Imagine Summer Without Acne

For many, the Summer is a time for outings and excursions, the period that requires you to show a little more skin than usual, be it trips to the beach, poolside Bar-Be-Q or just out of town. Wherever it is, sleeveless, backless and even topless is mode of dress. The thoughts of baring usually covered body surface to the public bring trepidation to many.

Many patients wonder how to keep their skin acne-free especially on their chest and back which cannot be covered by makeup. In fact, it is worse for the guys who cannot wear a full piece swim suit.

Almost everyone has experienced Acne Vulgaris (AV) in one form or another. The exact cause of AV is complex and only partially understood, but one could say that it is caused by sticky skin cells in the opening of the hair follicles/ sebaceous glands. The oily material produced by sebaceous glands is part of the reason that the cells are sticky.

This process is mainly influenced by growth hormone in the teenage years and stress in the adult years. For girls and women, this process is worsened by hormonal changes during menstrual cycle (monthly menses). The cells form “plugs” in the opening of the oil gland, and this is called a comedone (“white-head” or “black-head”).

The occlusion of the pores results in the bacteria that live in the sebaceous glands multiplying quickly and causing the comedones to enlarge. Some of the comedones “explode” and turn into big red “papules” and “pustules” (pimples).

The explosion results in the irritation of the melanocytes (pigment factories) nearby causing them to produce excess pigment. This explains why there are dark spots (hyperpigmentation) even though the pimple has NOT been “squeezed”.

The souvenir dark spots left by the burnt out pimples have a multiplier effect. In short order, the face chest and back are covered with unsightly blemishes!

Management:

• Prevention is better than cure!
• Always remove your makeup before retiring to bed! Dissolve the oily plug in the pores by washing your face with, Neutrogena acne bar, salicylic acid bar (Aveeno bar), sulfur bar (AriSulfur bar ) or clean your face as directed by your skin therapist.
• Kill the bacteria using sulfur product e.g (ariSulfur bar) or over the counter benzoyl peroxide wash (Clerasil , Clean and Clear)
• Fade the dark spots by exfoliating the pigmented dead skin cells using sulfur products e.g (ariSulfur bar, Neutragena spot on ).
• Wear a night moisturizer e.g Oil of Olay night repair especially if you sleep in air condition room. The dry air will dehydrate your skin.
• Always try to wear cool clothing that keep the body cool and minimize sweating. As soon as you finish playing sports, take a shower to ensure that the pores will not be blocked, resulting in germs multiplying. If an immediate shower is not possible, then put on a fresh dry shirt and shorts to prevent acne on the chest and back, even buttocks!
• Diet does play a role. The latest theory on acne is that a high carbohydrate diet contributes to the activation of the oil gland. Excessive oil production causes blockage of the glands which facilitate the germs to multiply, resulting in infection/ pus formation and dark spots/ blemishes. Consume a diet high in seasonal fruits and vegetables. Drink more water rather than sugary drinks. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of 8oz fluids. If playing or working in heat, then you should drink until the urine is clear in colour to prevent dehydration.