Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that affects not only adolescents but also adults, sometimes in severe forms. This dermatological problem affects not only the physical appearance, but also the psychological state of the affected people. In addition to the visible impact, acne can induce stress, anxiety, affecting self-confidence and social behavior, causing avoidance of interactions and feelings of embarrassment in the eyes of those around you. The manifestations of acne vary, and the condition presents itself in various forms, such as acne vulgaris (a general category), acne rosacea, juvenile acne, and cystic acne.
Causes of acne include excessive sebum production, bacteria, and hormonal fluctuations. The main risk factors include using the wrong cosmetics for your skin type, taking certain medications, and daily habits that can irritate the skin. Acne commonly manifests as comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), nodules, and cysts, especially on the face, chest, and neck. Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation. Treatment varies depending on the type and severity of acne, and may include both topical products and oral medications, along with lifestyle changes.
Acne – An Overview
Acne is a common medical condition, affecting both adolescents and adults, and is often exacerbated in women during the premenstrual period due to hormonal fluctuations. Causes of the condition include overactivity of the sebaceous glands, which produce excess sebum, hormonal changes (such as those during puberty), and the bacteria Cutibacterium acnes (formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes). Common risk factors include the use of cosmetics that clog the skin's pores and the use of certain medications.
Acne comes in various forms, including juvenile acne, acne rosacea, acne vulgaris, and cystic acne, each with its own symptoms and treatments. Treatment approaches vary depending on the type and severity of acne. Open and closed comedones are easier to treat, while papules and pustules indicate a moderate form of acne. Severe forms include nodules and cysts. People with acne can often benefit from psychological counseling to help manage the self-perception and self-confidence issues that can arise as a result of this condition.
Factors that contribute to the appearance of acne
The gram-positive bacterium Cutibacterium acnes plays an essential role in the formation and evolution of acne, under favorable conditions such as hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands, hyperkeratinization (blockage of the sebaceous ducts) and obstruction of the hair follicles, favoring the multiplication of the bacteria and triggering the inflammatory process.
In the case of acne, the sebaceous glands produce excess sebum, which has a protective and moisturizing role for the skin, including against UV rays. These glands are concentrated mainly on the face, scalp and chest and fluctuate in sebum production under the influence of hormonal changes. Androgen hormones, such as testosterone, secreted by the adrenal glands, ovaries and testicles, play an important role in the development of acne in both men and women. Hormonal variations stimulate sebum production, contributing to the obstruction of pores and creating conditions conducive to the appearance of acne.
Get rid of acne with CBD Oil
Risk factors for acne:
- Stress, which can worsen acne symptoms;
- Menstrual cycle, due to hormonal fluctuations;
- Pollution and high humidity;
- Administration of certain medications;
- Using cosmetic products that clog pores;
- Family history of acne;
- Tendency to touch the face or squeeze acne lesions.
Types and characteristics of acne
Acne manifests itself in various forms, each with specific characteristics:
Non-Inflammatory Acne : Includes blackheads and whiteheads, the result of pores blocked by excess sebum.
Inflammatory Acne : Characterized by papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Papules are red, tender bumps, and pustules are inflamed, fluid-filled pimples. Nodules are painful, deep bumps, and cysts are deep, painful lesions.
Acne Vulgaris : The most common form, it includes various types of lesions. It appears on the face, chest, shoulders, and back.
Acne Rosacea : A subtype of rosacea, characterized by broken blood vessels, oily, red skin. It mainly affects middle-aged women.
Juvenile Acne : Typical of teenagers, associated with hormonal changes during puberty. Includes various lesions and redness.
Hormonal Acne : Linked to hormonal fluctuations, it affects both adolescents and adults. It manifests differently depending on age, with comedones and cysts.
Cystic Acne : The most severe form, with large, painful cysts, risk of infection and scarring. It mainly affects teenagers, but also adults.
Each type of acne has specific treatments and may require personalized dermatological care.
Diagnosing and preventing acne
Diagnosing acne
Acne is generally diagnosed by visual examination. Various tests may be performed to identify the cause. Culture of purulent discharge, along with antibiotic sensitivity, may be useful in identifying sources of infection. Women may require hormonal testing, and if polycystic ovary syndrome or adrenal/ovarian tumors are suspected, computed tomography (CT) is recommended. It is also important to perform a differential diagnosis to exclude other dermatological conditions similar to acne, such as rosacea, folliculitis, or keratosis pilaris.
Prevention methods
Although hormonal changes or genetic predisposition cannot be prevented, certain habits can help reduce the severity of acne symptoms. Cleansing your face with lukewarm water and a product suitable for your skin type is essential. Proper hydration is crucial, as dehydration can stimulate sebum production. It is recommended to avoid touching your face with your hands, constantly use a sunscreen, reduce stress and adopt a balanced diet.
Acne treatment
Acne, a common skin condition, is a real challenge for teenagers and young adults, with approximately 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 experiencing it. Its occurrence is determined by several factors involving excessive sebum production, abnormal skin cell regeneration, and inflammation.
Currently, traditional therapies offer multiple benefits, but side effects and the risk of antibiotic resistance often prevent patients from strictly adhering to treatment regimens. In this context, interest in plant-derived treatments, especially the use of cannabidiol (CBD) oil from the hemp plant, as a safer alternative with a reduced risk of side effects, has increased among patients.
The effectiveness of CBD oil in treating acne
To understand how CBD can help treat acne, it's helpful to know that the main causes of acne include:
- overproduction of sebum (the oily, waxy substance that the skin produces);
- abnormal reproduction of skin cells;
- development of the bacteria Cuibacterium acnes;
- hormonal imbalances;
- inflammation.
Numerous studies have shown that using CBD oil helps reduce inflammation, lower sebum levels and inflammatory cytokines, with an impact on acne improvement.
A 2016 study also showed that CBD oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help keep the skin free of bacteria, fungi, or free radicals that block pores and contribute to acne.
CBD oil and acne caused by hormonal imbalances
Hormonal acne is usually caused by hormonal fluctuations, especially in women. Triggers can include:
- task;
- menopause;
- thyroid diseases;
- polycystic ovary syndrome;
- pregnancy/birth.
These changes can cause:
- clogged pores;
- inflammations:
- increased sebum production;
- the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
Therefore, given that CBD oil has the ability to reduce excessive sebum production, inflammation, and clogged pores, it can also help improve hormonally-induced acne.
Using CBD oil to treat acne
CBD oil has become a popular option for treating acne due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Ways to use it include applying it directly to the affected areas, diluting it in carrier oils, or incorporating it into acne-specific cosmetic products. This oil can be incorporated into your skin care routine, mixed with moisturizers or serums to help reduce inflammation and reduce the appearance of breakouts. It is essential to consult a medical professional before starting a CBD oil treatment to receive personalized advice and choose the right products for your skin type and needs.
Results may vary from person to person and individual reactions may differ. It is also essential to use quality products and check the CBD concentration to ensure the product is used properly.
CBD oil has become a popular option for treating acne due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Ways to use it include applying it directly to the affected areas, diluting it in carrier oils, or incorporating it into acne-specific cosmetic products. This oil can be incorporated into your skin care routine, mixed with moisturizers or serums to help reduce inflammation and reduce the appearance of breakouts. It is essential to consult a medical professional before starting a CBD oil treatment to receive personalized advice and choose the right products for your skin type and needs.
Results may vary from person to person and individual reactions may differ. It is also essential to use quality products and check the CBD concentration to ensure the product is used properly.
