Acne is a constant problem, which is a major concern for most people, irrespective of gender. Today, on an average 80 per cent of women in India, between the ages of 11 and 30, experience acne outburst that seriously affects their self-confidence and demoralizes them. In some cases, people suffering from acne might experience that the condition improves as they grow older, but for some others, the problem remains consistent. Consistent acne can also cause acute scarring, which leaves marks on the skin, and simultaneously degrades the natural look, explain dermatologists at AMRI Hospitals, one of the best hospitals in Kolkata.

So, the question arises, “How does acne form?”

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs due to excessive oil secretion from oil glands, found underneath the skin. Our skin has numerous pores, which are connected to these glands, via follicles. These oil glands produce a lot of sebum, which is a type of oily substance. Due to excessive oil, these follicles get blocked, which ultimately results in acne. These plugged or blocked pores cause acne, more commonly known as pimples.

A number of reasons can cause acne, such as clogging of pores underneath the skin, heavy oil secretion, stress, hypertension, or excessive use of creams and cosmetics. However, these are not the sole reasons for outbreak of pimples. At times, there can be serious underlying causes for acne such as PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), which causes sudden and intense acne outbreaks, along with other symptoms such as excessive hair growth, and uneven dull skin tone along with hyper pigmentation.

People suffering from these problems should consult a dermatologist for effective treatment. Heavy use of cosmetics and too much of make-up also cause acne or pimple outbreaks, which often aggravates the skin condition. Qualified dermatologists will be able to advise on how to bring the situation under control.

Acne Scars:

Active breakout of acne can be irritating as well as disturbing. But the scars it leaves behind are more upsetting. It not only deteriorates the condition of the skin, but also makes it look dull and uneven. According to the medical practitioners at AMRI Hospitals, several reasons can lead to acne scars.

Skin Trauma:

Skin trauma is a situation, where the top layer of the skin has gone through some serious cuts or bruises and the overall texture of the skin changes due to it. The intensity of it depends on the intensity of the cuts or bruises on the skin.

Follicle Problem:

Excessive acne is caused when a high amount of oil is absorbed into the skin pores. The pores or follicles start to swell, and the particles come in contact with healthy tissues on the upper layer, damaging the top layer of the skin. Often these infections can cause acne and acne scars. The skin then tries to form new collagen by fixing the upper layer, but the process is not smooth or even, resulting in uneven skin tone and leading to the formation of acne, which leaves behind marks.

Acne Variety:

Acne may have different types and even resulting scars are also considered as a type of acne. These can become cysts and even cause scars on the face. Sometimes, some fungal infections on the skin may also cause acne marks. Blackheads, whiteheads or small nodules, are some other types of minor acnes but most of these are harmless.

Do Laser Treatments Work For Acne?

Acne is a condition that cannot be totally prevented, but it can be reduced to a large extent, if a qualified dermatologist is consulted beforehand, suggest leading dermatologist at AMRI Hospitals, best hospital in Kolkata. Some possible options to treat acne are:

Retinoid -- Dermatologists recommend using creams containing retinoid as this is the purest form of Vitamin A and is suitable for all skin types. It acts best for oily skin, and for those who are constantly suffering from blocked pores and heavy oil secretion. It helps in building new fibres helps in concealing blemishes of various kinds of scars, and clears uneven skin tone and scars. It also helps in removing pigmentation and makes the skin look flawless.

Cleansing face with water and soap -- This method is the best solution for clearing mild acne and unblocking clogged skin pores. Constantly washing face with water helps in removing excess oil, leading to reduced chances of pimples or acne breakouts.

These days, laser treatment has emerged as one of the most popular solutions to acne problems, especially acne marks, which are caused by pricking of acne or pimples. Laser treatments work on acne and pimples directly and precisely. Laser treatments work on light therapy that used heat to remove pigmentation and other marks from the skin, layer by layer, using heat, which encourages the production of collagen and helps in regeneration of new cells. It also helps in removing scars and pigmentation; the light penetrating through the skin removes all the nutrients and oxygen, creating the scope for new cells to grow.

Laser surgery does play a major part in removing scars, and thus paving the way for clear skin. Because of speedy recovery and effective results, people are now opting for laser surgeries over normal medications. Laser treatments are proven to work better and in a much effective way, when it comes to removing pimple or acne marks, and getting rid of acne scars, as well. But laser surgeries are not totally successful in removing acne scars, and regular follow-ups have to be done with regular skin treatments to get the best results.