What is acne?

Hey there! Let's talk about taking care of your skin. Sometimes, our skin can get all red and swollen, and that's called inflammation. But don't worry, there are ways to help it! One way is by using sulfur, which is a special ingredient that can remove dead skin cells and dry up extra oil on your skin.

Acne is a skin problem that happens when your face, neck, chest, shoulders, or back get blemishes. It's really common during your teenage years, but it can also happen when you're an adult. To keep your skin and hair healthy, your body has these little glands called sebaceous glands.

They make an oily stuff called sebum that covers your skin and hair to keep them from getting dry. The sebum travels up your hair follicles and comes out through your pores onto your skin. Normally, your hair follicles get rid of dead skin cells, and the sebum carries them away. But sometimes, your body makes too much sebum and dead skin cells, and they get stuck together and block your pores.

This can cause blemishes on your skin. Then, the bacteria that's usually on your skin can grow in the blocked pore and make it red and swollen. Depending on where the blockage is and if you have swelling, you might see whiteheads (blocked pores that are closed off), blackheads (blocked pores that turn dark when they're exposed to air), pimples (swollen pores filled with pus), or cysts (big, painful lumps filled with pus that go deep under your skin).

When you're a teenager, your hormones change, especially testosterone, and that can make your body produce more sebum. That's why acne often happens during your teenage years, but it can happen at any age. Other things that can cause acne are bacteria, certain medicines, and your genes. If you have a mild case of acne, your doctor might suggest using a lotion you can buy without a prescription.

These lotions have different ingredients that can help. Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria, dries up extra oil, and gets rid of dead skin cells that block your pores. Salicylic acid slows down how fast your skin cells die, so your pores don't get blocked. It can also break down whiteheads and blackheads. Hydroxy acids, like lactic acid, help get rid of dead skin cells, reduce swelling, and make new skin grow that's smoother.

Now, sulfur and other strong chemicals can be a bit harsh on your skin, so it's important to follow the instructions carefully when using them. If you try some products from the store and they don't work, don't worry! You can visit a dermatologist, who is a skin doctor. They might give you stronger lotions, like vitamin A, which can help get rid of dead skin cells in your pores. They might also give you antibiotics that you put on your skin to kill bacteria. In more serious cases, they might even give you medicine that you take by mouth.

No matter what treatment your doctor suggests, it's super important to take good care of your skin. For example, you should wash the areas with problems twice a day using a mild soap. Be gentle when washing, don't scrub too hard! If your skin is dry or peeling, you can use a moisturizer that doesn't have any oil in it. When choosing any product for your skin, look for labels that say "oil-free" or "non comedogenic" because those won't clog your pores.

Here's a tip: try not to pick or squeeze your pimples, as it can make things worse and cause infections or scars. Also, avoid touching your face with your hands, hair, or anything else like a cell phone. And remember, if you have any questions or concerns, always talk to your doctor. Take care of your skin, and it will take care of you!