04 Aug Got Summer Acne? We Have Solutions
You should book a dermatology appointment every year—the same way you see your GP and dentist annually. Summer is a great time to book your derm session at RefinedMD, where we understand the intersection of cosmetic and medical skin care. Acne is the most common skin condition, so common that many people consider it just part of life or a rite of passage. However, it is a real medical condition that can cause low self-esteem and even permanent scarring in severe cases. During the summer months, chin acne can be especially prevalent. Here’s what causes it, what to do about it, and how we can help.
All types of acne, whether whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, or pustules, are caused by a myriad of environmental and biological factors. Environmental factors, such as dirty pillowcases, can be nixed by adopting better habits. However, many times the real cause of acne is excess oil production (hello, chin acne) and hormone shifts. Genetics also play a role, so if a lot of your immediate family members have acne, you probably do, too. When it comes to chin acne in particular, there is no singular answer to the cause. Chin acne can often present more like inflamed papules and pustules instead of smaller “clogged-pore acne” due to differences in pores in this part of the face. But that doesn’t make it any better—in fact, chin acne can appear as some of the reddest, angriest, most obvious kind of acne.
Chin up: Acne Can Get Under Control
Another common cause of all types of acne is stress. When we are anxious, our skin lets the world know. This is because cortisol, a hormone that responds to stress, leads to inflammation. Our body reads that as a threat and, in turn, our skin is even more sensitive than normal. When we’re stressed, our sebaceous glands make more oil, which clogs our pores and can cause a wave of whiteheads and blackheads. Those who tend to break out suddenly, rather than struggling with acne for years, might be in the midst of sleepless nights and an acute stressful period. Also known as a “stress zit,” you can help keep these under control in part by adopting stress-reducing activities.
However, if you have hormonal acne, that can last for decades. We often associate hormonal acne with teens but, while teenagers are certainly undergoing hormonal changes, that doesn’t end with high school graduation. This is especially true for women who face pre-menopause, menopause, and post-menopausal symptoms. Changes in estrogen, androgens, and progesterone is thought to be one of the typical causes of deep chin pimples (via increased sebum production). Sebum is what comes from our sebaceous glands, which can be found all over the face. It might sound counterproductive, but making sure skin is hydrated and protected is key to keeping pores open and unclogged.
Ultimately, there are countless potential causes of chin acne, from PCOS to face masks. What matters now is what you can do about it. Avoid popping, squeezing, and picking these zits—and keep in mind that over the counter topicals often don’t work. If you really want to stop acne and prevent it, professional help may be necessary.
In-Office Treatments
Medical-grade topicals such as retinol can help many people with acne. Treatments such as laser skin rejuvenation are also highly effective both in stopping acne and diminishing old acne scars. Routine in-office treatments, such as facials, can help keep skin moisturized and pores unclogged. There is no one size fits all treatment for any kind of acne, so every regimen should be customized just for you.
Acne is arguably the most common skin condition, but there are also brown spots, melasma, and other issues that appear more prevalent in the summer months. Sun is known for actually helping with acne, but at what cost? UV damage is cumulative, and you might not notice the spread of brown spots until years after the damage has occurred. Most brown spots are harmless, though it is important to be checked every year for atypical moles and melanoma. Skin cancer affects 20 – 25 percent of people at some point in their lives, and only a dermatologist should ensure that your skin is clear and healthy. Book your derm appointment today by calling RefinedMD during business hours or completing the online contact form now.