Did you know that acne affects one in five people worldwide, and one in four are aged 16–24? While often dismissed as a short-lived teenage concern, acne is in fact a chronic skin condition – and one that can leave lasting physical and emotional marks long after active breakouts have cleared.
Discover the broader implications of acne: from its effects on skin quality, to its impact on overall wellbeing and the importance of a holistic approach to treatment.
Acne: not just a surface problem
Acne is a chronic skin condition that occurs when hormonal changes trigger overactive glands to produce excess oil. This oil mixes with a buildup of dead skin cells, plugging the hair follicles and resulting in non-inflammatory blackheads and whiteheads, or inflammatory red bumps and painful cysts. Inside the blocked pore, naturally occurring bacteria multiply rapidly, triggering an immune response that causes the characteristic redness, swelling and pus.
For many of those with acne, the impact goes deeper than the surface of the skin. In fact, living with acne can have profound implications for a person’s overall wellbeing, causing self-consciousness and impacting confidence. That’s why the condition deserves to be taken seriously.
“A lot of times patients who struggle with acne tend to really struggle with their emotional wellbeing. Their self-esteem, their anxiety, their self-worth – a lot of these aspects of the disease play deeper than just the skin itself.”
– Dr. Ali Shahbaz, board-certified dermatologist, United States
One often-overlooked consequence of acne is its effect on overall skin quality. The condition can weaken the skin’s natural barrier, leading to increased dryness, sensitivity and irritation and serving to exacerbate the existing skin challenges patients already face. It can also affect key markers of skin quality, including hydration, elasticity, skin tone, texture, firmness and radiance.
Acne’s long-term effects on skin quality can be significant: acne-induced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can affect patients of all skin types, while even mild to moderate acne can cause scarring.
Looking at acne through a wider lens
Recognizing acne as a chronic condition with wide-ranging consequences is the first step toward better care. A personalized approach to treatment that goes beyond breakouts and promote overall skin quality can lead to meaningful, long-term results.
Practical tools such as skin quality assessment frameworks can help track how acne is affecting an individual patient’s overall skin health. Through this more holistic lens, healthcare professionals are better equipped to support patients’ long-term skin goals alongside their immediate concerns.
Empowering patients to take control of their skin
Just as every person’s skin is unique, so is every patient’s experience of acne. The burden of acne is real, but the good news is that with the right support, patients who are struggling with it can take control of their condition.
At Galderma, our purpose is to advance dermatology for every skin story. As part of this, we are committed to raising awareness of the full burden of acne and supporting healthcare professionals and patients to overcome it together.
Should you experience some of the symptoms mentioned above, please consult with a healthcare professional for advice.