ACNE THAT WON’T GO AWAY: HERE ARE THE REASONS WHY THOSE ACNE-REDUCING CREAMS AREN’T WORKING

A common skin condition that affects people of all ages, acne can take the form of blackheads, whiteheads or pimples (Source: Freepik)

We've all been there: waking up one day to find one or two pimples on our face. An occasional pimple may seem transient, but imagine the sinking feeling when you realise that your face is covered in acne! 

A common skin condition that affects people of all ages, it can take the form of blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples. Several reasons have been associated with causing acne which include imbalance of hormones, excess oil production, bacteria, dead skin cells as well as medications. 

Today, when you type ‘acne reducing skin cream’ in the search bar, you will be overwhelmed with thousands of products that you can buy easily. Dermatologists and influencers have also taken to social media to give advice on how to get rid of stubborn acne. Many of the videos you watch will recommend using salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, etc. While these ingredients are easily accessible and have worked for many, it cannot be overlooked that sometimes the underlying issue is internal.

Dermatologists and influencers have also taken to social media to give advice on what to do to get rid of stubborn acne (Source: Freepik)

No matter how many products you try, the acne will either return or never go away in the first place. In such cases, it is best to understand the root cause of the problem and fix that to be able to say goodbye to your acne once-and-for-all. 

Dr Rinky Kapoor, director, The Esthetic Clinics tells indianexpress.com what signs to look for if you have stubborn acne. 

Diet

Oily foods, chocolates, and sugary snacks can have detrimental effects on the skin. Dr Kapoor says that this is due to their high-glycemic index, which spikes insulin levels in our body, leading to heightened sebum production and acne. Similarly, foods rich in saturated fats can worsen acne symptoms.

Stress levels

In a world where being stressed has become increasingly normalised, Dr Kapoor emphasises that negative stress or "bad" stress, can significantly impact the body in various adverse ways. It can compromise the skin barrier, she says, and disrupt hormonal balance—especially cortisol levels—as well as contribute to digestive issues. Constant stress can give rise to inflammation, elevate sebum production, resulting in pore blockages and further aggravating acne. If left unchecked, managing and effectively eliminating acne can become challenging.

Skin care routines

“Not knowing your skin is the worst thing you can do for it,” Dr Kapoor warns. She adds that comedogenic creams, lotions, cleansers, etc., can strip off the natural oils from the skin. Furthermore, using harsh cleansers or abrasive exfoliants damage the protective barrier allowing bacteria to penetrate and cause acne, rendering acne creams ineffective. “Not removing makeup properly is another skin care mistake that delays acne healing,” she adds.  

Hormone imbalance

Androgens are a group of hormones primarily found in men, but are also found in lesser amounts among women. When an imbalance of androgens occurs, usually during puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or periods, it can cause stubborn acne to form on the skin. Dr Kapoor explains that this type of acne is usually resistant to traditional topical treatments.

Hormone imbalance also includes polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a common lifestyle disorder among women today due to rising stress levels and changes in daily habits. She informs that due to “increased cell turnover, PCOS also causes increased insulin resistance, leading to acne lesions and scarring.”

Thyroid disorders 

Thyroid disorders constitute a number of issues that are related to the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces several hormones in the body that help in metabolism and regulate other functions of the body. Thyroid disorders, Dr Kapoor says, alter the cell turnover on the skin, causing buildup of skin cells on the surface, in turn causing acne. “This also reduces the skin’s ability to heal and repair at a normal rate,” she adds. 

For individuals who have exhausted topical acne creams without success, she suggests some alternative treatment options that include chemical peels, laser treatments, oral medications including antibiotics and corticosteroid injections for large, deep and painful acne. 

If you are tired of applying creams and serums to your skin but the acne is still not clearing up, the best advice would be to consult a dermatologist who can identify the root cause of your acne and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

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2024-03-24T07:54:13Z dg43tfdfdgfd