosmetics, and birth control pills are some of the contributory factors that may lead to acne. However, do remember that hormonal changes in teenagers is the primary cause of acne. It is therefore important to note that acne is not a disease or a medical condition. 

Having said that, if you feel they are too much and possibly need to be treated, you can try over-the-counter drugs or consult a dermatologist. It is not advisable to puncture or pinch acne on your own, since they may lead to fresh breakout on the nearby skin surface. Before taking them head on, know how they form and what type they are, so you can decide what form of treatment you may want to undertake. 

How Do Pimples Form?

Our skin breathes through tiny microscopic pores. These pores are responsible for perspiration and keeping the upper layer of the skin oily. When these pores are blocked by bacteria, oils, and dead skin, the oil or perspiration is not able to come to the skin surface and an acne lesion is formed. Clogged pores might also cause tiny "whiteheads or blackheads." These pores can cause itchiness or may lead to itching or agitation and may lead to different forms of acne. 

Getting Ready For Treatment

Scar reduction needs either over-the-counter drugs or one or more dermatologist-performed treatments. 

It is important to identify the type of scar before attempting to deal with it. Remember, some of the therapies or treatments may not work with the standard over-the-counter treatment you may be using. In case you are consulting a dermatologist, do inform about any over-the-counter medicine or treatment you may have tried or undertaken. 

Each skin type reacts differently to therapy, and certain therapies are better suited for certain skin types than others. Additionally, your skin tone might play a role. Deeper skin laser treatments, for example, are not indicated for darker skin types because of the increased risk of scarring and pigmentation.

Available Treatments For Acne 

Most often used treatment for acne is over-the-counter drugs /creams. You can consult a dermatologist who may recommend a particular cream or lotion depending on your skin type and the scar kind. Usually, these creams contain a mixture of Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), Lactic acid, Retinoids, and the acid salicylic. AHA are used in the cosmetics industry to exfoliate the surface skin. Retinoids claim to increase collagen production and are used in prescription as well as non-prescription drugs.

Sometimes, the doctor may recommend surgical procedures to get rid of aggravated scars. Some of the commonly used procedures include:

Chemical Peels - Doctors may remove the top layer of old skin with the use of specific chemicals. When the top layer is removed, the new skin that replaces it is usually smoother and has fewer scars.

Laser Resurfacing - A laser is used to burn the damaged collagen underneath the skin. Body’s wound healing response is used to manufacture the new healthy collagen. There are two forms of laser resurfacing- ablative and non-ablative. You don’t have to worry about these complex sounding names. Simply put, an Ablative procedure will get rid of the top layer of your skin so the fresh skin can grow, while the non-ablative laser will heat underneath layers of skin to produce collagen. 

Key Takeaway

Whether you need chemical peels or laser resurfacing procedure, has to be your decision as much as the doctor’s. Remember, it is your body, your skin. Small blemishes usually go away with age. However, if the acne condition is aggravated, recurring or is interfering with your studies, work, or they are affecting how you think of yourself, you can seek the opinion of a dermatologist.