What Causes Inflammatory Acne and How to Treat It

Acne is undeniably one of the most common skin conditions that can impact self-confidence, and inflammatory acne is particularly challenging. Characterized by large, red, swollen, and often painful pimples, this type of acne can take longer to heal and frequently leaves behind scars. In this guide, we’ll discuss what inflammatory acne is, its causes, and how to treat it effectively with anti-inflammatory acne treatments.

What Causes Inflammatory Acne?

Hormones: Inflammatory acne often occurs during adolescence when hormonal changes are most significant. Increased levels of androgens (male hormones) stimulate the sebaceous glands, leading to excess oil production. This excess oil, combined with dirt and impurities, can clog pores, resulting in inflammatory acne.
Diet: Consuming certain foods, like fried, high-fat, and spicy meals, can trigger inflammatory acne. These foods may influence oil production and inflammation levels in the skin.
Lack of sleep: Insufficient rest disrupts the body’s ability to regulate hormones effectively, increasing the likelihood of inflammatory acne. Proper sleep is essential for balanced skin health.
Stress: Stress is another significant factor that exacerbates inflammatory acne. Stress hormones can worsen acne flare-ups, making it crucial to manage stress levels for better skin health.
Residual dirt on the skin: Exposure to pollution, dirt, and frequent makeup use without proper cleansing can contribute to inflammatory acne. Not cleansing your skin thoroughly or frequently touching your face can introduce bacteria that lead to breakouts.

How to Treat Inflammatory Acne: 4 Effective Ways

Adjust Your Habits: Lifestyle plays a significant role in managing inflammatory acne. Habits like frequently touching your face, eating high-fat foods, or staying up late, can worsen acne. Start by identifying and gradually changing these habits to help reduce flare-ups over time.
Proper Skin Cleansing: Keeping your skin clean is crucial for preventing inflammatory acne. Double cleansing is an effective technique: start with a cleansing product to remove oil, dirt, makeup, and skincare residue, then follow up with a gentle cleanser to remove any lingering impurities.
Choose Suitable Skincare Products: Using the wrong skincare products can aggravate inflammatory acne. During flare-ups, it’s best to simplify your routine to essential products like a gentle moisturizer and sunscreen. If your skin is dry, opt for a cream-based moisturizer, while gel-based options are better for oily or combination skin to prevent clogged pores. Avoid exfoliating or brightening products during breakouts, as they can irritate the skin further.
Consult a Dermatologist: Consulting a dermatologist is one of the most effective ways to treat inflammatory acne. A dermatologist can assess your skin type and acne severity and offer tailored treatments like oral medications to balance hormones, topical treatments to reduce inflammation, and professional extractions to prevent clogged pores from turning into inflammatory acne.

Anti-Inflammatory Acne Treatment – What Not to Do

Resisting the urge to squeeze inflammatory acne is important. Popping pimples can damage the surrounding skin, leading to scarring that is often difficult to treat and, in some cases, permanent. Instead, seek professional advice from a dermatologist to explore safe and effective treatments for inflammatory acne.

Get Expert Treatment At Privato Clinic

If you’re struggling with acne scars from inflammatory acne, Privato Clinic offers comprehensive acne scar treatments in Bangkok. Our team of experienced dermatologists utilizes the latest technology to treat acne scars effectively. Visit any of our three branches in Bangkok for professional care tailored to your needs.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact us. Start your journey to clear, healthy skin today!