Acne vulgaris is a term we often hear, but acne seems to be less familiar to most people. Some even believe acne is a severe type of pustular lesion. However, Dr. Zhang Yunsong, Director of the Plastic Surgery and Laser Cosmetology Center at Guangdong Provincial Second People's Hospital, explains that acne and acne vulgaris refer to the same condition. Since it commonly affects young people, it has become customary to call it acne vulgaris.
Acne arises from a combination of multiple factors
"Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Its development is primarily influenced by a complex interplay of physical factors, genetic predisposition, lifestyle habits, environmental conditions, and psychological stressors."Director Zhang Yun Song explained that endocrine factors primarily involve excessive sebum production due to hormonal imbalances, or increased Propionibacterium acnes causing damage to the skin barrier. This allows desquamated keratinocytes and rod-shaped bacteria to enter the dermis, triggering inflammation around hair follicles.
Additionally, environmental dust, hidden mites in daily life, frequent consumption of fried foods, chronic sleep deprivation, and excessive mental stress can all contribute to acne development.
Acne can also appear after age 30
While acne commonly affects younger individuals, does this mean middle-aged adults are immune? Director Zhang Yunsong explains, "Although acne predominantly occurs during adolescence, some individuals may still develop breakouts even after turning 30. This is primarily determined by the underlying causes of acne."
Director Zhang Yun Song explains that middle-aged individuals often face multifaceted pressures—family, work, finances, and more. Excessive stress can disrupt the body's endocrine system, leading to overactive sebaceous glands and blocked pores, which similarly predispose them to acne.
Preventing Acne at Its Root Causes
As the saying goes: Prevention is better than cure. To avoid future troubles, the best approach is to prevent acne from forming in the first place. How exactly can one prevent breakouts? Director Zhang Yunsong advises focusing on four key areas: lifestyle habits, dietary choices, stress management, and cosmetic use."For instance, in dietary habits, minimize consumption of irritating, spicy, fried, overly greasy, or excessively sweet foods. These items can trigger excessive sebum production or accelerate skin damage," Director Zhang Yun Song explains. Beyond diet, he advises against frequent late nights and prolonged sleep deprivation, as chronic sleep shortage disrupts endocrine balance and contributes to acne formation.
Beyond common external factors, internal influences are equally significant. Mental and physical health are intrinsically linked. Cultivating a relaxed mindset, maintaining positive emotions, developing resilience, and learning to release stress appropriately can also effectively prevent acne. Director Zhang Yun Song emphasized that addressing root causes is essential for truly preventing breakouts.