Acne
Dr. Wu's analysis
What is acne?
Acne is a common chronic skin condition in which the sebaceous glands become clogged and inflamed. The condition occurs when excessive sebum production, dead skin cells, and skin bacteria such as Cutibacterium acnes clump together in the hair follicles. This causes blackheads, pimples, and sometimes deeper inflammations such as cysts. Acne most often occurs on the face, back, and chest, because there are relatively many sebaceous glands present there.
Although acne is most common during puberty due to hormonal changes, it can occur at any age. Adults, especially women, can suffer from persistent or hormonal acne. The severity varies greatly: from mild comedones to severe inflammations with a risk of scarring. Therefore, timely and targeted treatment is essential to limit complaints and residual symptoms.
What causes acne?
Pimples can be caused by various factors, such as hormonal fluctuations, excessive sebum production, inflammation, and bacterial growth. Below are the most common causes.
Who are susceptible to acne?
Video: The connection between acne and sugar
How do you recognize and distinguish acne?
How can you recognize acne?
Dark spots caused by accumulated sebum and dead skin cells in pores.
Closed comedones covered by a skin layer, remain white due to lack of oxidation.
Red, painful bumps without pus. Initial stage of a pimple.
Bacterial infections that cause inflamed bumps with pus.
Deep, painful inflammations that can cause scars.
Which skin problems look like acne?
Not all pimples on the face are acne. Pustules can also be caused by other skin conditions. The main differences lie in the cause and appearance of the pimples.
Here are some skin conditions that can also cause pustules:
- Folliculitis – Inflammation of hair follicles due to a bacterial infection.
- Perioral dermatitis (clown eczema) – Redness and small pimples, usually around the mouth, often caused by skin care products.
- Rosacea – Accompanied by chronic redness and visible blood vessels on the cheeks and nose.
- Impetigo (impetigo contagiosa) – Superficial bacterial infection, recognizable by yellow crust formation.
Although these skin conditions can cause pustules, they differ in underlying cause, external characteristics, and treatment.
What types of acne are there?
Different forms of acne and their causes
Acne comes in different forms. Below you can read more about the different types of acne, how to recognize them, and what the possible causes are.
Cause: Presumably due to androgen hormones produced by the mother or the baby itself.
Cause: Hormonal (DHEAS, testosterone), medication (corticosteroids, Mirena coil), genetic predisposition, PCOS and Cushing's syndrome.
Cause: Smoking, genetic predisposition, overweight, sweating, and mechanical irritation. Associated with Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Interesting study: A yeast-free diet may potentially help with acne inversa.
Cause: Possibly related to testosterone levels and anabolic steroids.
Cause: Rare disease, possibly due to high doses of isotretinoin or increased testosterone levels.
Cause: Chronic skin inflammation, especially in women between 30 and 60 years old.
How do you effectively treat acne?
What can I do about it myself?
What treatments are there?
What should you avoid with acne?
Iconic Elements products
The Iconic Elements skincare products are developed based on scientifically substantiated ingredients, have a skin-neutral pH of 5, and are free from microplastics. They were awarded the Best Dermatologist Developed Skincare Brand 2024 and Best Holistic Skincare Line 2022 awards. More about the background and studies used can be found on the respective product pages.
🛈 These products are cosmetic and intended for the care of healthy, sensitive, or out-of-balance skin. They are not intended as a medical treatment or to replace professional medical advice. For personalized skin advice, we recommend consulting a skin therapist or doctor.
General acne
A suitable skincare routine for blemished or acne-prone skin focuses on cleansing the skin without disrupting its balance and supports the natural skin barrier. By combining care products with mild ingredients, the skin remains better hydrated and balanced.
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Acne & sensitive irritated skin
An inflammation-prone and quickly irritated skin needs mild care to stay calm and balanced.
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Acne & dry, vulnerable skin
An isotretinoin treatment for acne or other dermatological conditions can make the skin more dry and sensitive. The right skin care helps support the skin barrier, reduce redness, and keep the skin hydrated without irritating it.
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Acne & pigment
Acne can not only cause active inflammation, but also leave behind residual pigment spots and uneven pigmentation. An effective approach combines reducing impurities with fading unwanted pigment spots.
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With niacinamide and ectoin, ingredients that have been researched for their calming properties on sensitive or troubled skin. Helps improve skin comfort without drying out. In 2016, it won a Beauty Award in Hong Kong.
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Tips when you have acne
Advice: try to stop using these for at least 3 weeks, if the acne improves then stop with your protein supplement. Possibly that's where the cause lies.
If your acne doesn’t improve after at least three weeks without protein shakes, try reintroducing them. If the acne does not worsen after restarting, it’s likely safe to continue using them.
Advice: stick to the recommended zinc supplement dose and try it for 3 months. It is wise to look for a combined zinc/copper supplement. Both minerals enhance each other.
Advice: for both men and women, clean your skin twice a day with a mild facial cleanser.