Truth About Acne

Richmond, Va. - Pinocchio’s nose grows bigger each time he lies. You grow a pimple each time you up in size.

What is the difference? Pinocchio, a cartoon character, can prevent his lies and his nose from growing so big. However, humans aren’t so lucky, especially when fighting facial acne.

Kyoni Thomas, a VCU student has had acne for years. She thinks beverages and foods triggered her acne.

“I stopped drinking soda and acidic stuff,” said Thomas.

Students such as Thomas may be surprised to learn there is no real or specific cause to acne.

Brenda King, a registered nurse at the MCV Department of Dermatology, says hormonal imbalances in the body are leading factors in acne. She explained that most adolescents experience acne for the first time during puberty when their bodies encounter estrogen and testosterone surges.

Nicole Gordon, 22, a senior at VCU, says she first experienced acne when she was about 12 years old.

“It started off as just a few breakouts on my cheeks and around my chin area,” said Gordon.

Rather than seek a dermatologist, Gordon instead tried Clinique, Proactive and over-the-counter products but none of them helped. As she matured, she started to see her acne fade away.

“Over time they just stopped coming, I was getting fewer breakouts…it gradually got better over time,” said Gordon.

Although acne is common in adolescents and teenagers, adults are not immune from blackheads and pimples. Adults get acne, too. Older women can flare up during menopause because of the change in estrogen levels, says King.

There are multiple types of acne. For example, rosacea is found mostly in adults. Rosacea acne can be caused by certain foods, alcohol and sunlight. Former president Bill Clinton had rosacea at one point, but the general acne that most young adults get is Comedonal acne, which is whiteheads and blackheads, and inflammatory acne, red pimples.

Acne can attack any kind type, but it is easier to treat oily skin because most medications can dry out the skin. King recommends that people with oily skin wash their face in the morning and at night. Washing once a day is sufficient for people with dry or normal skin, but they should use a mild soap and wash gently, she adds.

Almost every day there seems to be commercial about a new acne treatment that claims to eliminate acne. Some ads claim acne can be cleared in three to 10 days. Acne is not curable and it will never disappear completely, but it is controllable, experts say. Acne takes about two months to begin clearing up. It all depends on the severity of the acne, the medication used and the consistency of the treatment, says King.

Thomas sought dermatology help, but said it was too expensive. Products like Noxzema helped to a certain extent, she said. It took Thomas several months to find the right treatment for her skin and to see results.

The most important thing to remember is that there are all types of acne, King says. Different acnes are caused by different things. Acne is not caused from being dirty. The best results will occur with consistent care. Create a routine and keep up with it. Always use a moisturizer after using medication. Give back to your skin what the medication takes away. It has to be a balance, says King.

“Right now I’m just doing the wash your face every morning regimen. I don’t use any special products, most of the time it’s just moisturizer,” Gordon explained.

Recommended Acne Treatments

Benzyl peroxide washes can help reduce acne, along with salicylic acid for milder cases.
King says face creams with retinol, an ingredient used in anti-wrinkle products, can also help clear acne.