How to Improve Stubborn Hard Acne?

Hard acne, also known as nodular acne, are a common skin issue that many people encounter during adolescence or even later in adulthood. These types of acne are not only prominent in appearance but also feel firm to the touch, often accompanied by redness and pain. So, why do acne become hard? And how can you effectively manage this stubborn skin problem? This article will explore the causes of hard acne, discuss specific treatment methods, and highlight the important role that acne patches play in the healing process.

1. The Causes of Hard acne: Why Do acne Harden?

The formation of hard acne is closely related to excessive sebum production, clogged pores, bacterial infection, and inflammatory responses.

Sebum Accumulation: When the skin's sebaceous glands produce too much oil, the excess sebum can accumulate within the pores. If the pores become blocked, the sebum cannot be properly expelled, leading to the formation of cysts under the skin.

Thickened Stratum Corneum: Under normal circumstances, dead skin cells on the skin’s surface naturally shed. However, in some cases, the stratum corneum cells fail to shed properly, leading to the clogging of the pore opening, which further traps the sebum.

Bacterial Infection: The accumulated oil within clogged pores provides an ideal environment for the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, a type of bacteria that triggers an inflammatory response in the skin, causing localized swelling and hardening, which results in hard acne.

Inflammatory Response: When the skin is infected or irritated, the immune system kicks in, leading to localized swelling and hardening. This is one of the primary reasons for the formation of hard acne.

2. How to Improve Hard acne? Effective Methods Explained

Improving hard acne requires a combination of scientific skincare and appropriate treatment measures. Here are some effective approaches:

Topical Medication: Topical medications for hard acne often include products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These ingredients can kill Propionibacterium acnes and reduce inflammation and oil buildup in the pores. Additionally, retinoid-based medications are widely used, as they accelerate skin cell turnover to prevent clogged pores, thereby reducing the formation of hard acne.

The Role of Acne Patches: Acne patches are a powerful tool in improving hard acne, thanks to their specific characteristics:

●Excellent Absorption: Acne patches are designed to absorb inflammatory secretions from the sebaceous glands and hair follicles, helping to clear out the excess sebum and reduce the swelling associated with hard acne.

●Reduce Swelling and Promote Healing: By absorbing these secretions, acne patches can significantly reduce swelling, gradually smoothing out the skin as the hard acne heal. This reduction in swelling allows the skin to return to its normal texture more quickly.

●Moist Wound Environment: Acne patches create a moist environment that accelerates the healing process and helps prevent scarring. This controlled environment is crucial for ensuring that the skin heals smoothly without leaving behind marks or scars.

These features make acne patches an indispensable part of treating hard acne, providing both immediate relief and long-term benefits.

Maintain Skin Cleanliness: Cleanse your skin daily with a gentle cleanser and avoid using skincare products with irritating ingredients, especially during acne outbreaks. Using exfoliating products can help unclog pores and prevent the formation of new hard acne.

Avoid Squeezing Hard acne: Squeezing hard acne not only exacerbates inflammation but also increases the risk of scarring. Using acne patches is an effective alternative, providing protection against further bacterial infection from your hands and promoting proper healing.

Consult a Dermatologist: For stubborn hard acne, it’s advisable to consult a dermatologist. The doctor may recommend oral antibiotics or hormone therapy and might suggest laser treatment or chemical peels to address deep-seated acne.

Conclusion

Although hard acne can be frustrating, they can be effectively managed through the right skincare methods and proper treatment. Topical medications, the use of acne patches with their excellent absorption, swelling reduction, and scar prevention properties, along with maintaining good skincare habits, are key steps in improving hard acne. If the issue is severe or persistent, it is also important to seek medical advice. Healthy skin not only requires daily care but also scientific treatment and protection to achieve the best results.