Skin is the largest organ of our body. It is exposed to many environmental factors which affect its function. This makes it prone to diseases and disorders. Skin diseases are more common in women than men. Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles.
The sensitivity of the skin is also another common disorder of the skin. It is a genetic disorder where the skin becomes more sensitive to the external environment. In this article, I will discuss the difference between acne-prone skin and sensitive skin, what causes both cases, and its remedies.
Differences Between Acne-Prone Skin and Sensitive Skin
Acne-prone skin is a skin type that tends to break out more and faster than other types of skin. This skin type is usually characterized by the presence of blackheads, pimples, or whiteheads.
Sensitive skin, on the other hand, is a skin type that is more sensitive to the external environment. It has a lower resistance to the external environment. It is characterized by the presence of small red bumps and dry skin.
What Causes Acne-Prone Skin?
There are many factors that can cause acne-prone skin. Some of these factors include;
1. Hormonal Changes
Many young women will experience hormonal changes during their teenage years. This change in hormones can cause acne, affecting the skin’s function. Also, a 30-year-old woman will experience hormonal changes during her menstrual cycle. This change in hormones may also cause acne.
2. Use of Oral Contraceptives
Pills such as oral contraceptives can cause acne. This is because the pill contains synthetic hormones which have strong effects on the skin. This can lead to acne in women.
3. Stress
Stress is a common cause of acne-prone skin. Stress can cause hormonal changes in the body and make it more sensitive to the external environment. This makes the skin more prone to breakouts.
4. Diet
The quality of food we eat can have an effect on our skin. A healthy diet is known to have a positive effect on the skin. The types of food that can cause acne include foods containing a high amount of sugar, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners. These foods are known to cause acne.
5. Exposure To Environmental Factors
The external environment plays a vital role in causing acne. This can be due to heat, skin exposure, or changes in weather. These factors can affect the skin’s function and make it more susceptible to acne.
6. Smoking and Alcohol Consumption
Smoking and alcohol consumption are two major causes of acne. These two habits are known to cause acne as it increases the production of sebum, natural oil that covers the pores of our skin.
What Causes Sensitive Skin?
1. Allergy
Allergies are characterized by the presence of itchy, red bumps and skin rashes. This is because the skin has a lower resistance to the external environment and thus resulting in skin sensitivity.
2. Chemical Exposure
Exposure to certain chemicals can cause sensitive skin. Some of these chemicals include; Antibiotics, Perfumes, Soaps, and Detergents.
3. Dryness
Dry skin is a common cause of sensitive skin as it is prone to inflammation. Dry skin is characterized by the presence of flaky skin and rough patches. This can be due to a lack of moisture in the skin and thus cause redness, itchiness, and irritation of the skin.
4. Environmental Factors
Environmental factors are known to cause skin irritations and rashes. This can be due to weather changes, exposure to heat, cold, wind, UV rays, or air pollution. These factors can affect the skin’s function and make it more susceptible to allergic reactions.
How Can Acne Be Prevented?
There are many ways that can be done to prevent acne. These include;
1. Diet
Diet plays a vital role in preventing acne as it affects the production of sebum.
2. Skin Care
Skincare can prevent acne as it prevents the skin from becoming oily, thus reducing sebum production.
3. Sun Protection
Sun protection can prevent acne as it prevents the skin from becoming dry.
4. Hygiene
Hygiene can prevent acne as it keeps the skin clean and free from bacteria.
Treatment For Acne Prone Skin and Sensitive Skin.
Acne-Prone Skin Treatment
1. Salicylic acid is an effective acne treatment
Salicylic acid is an effective acne treatment that can help in reducing the production of sebum and thus help reduce acne. Salicylic acid works by causing the skin to shed dead skin cells and thus reducing the appearance of acne.
2. Benzoyl Peroxide is an effective acne treatment
It is a chemical substance that is known to reduce the production of sebum. By reducing the production of sebum, it reduces the chances of acne. It is known to be effective in treating mild to moderate acne.
Sensitive Skin Treatment
1. Lotions That Contain Colloidal Oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal contains the antioxidants vitamin E and zinc, which help in reducing redness, inflammation, and itchiness.
2. Moisturizers
Moisturizers are known to be effective on sensitive skin as it helps in reducing the dryness of the skin and soothe it.
Conclusion
We have seen that acne and sensitivity are common skin diseases that can be treated and prevented. We have seen that these conditions can be caused by factors such as;
- Hormonal changes
- use of oral contraceptives
- stress
- diet
- exposure to environmental factors
- allergy, etc.
