A-C-N-E – It is but the most-dreaded 4-letter word for many people who have experienced this common skin disorder at some point of their lives!
The psychological and social impact of acne can be severe and debilitating. While mild cases of non-inflammatory acne often resolve on their own, without treatment, severe acne can cause significant and long-lasting physical and emotional damage.
Here’s what you need to know about acne, how it can affect your mental health, and ways to deal with it.
Non-Inflammatory acne is a skin condition that occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog pores, leading to blemishes, such as blackheads, and whiteheads. It can appear on various body parts, including the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders.
Acne development involves bacterial colonization, triggering an immune system response leading to inflammation.
Acne is most commonly associated with puberty and affects teenagers due to hormonal changes. However, it can also occur in adults of any age due to genetics, stress, diet, and skincare habits.
While acne is not a life-threatening condition, it can cause discomfort and affect one’s self-esteem.
The physical effects of acne often lead to blemishes that can be painful, itchy, and sometimes even leave scars. In severe cases, acne can also cause skin discoloration and pigmentation issues. These physical symptoms can make people self-conscious about their appearance and lead to low self-esteem.
Beyond the visible symptoms, acne exerts a profound emotional impact, which includes anxiety in social situations, social withdrawal and negative self-perception. People with acne spend a lot of energy and attention looking for ways to improve their skin condition. This preoccupation can make them sad and hopeless, leading to chronic depression.
Constantly dealing with breakouts and trying different treatments can be tiring and frustrating for many individuals. Thankfully, there are many ways to deal with acne. Here are some effective ways you can deal with it.
Making adjustments to your lifestyle can also significantly improve acne. A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, proper hydration, and regular exercise are crucial in maintaining clear skin. Developing a consistent skincare routine with gentle products suited for your skin type can also help prevent breakouts.
Topical retinoids that contain Vitamin A helps with skin cell turnover, aiding in the clearance of acne, prevention of future breakouts, and the reduction of scar appearance.
In cases of severe acne, doctors may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. However, prolonged antibiotic use can contribute to antibiotic resistance. Therefore, using antibiotics only as directed by the doctor is essential for effective treatment.
Professional office-based treatments for acne include Chemical Peel and Microdermabrasion Facial.
Chemical peel treatment often uses trichloroacetic acid (TCA), a peeling solution, that will be applied to the targeted area of the skin. This process works by exfoliating the skin, allowing dead skin cells to shed more effectively. Removal of dead skin cells and excess oil from clogging the hair follicle, pore blockages and pimples can be reduced in appearances.
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure that uses tiny needles to exfoliate the skin by removing the outermost layer, essentially dark spots that can form after acne clears up. Ideal for mild acne, it unclogs pores of oil, dirt and debris.
Acne is more than just a physical condition; it can significantly impact one’s mental health. Through proper treatment, self-care practices and support, individuals with acne can improve their skin condition and better manage its effects on mental well-being.
So, be kind to yourself. If you’re faced with acne issues, contact us and make an appointment with our doctors to find out ways to deal with acne effectively. Our customer service representatives are available from 8 am to 12 midnight daily to answer your inquiries or make an appointment.
Alternatively, you may come to any of our clinics in Bangsar, TTDI, Mont Kiara, Puchong and KL City to make an appointment. Please contact us for further information:
Whatsapp: https://wa.me/60126625552
Call: +6012-662-5552 (Malay/English)
Call: +6012-773-2074 (Chinese speaking)
Email: contactus@premier-clinic.com
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