Chamjin Korean Medicine Clinic
ACNE & CHARMJIN
[Health Week] 3 Reasons Why Acne Reoccurs
Acne is a skin condition caused by sebum accumulation in pores, leading to inflammation. It typically occurs on areas with high levels of sebum, such as the face, chest, and back. It can appear as white or yellow sebum or as red, inflamed patches. Severe inflammation can also be accompanied by pain and swelling.

Acne can be divided into adolescent acne and adult acne based on the time of onset. Adolescent acne typically begins on the forehead and moves downwards, following the developmental sequence of sebaceous glands, so it's more common in the T-zone, while adult acne is more common on the chin and around the mouth.

Adolescent acne is mostly caused by hormonal changes and increased sebaceous gland activity during growth, but adult acne can be caused by a wider range of factors. Hormonal changes, stress, lack of sleep, oily diets, excessive alcohol consumption, poor skin care practices, genetic factors, and medication side effects can also contribute.

Acne caused by these diverse factors can sometimes improve, only to worsen again. There are three main reasons why acne relapses.

First, acne is a chronic inflammatory disease. If the underlying inflammatory triggers are not identified and addressed, the skin's inflammatory response can persist.

Second, acne is a skin condition related to the sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands are small glands in the skin that secrete oil to lubricate and protect the skin. When these glands' activity deviates from their normal range, excessive sebum production occurs, creating an environment prone to acne.

Third, lifestyle habits that stimulate sebaceous gland activity persist without improvement. High-fat, high-sugar, and high-calorie foods stimulate sebaceous gland activity. Stress and lack of sleep also contribute.

How can we address this troubling problem of acne?

We must first improve our environment to make it manageable. Inflammation in the body is best managed with herbal medicine, which has fewer side effects and excels at treating chronic inflammation, rather than taking antibiotics or other Western medications that can lead to resistance and side effects. For acne that has surfaced, proper extraction is recommended to remove the acne seeds, reducing the likelihood of pus formation. This also requires lifestyle changes.

Furthermore, it's important to maintain a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, and dietary fiber, manage stress appropriately, and ensure adequate sleep. It's also important to avoid irritating cosmetics, wash your face properly, and moisturize thoroughly.

Acne is a skin condition that can be significantly improved with treatment and management. Rather than neglecting it, we recommend seeing a specialist for appropriate treatment.

<Copyright ⓒ Health Week. Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited>

Source: Health Week - https://www.healthweek.co.kr
View original article: https://www.healthweek.co.kr/news/view.php?bIdx=6273
List