Acne is a major concern for many young people in Hong Kong. However, there are often numerous misunderstandings within society regarding the treatment and care of acne. Many individuals have questions about the causes of acne, treatment methods, and the formation of scars. Today, let us clarify some important concepts.
Firstly, the occurrence of acne is related to individual constitution; the secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands is determined by genetics. Therefore, not everyone who frequently consumes fried foods or uses inappropriate skincare products will develop acne. It is not completely feasible to control sebum production, which is one of the most common questions asked of doctors.
Some patients come to the clinic asking if they can improve their skin condition through diet, exercise, and drinking more water. In reality, such ideas are often impractical, as solely relying on these methods cannot effectively treat acne. Even using oil-absorbing sheets to reduce oil production does not lead to significant improvement, especially for patients with dry skin.
Regarding the treatment of acne, many people still harbor a “self-treatment” mentality, believing that they can solve the problem through cleansing or topical products. In fact, this is merely a form of care and not true treatment. Therefore, it is very important to seek professional medical help early; otherwise, unmanaged acne over time may evolve into hard-to-treat scars.
People often wonder if washing their face frequently can improve acne. While cleansing has its necessity, it can only serve as an auxiliary measure and should not be overly relied upon. Furthermore, many products promoted by advertisements or media have their efficacy often unverified; therefore, care should be taken and rationality should guide product selection.
After puberty, the formation of adult acne is influenced by stress and cosmetics. Many women, in an effort to cover up skin problems, tend to use thicker foundations, which can further clog pores and worsen the issue. Addressing acne early is essential to effectively prevent the formation of scars.
Concerning the topic of popping acne, while many people feel the urge to do so, self-extraction is not wise. If not done carefully, it may lead to inflammation or leave pitted scars. The correct approach should be to have treatment performed by a professional beautician or doctor to avoid unnecessary damage.
Further exploring treatment methods, for more severe cases of acne, such as cystic acne, medical intervention may be required, such as oral isotretinoin or professional laser treatments. Many new technological treatment methods have matured, and options like photodynamic therapy have become effective choices. These treatments not only target existing acne but can also improve skin texture and reduce the likelihood of future occurrences.
Lastly, besides treating existing acne, new technologies for treating already formed acne scars, such as fractional laser treatment, are also worth noting. These techniques can effectively improve acne scars, offering shorter recovery times and lower side effects. With the continuous development of medical technology, new treatment methods will be continually introduced, bringing hope to more acne patients.