HOW TO TREAT ACNE AT HOME. Acne- All you need to know.

Summary

In this video, Dr. Umar from Med Simplify explores the causes of acne, detailing the role of hormones, bacteria, and skin cells in its development. He discusses the four grades of acne and their corresponding treatments, including topical medications, face hygiene, and oral drugs. The video also offers practical at-home remedies like apple cider vinegar, zinc supplements, honey and cinnamon masks, fish oil, and regular exfoliation to help viewers manage and prevent acne naturally.

Takeaways

• 😀 Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting 40 to 50 million Americans each year.
• 🌐 Acne is not limited to teenagers; it affects 20% of adults between the ages of 25 and 44.
• 🦠 The most common bacteria involved in acne is Propionibacterium acnes, which is part of the normal skin flora.
• 🧬 The pilosebaceous unit, consisting of hair and sebaceous glands, plays a crucial role in acne development.
• 🔍 Sebum, an oily secretion from sebaceous glands, is essential for skin lubrication and has antibacterial properties.
• 🔝 Testosterone levels increase during puberty, leading to increased sebum production and a higher risk of acne.
• 🚫 Blocked pores due to excess sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria lead to the formation of acne.
• 📊 Acne is graded into four levels of severity, with treatment options varying according to the grade.
• 💊 Topical medications, face hygiene, and oral medicines are the primary treatments for acne, depending on its severity.
• 🍽️ Diet plays a significant role in acne management, with certain foods like dairy and refined sugars potentially exacerbating acne.
• 🏡 Home remedies, such as apple cider vinegar, zinc supplements, honey and cinnamon masks, fish oil supplements, and regular exfoliation, can help manage mild to moderate acne.

Q & A

What is the most common skin condition in the United States according to the Academy of Dermatology?

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States.

What percentage of young adults globally suffer from acne?

More than forty to fifty percent of young adults all across the globe suffer from acne.

What is the role of Propionibacterium acnes in acne formation?

Propionibacterium acnes is a normal bacteria on human skin that colonizes and causes inflammation when acne formation is favored.

What is the pilosebaceous unit and how is it related to acne?

The pilosebaceous unit is a structure in the skin made up of hair and sebaceous glands. It plays a role in acne formation as the sebaceous gland produces sebum, which can lead to clogged pores and acne when overproduced.

How does testosterone contribute to acne development?

Testosterone is one of the main hormones that control the amount of sebum produced by the sebaceous glands. An increase in testosterone levels, such as during puberty, can lead to increased sebum production and acne development.

What are the four grades of acne and what are their characteristics?

Grade one includes comedo and few papules, grade two includes whiteheads and blackheads, grade three includes few nodules along with whiteheads, and grade four includes nodules and cysts with marked inflammation and permanent scarring.

What is the recommended treatment for grade 1 acne?

For grade 1 acne, the recommended treatment is a simple topical retinoid cream and a salicylic acid face wash applied twice daily.

What are some lifestyle changes that can help reduce the severity of acne?

Lifestyle changes that can help reduce acne severity include maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding dairy products, spicy food, fast food, and refined sugars, and managing stress.

What are some home remedies for treating mild to moderate acne?

Home remedies for treating mild to moderate acne include applying apple cider vinegar to the face, taking zinc supplements, making a honey and cinnamon mask, taking fish oil supplements, and regular exfoliation.

How can apple cider vinegar help in treating acne and how should it be used?

Apple cider vinegar can help fight Propionibacterium acnes and suppress inflammation. It should be mixed with water, applied to the skin using a cotton ball, and left on for 5 to 20 minutes before rinsing off.

What is the significance of zinc in treating acne and what is the recommended dosage?

Zinc is an essential nutrient that can help reduce acne. The optimal dosage for acne treatment has not been established, but studies have shown a reduction in acne with 30 to 45 milligrams of elemental zinc per day.