Acne, Rosacea and Congested Skin Stops Here!

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• Excess Oil (Sebum) Production: Sebaceous glands, connected to hair follicles, produce sebum, an oily substance that lubricates skin and hair. An increase in androgens, hormones prevalent during puberty, stimulates these glands to produce excess sebum, leading to clogged pores.
• Buildup of Dead Skin Cells: As skin cells naturally shed, they can mix with excess sebum and become trapped in pores.
• Bacteria: Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), a bacteria normally present on the skin, can thrive in clogged follicles, causing inflammation and triggering an immune response.
• Microscopic Skin Mites (Demodex): These mites are found on everyone's skin, but individuals with rosacea & acne may have a higher number triggering a response.
• Inflammation: When clogged follicles become irritated or infected with bacteria, they can become inflamed, leading to the characteristic redness and swelling of acne lesions.

• Hormonal Changes: In addition to puberty, hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can increase oil production.
• Genetics: A family history of acne, especially severe forms, can elevate your risk of developing it.
• Certain Medications: Drugs containing hormones such as corticosteroids, testosterone, or lithium can trigger or exacerbate acne.
• Lifestyle Factors:
  • Stress
  • Diet
  • Greasy or oily cosmetics and hair products
• Environmental Factors: Pollution and high humidity can worsen acne.
• Picking or Squeezing Blemishes: This can aggravate acne and lead to scarring.

Acne symptoms can vary in severity and appearance and may include:

• Whiteheads: Closed, plugged pores that appear as small, white bumps on the skin.
• Blackheads: Open, plugged pores that appear as small, dark spots on the skin due to oxidation.
• Papules: Small, red, inflamed bumps that can be tender to the touch.
• Pustules (Pimples): Papules topped with white or yellow pus, often red at the base.
• Nodules: Large, solid, painful lumps under the skin.
• Cysts: Large, painful, pus-filled lumps that form deep under the skin, often associated with severe acne.
• Redness and Swelling: Inflammation around the affected areas.
• Scarring: Can occur with severe acne, appearing as indentations, pits, or raised marks.
• Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Darkened spots that may remain after acne lesions clear up.