June marks National Acne Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to shine a light on acne—a widespread yet often misunderstood skin condition. Often brushed off as mere “pimples,” acne can range from mild breakouts with few symptoms to severe cases that leave lasting scars. Affecting 80% of young adults in the United States, acne can deeply impact self-esteem, social life, mental health, and overall well-being, with studies linking it to depression, social dysfunction, and even suicidal thoughts. At Waccamaw Dermatology, we’re here with expert guidance, compassionate support, and effective solutions to help you manage acne and regain confidence in your skin.
Why Acne Awareness Matters: A Common Challenge
Acne is the most prevalent skin condition in the U.S., touching the lives of millions. It’s not just a teenage issue—over 25% of women and 12% of men in their 40s report acne, proving it can persist or emerge at any age. This inflammatory disorder occurs when pores become clogged with excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria, triggering an inflammatory reaction. Whether you’re a teenager navigating puberty or an adult facing unexpected flare-ups, understanding acne is key to finding relief and feeling your best.
At Waccamaw Dermatology, we understand the emotional toll acne can take. Our warm, approachable team is dedicated to providing world-class care, ensuring every patient feels valued and supported on their skincare journey.
Acne 101: Understanding the Basics
Acne develops when hair follicles—each containing a hair and an oil-producing gland—become blocked. The gland releases sebum to create a protective, greasy surface on the skin, but problems arise when:
- Too much oil is produced, overwhelming the pore.
- Dead skin cells accumulate, clogging the follicle.
- Bacteria build up, causing inflammation and breakouts.
Acne is categorized into three main types:
- Persistent Acne: Begins in adolescence and continues into adulthood, accounting for 73.2% to 82% of adult acne cases.
- Late-Onset Acne: Develops for the first time after age 25, often surprising adults with new breakouts.
- Relapsing Acne: Heals and then returns, fluctuating from youth into adulthood.
Our expert dermatologists at Waccamaw Dermatology are here to identify your acne type and recommend tailored solutions, helping you achieve clear, healthy skin.
Teenage vs. Adult Acne: Key Differences
While acne is often associated with teenagers, it doesn’t stop there. Adolescent acne (ages 10–19) is typically driven by hormonal surges during puberty, appearing more frequently in males and often on the forehead and nose. Adult acne (age 20 and older), however, is more common in women and tends to show up on the lower chin or jawline. Adult acne can stem from hormonal changes, stress, or other factors, differing from teenage acne in epidemiology, presentation, and treatment approaches.
At Waccamaw Dermatology, we recognize these differences and offer inclusive care for all ages, ensuring you receive the right treatment for your unique needs.
Acne Symptoms and Causes: What to Look For
Acne’s complexity can make it frustrating to manage, with various causes and symptoms often misunderstood. It most commonly appears on the face but can also develop on the back, chest, and shoulders. Common symptoms include:
- Whiteheads: Closed, plugged follicles beneath the skin, appearing as white bumps.
- Blackheads: Open, plugged follicles reaching the surface, turning dark due to oxidation.
- Papules: Small, red, tender bumps.
- Pustules: Red pimples with pus at the tips.
- Nodules: Painful, solid lumps deep within the skin.
- Cysts: Large, painful lumps filled with pus, often leading to scarring.
Several factors increase acne risk:
- Hormones: Rising androgens (male sex hormones) during puberty or pregnancy can trigger breakouts.
- Family History: Acne often runs in families, increasing your likelihood if your parents had it.
- Medications: Certain drugs, like corticosteroids, lithium, or hormonal treatments, can cause acne.
- Age: Teens and young adults are most affected, but acne can occur at any age.
While diet, stress, environmental irritants, and skin irritation don’t cause acne, they can worsen it. Our caring team at Waccamaw Dermatology is here to clarify these factors and guide you toward effective solutions.
Self-Treatment for Acne: Simple Steps for Clearer Skin
Your skin is your body’s largest organ and first line of defense—prioritizing its health is essential. Over-the-counter products like face soaps, creams, and supplements abound, but there’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution. A thorough physical exam and medical history, available at Waccamaw Dermatology, help us recommend the best approach for you.
At home, you can improve acne with these self-care tips:
- Wash your face gently twice daily with a mild cleanser.
- Use water-based makeup instead of oil-based products.
- Apply sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
- Avoid squeezing or scratching pimples, wearing tight headbands or hats, touching your face, or using greasy cosmetics.
If self-care doesn’t clear your acne, it’s time to see a dermatologist. Different symptoms require targeted treatments, such as:
- Whiteheads and Blackheads: Retinoids (creams, gels, or liquids), benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, salicylic acid, or antibiotics.
- Nodules and Cysts: Prescription medications, antibiotics, hormonal therapy, or isotretinoin (for severe acne).
- Pimples: Benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, or azelaic acid.
Our experts at Waccamaw Dermatology tailor these treatments to your specific acne type, ensuring optimal results.
Expert Acne Care at Waccamaw Dermatology Skin Institute
When acne becomes unmanageable, Waccamaw Dermatology Skin Institute is here to help. “We start by assessing the patient to determine their acne type, which guides our therapy,” says Cheryl Zeidman, Certified Physician Assistant at Waccamaw Dermatology. “I advise against scrubbing with washcloths, picking, or squeezing acne. Treating acne takes time, and while there’s no cure, our goal is control and maintenance. For patients struggling after systemic antibiotics, isotretinoin or Accutane may be needed.”
We provide high-quality, personalized care to achieve healthy, nourished skin. Acne treatment is a unique journey, and you’re not alone—our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way.
Take Charge of Your Skin This Acne Awareness Month
Struggling with acne? Waccamaw Dermatology is your partner in achieving clear, confident skin. Schedule a consultation with our expert dermatologists to explore personalized acne solutions, from self-care tips to advanced treatments. Don’t let acne hold you back—book your appointment at your nearest Waccamaw Dermatology location today and start your journey to healthier skin!
