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University of Iowa Health Science Relations and
Donna D'Alessandro, MD
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
First Published: June 2003
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed
Acne is a skin condition caused by the overproduction of sebum, a
natural oil produced by the skin and hair. Teens are ready targets
for acne because their rapidly changing hormones trigger an
overproduction of sebum. Sebum can clog pores, trapping bacteria, and
resulting in an infection called a pimple.
Acne can affect any age, but is most common in teens, with eight of
10 teens experiencing some degree of acne. "A few pimples may not
seem like much but it can be a big problem for an individual," says
Donna D'Alessandro, MD, UI Family Care pediatrician.
Acne is hereditary; if a parent had it, the child has a greater
chance of getting it. Once you have acne, there is no cure for it,
you have to wait for the infection (pimple) to heal. Check with your
physician to see what treatments, either over-the-counter or
prescription, may be effective for you. "Effective treatments have
changed so it's worth asking your health care provider about
options," says D'Alessandro.
The best treatment for acne is prevention. Following these simple
steps may help:
- Eat a balanced diet -- Whole grains and fresh fruits and
vegetables contain valuable natural phytochemicals and
antioxidants that promote healing.
- Drink lots of water. This helps get rid of skin debris.
- Get some exercise. Activity increases blood flow to the skin.
Wash your face after exercising.
- Wash and rinse. Regular washing pulls away dead skin, oil, and
bacteria. Don't scrub. It can irritate the skin and make it
worse.
- Use oil-free makeup, sunscreens, or lotions.
- Wash your hair to keep oil from your face.
- Remove all makeup before going to bed. Use mild cleansers like
Cetaphil or Neutrogena to wash your face. Mild exfoliating
cleansers and scrubs also may be used but ask your doctor
first.
Acne myths
Myth: Only teens get acne.
Fact: Acne usually begins in the early teen years and subsides in
the late teens to mid-20s. But many people develop it late in that
cycle, or even in their late 20s or 30s. People can have acne at any
age for many reasons.
Myth: Acne is related to diet.
Fact: Years of research show no correlation between diet and acne.
Chocolate has been off the forbidden list since the mid 1960s. Other
equally appealing foods--sugar, greasy foods, milk, and
seafood--don't result in acne in the general population. If a certain
food triggers acne for you, avoid the food. You may have an allergy
to it.
Myth: Frequent face washing helps clear up acne.
Fact: Acne is not caused by dirt or poor hygiene. Aggressive
scrubbing does not affect the oil deep in your pores where acne
starts. Frequent and aggressive scrubbing can actually harm your
skin, irritating it, and making the acne worse. Use your hands to
gently wash your face, the rough texture of a washcloth may also
irritate your skin.
Myth: Popping pimples helps.
Fact: It may seem to make them less noticeable for a while, but
the practice actually can cause them to stay around longer. Squeezing
pimples pushes the bacteria further into the skin, causing more
redness and swelling.
Myth: Acne has to run its course.
Fact: There are successful treatments available for acne.
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