Acne is a common problem that, at times, seems to favor facial skin above all. The experts at Medline Plus note it can occur on the legs, arms and trunk but agree it more commonly shows up on the shoulders and face. Researchers continue to study ways to better control or even prevent acne outbreaks, but many current treatments offer effective solutions to coping with facial acne outbreaks.
How Acne Develops
Your skin is dotted with tiny pores that act as entrances to minute canals holding a fine hair and sebaceous glands at the root of the hair. The sebaceous glands secrete an oily substance called sebum, which normally travels to your skin surface through the canal and acts as a natural lubricant. When the canal is not able to drain the sebum fast enough, it and other cell debris might build up and eventually clog the pore. This can cause whiteheads, blackheads and other acne lesions. The National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease notes that sebaceous glands occur in greatest numbers on the face, upper back and chest, hence the reason for acne seeming to favor facial skin.
Causes
Eating too much pizza, chocolate or peanuts will not give you acne, but adolescence might, according to AcneNet. When certain hormonal levels increase during puberty, pregnancy and menopause, sebaceous glands secrete more sebum. In addition, bacteria normally present on your skin, P. acnes, play a role in determining what type of acne you develop. These bacteria thrive in excess oil and can worsen acne lesions, sometimes causing significant inflammation, redness and swelling. If the inflammation reaches deeply into the skin, you might develop cystic acne, which can cause permanent scarring.
Treatment
The experts at AcneNet state that over-the-counter products might clear mild facial acne. These products work by drying up excess oil and promoting sloughing of dead skin cells that can clog pores. It may take four or more weeks to see improvement from these products. If you have more severe acne or your breakouts do not respond to over-the-counter products, your physician has a wide variety of options for treatment, including topical creams, oral medications or a combination of both. Your doctor might also refer you to a specialist or dermatologist. The healthcare professionals at Mayo Clinic note that dermatologists sometimes use laser or light therapy and chemical peels along with oral and topical medications for severe facial acne.
Considerations
Dermatologists recommend that men soften beards with lukewarm water before shaving and shave lightly to prevent irritating acne lesions. Switching to an electric razor might also help. You can wear makeup, moisturizer and sunscreen when you have acne, but dermatologists recommend you choose oil-free products that won't clog pores. They advise you wash your face first and then apply your topical acne medication, followed by moisturizer or sunscreen and, finally, your makeup.
Expert Insight
Significant facial scarring from acne can understandably cause psychological distress. However, the experts at Mayo Clinic note that physicians have many remedies available for reducing the appearance of acne scars or getting rid of them altogether. Treatments include injecting collagen or fat into dimple-like scars to bring them level with the surrounding skin; dermabrasion to remove the top layer of skin, possibly remove superficial scars completely and make cystic scars less noticeable; laser therapy; and even minor surgery.
Member Comments