Acne Treatment

What is Acne (Acne)?

Acne is actually a sebaceous gland disease. The secretions produced by the sebaceous glands cover the skin surface, prevent our skin from drying out, and protect our skin against infections. Each sebaceous gland opens into a hair follicle. These secretions secreted by the sebaceous gland reach the surface thanks to the hair. First, fat deposits, which we call closed and open comedones, form, and then inflamed pimples occur when acne-causing bacteria settle in these fat deposits.

Why Acne Occurs?

Acne is a genetically predisposed disease. Due to the characteristics coming from your family, the sebaceous glands are very sensitive to the hormones in your body, especially during adolescence. The sebaceous glands work hard and cause acne. Oily creams applied and make-up materials that do not allow air to breathe facilitate the formation of acne by closing the duct of the sebaceous glands, that is, the pores.

How Is Acne Treated?

Acne treatment is chosen according to the severity of the acne. If your acne is mild, cream treatments should be given alone. Because every drug has more or less side effects. There is no need to give antibiotic treatment in patients for whom cream treatment will be sufficient. If the ends of the sebaceous glands, which we call comedones, are clogged, peeling creams should be given. Antibiotic creams are added to the treatment in mild and moderate acne. Some creams that can be used to treat acne are:
erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, benzoyl peroxide, retinoid, tretinoin, isotretinoin, adapalene

If the acne is deeply located and severe, it is necessary to use oral medication. Because deep-seated acne leaves scars. Even if the acne goes away, acne scars can be permanent. Severe acne should be treated promptly to prevent scarring. The most commonly used drugs for the treatment of acne are oral antibiotic therapy. Acne treatment is a long treatment, antibiotics should be used for 2-4 months depending on the response. Using antibiotics for such a long time may have side effects, antibiotics should only be used under the control of a dermatologist.

The most effective treatment in acne treatment is vitamin A (Isotretinoin) treatment. This drug is very effective in very acne, but has many side effects, so it is only given to patients with severe acne who do not respond to antibiotic therapy. The most common side effect is drying all over the body, especially the lips and nose. May elevate liver enzymes. For this reason, liver tests and blood lipids are routinely checked before and during treatment. Do not get pregnant while using drugs containing vitamin A.

Laser, gold needle, chemical peeling treatments can also be used together or separately from these treatments.

How is Acne Treatment Planned?

Acne treatment is arranged according to the severity and depth of the acne, in short, for you. If you have a disease that prevents you from using medication, only gold needle and chemical peeling treatments can be done without any medication. In very difficult acnes, both drug treatments and gold needle treatment can be started together. It should not be forgotten that no matter what treatment is done, acne treatment is a long treatment. The most important point in the treatment is to be compatible with the physician and to follow the recommendations given.

What Should Acne Skin Eat?

There is no relationship between diet and acne, so it is not the food we eat that makes our skin oily. It is seen that only the foods that we call high blood sugar and high glucose index exacerbate existing acne. For this reason, it is recommended not to consume too much chocolate, white bread, sugar, fast food foods, ready-made fruit juices, milk and dairy products.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Acne?

The main cause of acne formation is usually hormonal changes. Especially during puberty, increased androgen hormones in the body cause the oil glands in the skin to produce more. This excess oil, combined with dead skin cells, clogs the pores and prepares the ground for acne formation. These fluctuations in hormones can be triggered not only during puberty, but also in situations such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause or stress. The increase in stress hormones such as cortisol during stressful times can also increase oil production in the skin and cause acne. Although it is important to pay attention to skin care to manage acne problems caused by hormonal imbalances, it may be necessary to get to the root of the problem with hormonal treatment and doctor's advice.

Regular skin care and healthy living habits are very important to prevent acne formation. First of all, cleansing your skin twice a day, in the morning and evening, with a gentle cleanser prevents excess oil, dirt and dead cells accumulated on the skin surface from clogging the pores. It is important to use products suitable for your skin type as much as possible during this cleaning in order not to irritate the skin and not to disrupt the oil balance. Water-based products should be preferred for oily skin. In addition, it is important to avoid harsh peels and excessively drying products that increase acne formation, as such procedures can irritate the skin and cause more oil production.

Keeping the skin moist also helps prevent acne formation. Oil-free, light and non-comedogenic sunscreens provide the moisture the skin needs, while preventing pores from clogging and providing protection. It should be remembered that the sun has a negative effect on active acne, healing periods and blemishes, and should be protected very well from the sun.

In addition, a healthy diet is also a factor that prevents acne formation. Excessive sugar, processed foods and fatty foods can increase oil production in the skin and cause acne. A balanced diet, consuming plenty of water and consuming plenty of vegetables and fruits support the skin to stay healthy. Stress can also contribute to acne, so paying attention to lifestyle factors such as regular exercise, adequate sleep and stress management are effective in reducing acne formation.

In addition, simple measures such as avoiding touching your face frequently, paying attention to hygiene rules and changing your pillowcase regularly can also reduce acne formation. In addition, it is necessary to make sure that your make-up products are suitable for your skin and in case of a possible abnormality (acne, dryness, etc.), stop using that product for one to two weeks to determine whether the allergen is caused by that product. If the problem goes away, it is beneficial not to use that product. In addition, not sharing make-up products with others and cleaning brushes frequently and putting them away when they are completely dry will also have positive results in reducing acne formation.