Acne and oily skin are bothersome and potentially embarrassing conditions capable of impacting one’s personal, social, and even professional life. Fortunately, these issues are manageable. However, successful outcomes often hinge on the capacity of an individual and their doctor to recognize the symptoms and enact immediate corrective measures.

Overview

Acne results from the accumulation of oil and dead skin cells inside skin components known as hair follicles. Teenagers are most commonly impacted by the malady. However, cases occur in persons of all ages.

Oily skin typically results from overactive sebaceous glands. These bodily features are located in the skin and release a chemical called sebum. When produced and secreted in normal quantities, this substance plays a key role in safeguarding the skin and keeping it moist. However, when produced excessively, it can precipitate several untoward problems.

Causes

Medical researchers suggest that the preceding maladies often result from certain notable underlying causes including:

Dietary Practices

Certain foods trigger or worsen these skin issues. Specific offenders include:

• Products with significant amounts of sugar
• Those containing appreciable carbohydrate levels
• Chocolate
• Edibles rife with measurable amounts of Omega-6 fats
• Grains
• Dairy products

Fast food is another major common inducer. These often fried and greasy products contain large quantities of chemicals and preservatives believed to trigger skin irritation and inflammation.

Hormonal Imbalances

Messenger chemicals known as hormones exercise a major influence over the skin’s appearance and general health. Hormonal deficiencies or excessive systemic production of said substances may result from any number of illnesses. That said, internal chemical fluctuations also result from life events such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.

Age

Usually, these issues are most often witnessed in youths. Researchers attribute this to the major hormonal changes teens and young adults experience.

Genetic Predisposition

If one’s parents or other close relations had acne or oily skin, their chances of contracting the conditions rise precipitously.

Symptoms

Acne often produces physical manifestations like:

• Whiteheads
• Blackheads
• Pimples
• The development of lumps or nodules atop or beneath the skin
• Skin lesions

Acne commonly occurs on one’s face. However, the condition may also present itself on an afflicted subject’s back, upper chest, neck, forehead, and shoulders. Acne cases are usually divided into four grades of severity with one being the mildest and four presenting the most severe manifestations.

Symptoms of oily skin include large or open pores visible throughout the impacted skin, thick or rough-looking skin, overly greasy or shiny skin, blackheads, and recurrent cases of pimples. In more severe instances, the skin’s consistency and color may vary.

Complications

If not properly treated, acne might result in scars lasting for extended durations or possibly even permanently. Stricken individuals may also experience excessive skin pigmentation. Oily skin increases one’s chances of developing acne and other untoward skin conditions.

Diagnosis

Usually, acne and oily skin are identifiable following visual examination. Occasionally, acne might occur as a symptom of other medical conditions. Therefore, healthcare providers might perform tests to rule out such ailments.

Treatment Options

Oily skin is often treatable using home remedies such as:

• Washing the skin frequently
• Using non-abrasive and simple cleansing products like soap and warm water
• Limiting one’s use of perfumes or other potential skin-irritating products
• Applying skin toner
• Drying skin thoroughly after water exposure

One might also find success using moisturizing products designed to maintain or increase the skin’s internal water content.

Doctors treat acne based on its severity. Mild cases might respond to lifestyle changes or the application of over-the-counter topical skin creams and lotions. That said, moderate to severe presentations might require more aggressive treatments including prescription medications and therapies such as chemical peels, skin drainage techniques, light therapy, and steroid injections.

Prognosis

Most instances of oily skin and acne are quickly and somewhat easily managed if diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

Prevention

Cases brought forth by genetics or hormonal alterations may not be preventable. However, individuals might lower their risk through safeguarding measures including:

• Adhering to proper hygienic practices
• Applying sunscreen
• Using aesthetic-enhancing products like perfumes and cologne sparingly
• Limiting the skin’s contact with pressure-causing items like mobile phones, shirt collars, helmets, and backpacks
• Avoid scratching or picking at any existing skin irritation

Above all, people should bathe immediately following any type of strenuous or perspiration-inducing activity. Sweat is known to cause acne flare-ups.

Contacting Us

For additional information about oily skin and acne, please reach out to the team of healthcare providers employed by Vital Force Therapy and Wellness. We can help patients identify the cause of these skin issues and suggest the most appropriate treatment options.

To learn more about us, call us at 205-352-9141.