Acne: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment  

Acne is a common skin condition where your pores get clogged with oil, dirt, and dead skin cells leading to pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and sometimes painful cysts or nodules. It a can affect teenager or an adult and usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, back, and shoulders, basically areas with more oil glands.

In this blog, we are going to discuss causes of acne, how to prevent breakouts, and how to treat acne, specifically for Indian skin types and Indian lifestyle.

Common Causes of Acne

Acne is caused by combination of several factors like:

• Your skin produces oil naturally to keep it moist; however, if there is too much oil, it can clog your pores.
• Hormonal changes in teenagers, during menstruation, pregnancy, or in PCOS can increase oil production and cause acne.
• If dead skin cells don't shed, they clog pores, trapping oil and bacteria within.
• There is a bacterium that resides on your skin called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). When trapped inside pores, it causes inflammation and pimples with pus.
• Oily, spicy food, excess sugar, stress, and lack of sleep can also cause or worsen acne.
• Dust, humidity, and heat, may lead to clogged pores and lead to acne.

Simple Tips to Prevent Acne

• Clean your face twice a day using a mild, non-comedogenic face wash to remove oil, dirt, and sweat.
• Your hands carry germs, so avoid touching or popping pimples— it may lead to scars.
• Avoid junk food and sugary drinks. You shall include fruits, veggies, and water-rich foods in your diet.
• Choose skincare and makeup labeled non-comedogenic or oil-free so they won't clog pores.
• Clean your pillow covers and phone screen often as they collect oil and bacteria.  
• Stress increases hormones that can worsen acne. Yoga, breathing exercises, or a calming hobby will help to reduce stress.

Best Acne Treatments

There are various treatment options to help you clear up acne. Let’s look at the most effective ones:

1. Topical Treatments

These ingredients are commonly found in anti acne serums or creams and are great for oily and acne-prone Indian skin.

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – reduces redness and oil
• Zinc PCA – controls acne-causing bacteria
• Salicylic Acid – unclogs pores and exfoliates skin
• Alpha-Arbutin – fades dark spots
• Tea Tree Oil – natural antibacterial power
• Retinoids – boosts cell turnover and prevents clogged pores

2. Oral Medications  

For Severe Acne, dermatologists may prescribe:

• Antibiotics (for infection)
• Hormone regulators (for PCOS-related acne)
• Vitamin A derivatives (like isotretinoin)

Always consult a dermatologist before starting any medication.

3. Professional Treatments  

• Chemical peels
• Laser therapy
• Extraction facials at certified clinics

These treatments should always be done under expert guidance.

After pimples heal, they often leave behind dark spots or scars. Here's how to fade them:

• Use anti pigmentation face serums with ingredients like licorice, niacinamide, and alpha-arbutin
• Try anti blemishes serums to even out skin tone
• Always wear sunscreen, even indoors, to prevent marks from getting darker

You should visit a skin specialist if:

• Acne is painful, spreading fast, or causing scars
• You’ve tried over-the-counter treatments but nothing works
• You’re feeling stressed or low because of your skin

Final Thoughts

Acne is common skin condition, but with the right care, you can prevent future breakouts and treat existing ones without damaging your skin.

Cleanse gently, use acne-friendly products, eat healthy, and stay stress-free. And when needed, don’t hesitate to visit a dermatologist.