How to Get Rid of Acne For Good—According to Science

Summary

This SciShow episode delves into acne, the most common skin condition affecting up to 80% of people. It explains how acne forms due to clogged pores from excess sebum and dead skin cells, exacerbated by factors like genetics and hormones. The video covers various acne types, from blackheads to cystic acne, and discusses treatments ranging from topical medications to laser resurfacing, emphasizing the normalcy and treatability of acne.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disease, affecting about 80% of people at some point in their lives.
• 🔍 It predominantly occurs between the ages of 11 and 30, but can affect older individuals as well.
• 🧬 Acne forms when hair follicles and pores become clogged with dead skin cells and sebum, an oily substance produced by sebaceous glands.
• 💧 Sebum is essential for waterproofing and moisturizing the skin, but overproduction can lead to acne by clogging pores.
• 🌱 Keratin, a protein produced by hair follicles, when overproduced, can bind with dead skin cells and cause blockages.
• 🦠 Propionibacterium acnes, a commensal bacteria, lives on the skin and can cause acne when it penetrates deep into clogged pores.
• 🚨 Inflammation and infection are common results of clogged pores and can lead to various types of acne, including blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and cystic acne.
• 🧬 Genetics and hormones, particularly androgens like testosterone, play a significant role in the development of acne.
• 🍽 The link between diet and acne is not conclusively proven, although some studies suggest possible connections.
• 🧴 Topical treatments for mild acne include benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which help unclog pores and kill bacteria.
• 💊 For more severe acne, treatments may include antibiotics, retinoids, and hormonal therapies to regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation.
• 🛠 Procedures like dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and chemical peels can help reduce acne scars, but do not treat the acne itself.

Q & A

What is the most common skin disease in humans?

Acne, or acne vulgaris, is the most common skin disease in humans.

What percentage of people does acne affect at some point in their lives?

Acne affects about 80% of people at some point in their lives.

What are the main causes of acne?

Acne happens when follicles and pores become clogged with dead skin cells and oils.

What is the role of sebum in the skin?

Sebum is an oily, waxy substance produced by sebaceous glands that helps keep the skin waterproof and moisturized.

Why is keratin production a factor in the development of acne?

Increased keratin production can cause the extra protein to bind with dead skin cells, preventing them from shedding and leading to pore blockages.

What type of bacteria is commonly associated with acne?

Propionibacterium acnes, a commensal bacteria that naturally lives on the skin, is associated with acne when it infects clogged pores.

What is the scientific term for a clogged pore?

The scientific term for a clogged pore is a comedo.

How do blackheads and whiteheads differ?

Blackheads are open comedones where the trapped sebum and dead skin cells become oxidized, turning dark. Whiteheads are closed comedones where the clogged material appears whitish due to the lack of oxidation.

What is the most severe form of acne?

The most severe form of acne is cystic acne, which involves deep skin infections that can cause solid bumps called nodules or pus-filled bumps called cysts.

What are some factors that may contribute to the development of acne?

Factors that contribute to acne development include genetics, hormones like androgens, stress, and exposure to topical oils from cosmetics or moisturizers.

What is the general advice against doing when you have a zit?

The general advice is not to pop a zit, as it can push the infection deeper into the skin, cause more inflammation, and spread bacteria to unaffected pores.

What are some common treatments for mild acne?

Common treatments for mild acne include topical over-the-counter medications such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

How do antibiotics help in treating acne?

Antibiotics can be used to treat acne by stopping bacterial growth and reducing inflammation.

What is the role of retinoids in treating acne?

Retinoids, related to vitamin A, work by binding to skin cell receptors to remove dead skin cells, encourage healthy skin cell growth, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation.

How can birth control or corticosteroids help with acne?

Birth control or corticosteroids can regulate female hormones and reduce the amount of androgen hormones being produced, leading to less sebum production and thus less acne.

What are some procedures that can reduce acne scars?

Procedures to reduce acne scars include dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and chemical peels, which remove layers of skin or perform a controlled injury to reveal healthy skin cells underneath.