About Acne

Acne is one of the most common of all skin problems, characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and, in some people, deep painful bumps that look and feel like boils. Acne most commonly occurs on the face but can also appear on the back, chest, shoulders and neck.

In most people, acne clears up after a few years. But some people continue to have this problem into their 20s and 30s – even beyond. When it's severe, acne can cause permanent scarring of the skin. And those are just the physical problems. Read more about the emotional impact of acne.

What causes acne?

Below are just a few factors that contribute to acne:

Hormones

Acne usually begins around puberty, when males and females both experience an increase in the production of sex hormones (called androgens). These hormones have an effect on the activity and size of the sebaceous glands – glands in the skin that produce an oily substance called sebum to protect the hair follicles and the skin. When hormones surge during puberty, the sebaceous glands enlarge in the areas where acne occurs.

Clogged Pores

The lining of the wall of the hair follicle sheds skin cells, which then stick together with the sebum produced by the sebaceous glands. This causes a plug to form below the surface of the skin. This plug cannot be washed away. This process can take days to weeks for a visible lesion to form. Whiteheads and blackheads are the result of this clogging of the pores. The sebum and cell debris together contribute to the growth of bacteria that naturally live in your pores.

Your body's own immune system will naturally attempt to clear the clogged pores by sending in certain specialized cells that invade the follicle to help clean it up. However, in the process, the wall of the follicle may weaken and rupture, emptying the contents of the follicle into the surrounding tissue. When this occurs, swelling or redness can develop around the affected follicle, resulting in the larger bumps or pimples characteristic of acne. These are known as papules and pustules and can sometimes cause scarring.

Watch an animation on the slow but steady growth of an acne blemish.

Getting to the Root of the Problem

If you've tried over-the-counter lotions and creams and have not experienced noticeable improvement, you may want to make an appointment with your dermatologist or other physician. He or she will choose the appropriate treatment depending on the severity of your acne. Topical or oral antibiotics may be given to control the bacteria that may be growing inside your pores. In addition, your doctor may prescribe Differin^® (adapalene gel) Gel, 0.1%, Differin^® (adalpalen gel) Gel, 0.3%, or Differin^® (adapalene) Cream, 0.1%, . Not only does Differin^® treat those lesions that are already present, it also helps keep the pores from clogging, preventing the blemishes before they start.

By using your medication correctly and consistently, you can help prevent new acne pimples from forming. If you stop using your medication, or if you only "spot-treat" those pimples you can see, new pimples may form, and they may take weeks to clear again. Apply your medication in the same way every day or as recommended by your dermatologist or other physician.

During the first few weeks of treatment, itching, dryness, redness, burning or peeling may occur. Exposure to sunlight, including sunlamps, should be minimized during the use of Differin^®. Use of sunscreen and protective clothing over treated areas is recommended when exposure cannot be avoided. As with other acne medications, overexposure to extreme wind or cold, or use of irritating skin care products may aggravate the skin.