What Is Acne?

Acne (medically Acne vulgaris) is one of the most common skin conditions worldwide. It presents with clogged pores, blackheads (comedones), inflammatory pustules, papules, and in severe cases, nodules or cysts.¹ The most commonly affected areas are the face, chest, and back – regions with a high density of sebaceous glands.

Although acne is often seen as a teenage problem, it can occur at any age – even in adulthood. The so-called adult acne (Acne tarda) particularly affects women over 25.²

How Common Is Acne?

Worldwide, about 85% of adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 24 experience acne at some point.³ Up to 54% of women over 25 also report recurrent blemishes or inflammatory adult acne.⁴ The condition can be both physically and psychologically burdensome – impacting self-esteem, social behavior, and quality of life.

Causes – Why Does Acne Develop?

Acne results from a complex interplay of several factors:

1. Hormonal fluctuations: Androgens such as testosterone stimulate the sebaceous glands. This is why acne often occurs during puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or in hormonal disorders.⁵
2. Excess sebum production: Overproduction of sebum clogs the pores.⁶
3. Keratinization disorders: Dead skin cells clump together with sebum and block the pores.⁷
4. Bacterial overgrowth: Cutibacterium acnes multiplies in clogged follicles, triggering inflammation.⁸
5. Diet & lifestyle: A high glycemic index, sugary drinks, dairy products, and omega-3 deficiency can contribute to acne.⁹
6. Stress: Stress hormones such as cortisol promote inflammation.¹⁰

Types of Acne

• Acne comedonica: Blackheads, no inflammation
• Acne papulopustulosa: Papules & pustules with inflammation
• Acne conglobata: Severe, painful nodules and cysts
• Acne mechanica: Caused by friction (e.g., helmet, mask)
• Acne tarda: Adult acne

Teenage Acne vs. Adult Acne

Typical teenage acne usually involves oily skin with high sebum production. Adult acne often affects combination or dry skin – it tends to be more persistent and prone to deep inflammation in the jawline area.¹¹ Hormonal factors often play a role, which is why women are disproportionately affected.

Treatment – What Really Works?

Targeted therapy depends on severity, skin type, and underlying causes. It should combine sebum regulation, anti-inflammatory action, pore clearing, and bacterial control.

Topical Treatments (External)

• Niacinamide: Anti-inflammatory, reduces redness, strengthens the skin barrier¹²
• Benzoyl peroxide: Antibacterial against C. acnes, works via oxidation¹³
• Salicylic acid (BHA): Dissolves sebum, removes dead skin cells¹⁴
• Retinoids: Regulate cell turnover and keratinization¹⁵
• Zinc: Anti-inflammatory, sebum-regulating

Systemic Therapy (Medical)

• Isotretinoin: Most effective treatment for severe acne, acts on all pathogenic mechanisms – only under medical supervision.¹⁶
• Birth control pill / Spironolactone: For hormonal acne in women.¹⁷
• Antibiotics: Short-term therapy to reduce inflammation (e.g., doxycycline, erythromycin).¹⁸

Cosmetics & Lifestyle: What You Can Do Yourself

Skincare Tips for Acne

• Use non-comedogenic products
• Gentle cleansing, no scrubbing
• Daily lightweight sunscreen
• Maintain a consistent skincare routine
• Do not squeeze pimples to avoid scarring

Diet for Blemish-Prone Skin

• Reduce sugar, white flour & sweetened drinks
• Prioritize omega-3-rich foods
• Consider reducing cow’s milk products

Lower Stress Levels

• Meditation, yoga, or sports for hormone balance
• Adequate sleep for skin regeneration
• Digital breaks & mindful downtime

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does it take for treatment to work?
  Initial improvement often after 4–6 weeks, visible results usually after 3 months.¹⁹
• Can acne go away on its own?
  Often yes in teenagers – in adults usually not without targeted measures.
• Should I see an esthetician or a dermatologist?
  Mild acne: esthetician. Inflammatory/severe acne: dermatological evaluation.
• Is natural skincare better for acne?
  The formulation matters more than the label: mild, low-irritant, non-comedogenic.

Conclusion: Acne Is Treatable

Acne is complex – but treatable. With knowledge, targeted skincare, and, if necessary, medical support, the skin’s condition can be sustainably improved. Ingredients like niacinamide, salicylic acid, or ectoine are well-supported by scientific evidence. NATURFACTOR® uses gentle, evidence-based formulations that are also suitable for sensitive, acne-prone skin – without unnecessary irritants.

References

1. StatPearls Publishing. Acne Vulgaris. NCBI, 2024.
2. EMJ Dermatology. Adult Female Acne: Causes and Treatment, 2024.
3. American Academy of Dermatology. Acne statistics. AAD, 2023.
4. Layton AM et al. Psychological Impact of Acne. BJD, 2022.
5. Harper JC. Hormones in Acne. Dermatologic Clinics, 2020.
6. Gollnick H. Pathogenesis of Acne. JDDG, 2021.
7. Picardo M et al. Retinoids in Acne. Dermatology Reports, 2021.
8. Dréno B. Cutibacterium acnes and Acne Pathogenesis. JEADV, 2019.
9. Smith R et al. Diet and Acne: A Review. JAAD, 2020.
10. Yosipovitch G et al. The Role of Stress in Acne. Clinics in Dermatology, 2018.
11. Del Rosso JQ. Acne in Adult Women. JCAD, 2020.
12. Draelos ZD. Topical Niacinamide: Clinical Evidence, 2021.
13. Zaenglein AL. Guidelines of Care for Acne. JAAD, 2016.
14. Tanghetti E. Salicylic Acid in Acne Treatment, 2022.
15. Thielitz A. Topical Retinoids in Acne, 2020.
16. Layton AM. Isotretinoin Use in Acne. Dermatologic Therapy, 2022.
17. Chien AL. Hormonal Therapy for Acne. Dermatologic Clinics, 2020.
18. Thiboutot D. Antibiotic Use in Acne, 2019.
19. Zaenglein AL. Acne Treatment Timelines. JAAD, 2023.