Home » Skin Blog » Skin Knowledge and Problems » Management and Care of Acne: Ways to Improve Skin Health

Acne, a skin problem that troubles young people, is a painful and distressing experience for many. Doctors provide an in-depth analysis of the causes of acne and how to effectively reduce its incidence, allowing us to break through this predicament and achieve healthier skin.

It’s important to understand that the recurrence of acne is often related to multiple factors, including genetics, hormones, and lifestyle habits. Even after treatment, some individuals may still experience acne troubles upon stopping medication, not solely due to the efficacy of the drugs or the skill of the doctor, but because each patient’s skin condition is unique. Doctors emphasize, “No doctor can guarantee that your skin will no longer break out.” This statement highlights the difficulty of treating acne, and our own efforts are also indispensable.

The causes of acne can be traced back to four key elements: the buildup of dead skin cells, excessive oil production, the proliferation of bacteria, and hormonal fluctuations. Among these, excessive oil secretion is one of the primary causes. While oral isotretinoin can effectively control oil production, relying only on topical medications will not fundamentally solve the problem. When treating acne, in addition to medication, patient compliance is crucial; regular check-ups and good communication with the doctor are necessary to effectively improve the situation.

The process of treating acne is not instantaneous. Doctors point out that if one wishes to achieve the best results from oral isotretinoin, it typically requires at least 4 to 5 months, coupled with appropriate dosages. Dosage selection should be tailored to the patient’s condition, and this process necessitates close collaboration between the doctor and the patient. Only by ensuring treatment efficacy and minimizing the risk of recurrence can one attain a more ideal skin condition.

The impact of lifestyle on skin cannot be overlooked. Doctors mention that some patients experience exacerbated acne due to late-night activities and poor dietary habits, highlighting the necessity for lifestyle adjustments. Adequate sleep, a healthy diet, controlling sugar intake, and reducing the consumption of sugary beverages are all effective ways to improve skin quality.

Furthermore, for some patients who have been troubled by acne for a long time, hormone testing may become part of the diagnosis. For instance, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may require hormonal adjustments to alleviate the condition. In this area, doctors advise patients to seek help from specialists to identify the root causes and take the correct steps forward.

It is also worth noting that, throughout the acne treatment process, preventing the formation of acne scars is equally important. The treatment of acne scars is not only lengthy but can often leave patients feeling disappointed about the potential for restoration. Therefore, during the acne treatment phase, it is advisable to consider skincare strategies early to avoid leaving behind difficult-to-remove marks.

It is important to acknowledge that the rate of recurrence in acne treatment is about 60%, which means new acne may still arise even two years after discontinuing treatment. However, this does not imply that the treatment was ineffective. Doctors emphasize that even if a recurrence occurs, the new acne is often milder than previous outbreaks. This is because past treatments help maintain the skin’s baseline condition.

Ultimately, managing acne clinically is a never-ending process that requires ongoing attention and care. Doctors recommend maintaining good lifestyle habits and self-care, which are equally important. We all hope to have healthy, glowing skin; as long as we can persist and make changes, the future holds promise.