Acne is the most common skin condition known to man. According to the latest research, over 90% of people have acne at some point in their life. One of the main drivers of acne is excessively oily skin, which corresponds to increased sebum (oil) production. Since men produce up to 40% more sebum than women, acne is much more common and more severe in males, although it can be equally as troubling in women. Sebum production tends to peak in the summer months and is mainly dependent on hormones, especially dihydrotestosterone, which signals the skin to ramp up oiliness. This, combined with the fact that sebum production does not decrease throughout one’s life in some cases, creates the perfect storm for continuous acne breakouts.
Although acne tends to improve with age, it is not uncommon to see patients with acne pimples in their 40s and 50’s. According to a recent scientific article in Skin Research and Technology, The “T-zone” of the face (forehead, nose, and chin) represents the areas that are most prone to red pimples and blackheads because these areas, when compared to the cheeks, pump out more sebum. Along with excessive sebum, hormones, and clogged pores, inflammatory cells (and the destructive enzymes they release) play an important role in acne and acne scarring. The choice of treatment depends on the extent, severity, and type of acne present.
Since most patients prefer simple treatment plans, Dana Point Dermatology usually starts with a combination retinoid-antibacterial gel that only needs to be applied on a nightly basis (as opposed to twice a day). Keep in mind that any topical acne medication needs to be applied to the entire face, not just the pimples, as this tactic actually prevents acne lesions from forming on areas of the face that are presently clear. Sometimes oral anti-inflammatory medication is needed for widespread acne or acne that does not improve with surface medicine alone; sometimes a combination works best.
If this doesn’t work, the last and most effective treatment for moderate-severe acne in men is isotretinoin (see other posts on isotretinoin). Isotretinoin safely shuts down sebum production, resulting in a cure for acne in 1 in 3 individuals who take it. Although this medication is very effective, it is quite potent and should only be prescribed by a board-certified dermatologist with expert knowledge of acne. It should be noted that acne scars are not improved with the use of isotretinoin because scars are caused by collagen destruction, not excessive sebum production.
Dana Point Dermatology’s Bottom Line: Acne is a common skin condition in people of any age. Effective treatment is available and recommended for individuals with acne.
