Acne

What Acne Is -A Basic Understanding

Our body is covered with pores (also known as follicles). Sometimes these pores get blocked. The reasons for this are more or less unknown. Body oils that find their way out through the pores cannot get out. Bacteria begin to grow.

A microcomedone is the beginning of acne. This then grows into a whitehead or blackhead. These whiteheads or blackheads are called comedones. A whitehead is formed when the trapped sebum (oil) cannot reach the surface at all.

On the other hand, in the case of a blackhead the oil partially reaches the surface. The skin pigment (melanin) reacts with the oxygen from the air and forms a blackhead. The blackhead or whitehead heals if the oil is let out to the surface.

If the follicle wall ruptures then inflammatory acne is caused. This is caused by picking or touching. This is why skin that is prone to acne should be untouched. When the follicle wall is broken white blood cells rush in and a formation called a papule follows.

When white blood cells make their way to the surface of the skin, several days later, a pustule is formed. This is commonly known as a zit or a pimple and is often the cause of adolescent embarrassment. A nodule is formed when a follicle breaks along the bottom and there is total collapse. Cysts are pus filled cells formed by a severe inflammatory reaction.

The sebaceous glands produce sebum in the skin. An overactivity of these glands causes acne. These glands start secreting excess sebum due to the hormone called testosterone, which is found naturally both in men and women.

The dead cells that line the openings of the hair follicles are not shed properly and block the follicles and hence the flow of sebum. This causes oil to build up in the hair follicles. Whiteheads and blackheads are formed as a result of this.

In most people acne is limited to this stage of growth. Sometimes however, the sebum (oil) build up in hair follicles creates an environment for Propionibacterium Acne to grow. These bacteria normally reside harmlessly on the skin. When there is a build up of oil, they feed on this oil in the follicles causing a response from the body's immune system.

This results in the sore red spots we know as pimples. Why acne forms in some hair follicles and not in others is unknown. Acne is the result of hormones, diet, evolutionary biology, stress and vitamin deficiency.

Before you run to the doctor, you should try some home remedies first.

There are many common solutions to acne, things one can do at home to help acne. Vitamins A and E and Niacin have been found to be quite effective while treating acne. Zinc has also proven very effective in the treatment of acne.

Pounding orange peel with water and applying on affected areas is also useful for acne treatment. Applying lemon juice regularly has been found to be very effective in the treatment of acne. Eating three seeds of garlic a day purifies blood and keeps acne away.

In addition rubbing raw garlic on acne is known to have cured difficult acne problems. Mixing a teaspoon of coriander juice with turmeric powder and applying it before retiring has also been known to be helpful for acne. Mint juice can also be used instead of coriander juice. Skin should be thoroughly washed before applying the mixture on the skin. Fenugreek is another useful treatment. Applying crushed fenugreek leaves on to the skin at night and washing with warm water in the morning has been known to keep acne away.

Regular use of grated cucumber by applying it on the skin of the face also keeps skin in good health. One must avoid strong tea, coffee drinks and processed foods to keep away from acne.

Other than home solutions, there are a number of acne solutions available on the market. The Mario Badescu Drying Lotion is one of these. Made from a blend of Calamine and Salicylic acid, it is good for reducing acne and the scarring caused by it.

The Clinique Acne Solutions Night Treatment works rapidly and at the same time gently to remove acne from the skin. It is very useful in treating acne. Acne Rosacea can be effectively controlled by the Metrogel Adult Acne treatment. The origins spot remover works well to remove the redness caused by acne on the skin.

Avon Clearskin Overnight Treatment works well to remove scars caused by past acne. Exposed Acne Skin Care is one of the excellent treatments on the market today. The Exposed system includes a cleanser, revitalizer and repairing lotion. Benzoyl (Prescription grade) is the active element in Exposed.

Accutane is a prescription grade treatment for acne. Side effects include dry, cracked skin, liver dysfunction and possible birth defects. It is a very strong treatment for acne.

Another useful treatment for acne is Retin-a. It treats a wide range of skin dysfunctions. Certain essential oils are also useful in the treatment of acne. These are applied on to the skin. Some of these oils are - Clove Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Bergamot Oil, Rosewood Oil and Lavender Oil.

A step by step method to find your acne solution would involve first trying essential oils. If this does not work, try Exposed Acne Skin Care. The next step would be a prescription alternative. Sometimes a treatment for acne is as simple as avoiding a food that causes an allergic reaction.

Today there are millions of people who are dealing with acne. Many teens and adults have acne. Every single year there are billions of dollars in acne products sold to people trying to treat their acne. However, you can save a lot of money if you work to make sure that you prevent acne altogether. So, if you are looking for some ways to keep acne from attacking your skin, here are a few tips that should help you avoid getting acne.

Tip #1 - Keep the Hair Off of Your Face - This is very important. Keeping your hair from falling and laying on your face can really help you to keep acne from getting a hole on your face. You see, your hair has a lot of natural oils in it. These oils can get on your face and they can clog up your pores and end up causing you problems with acne. So, work to keep your hair off your face. Keep it short or use accessories to keep it off your face instead.

Tip #2 - Keep Your Face Very Clean - Of course keeping your face clean is another important tip to remember if you want to avoid getting acne. You should wash your face in the morning and at night, and if you do exercise, make sure you wash your face when you are done to get the sweat off your face as well. Make sure you use gentle soaps and never scrub your skin, since this can cause irritation. Once you're done, gently pat your skin until it is dry.

Tip #3 - Drink Water as Much as Possible - Drinking water is important and it can help you to avoid acne too. Water helps to keep your skin well hydrated and it also helps to flush away bad toxins from your body. Toxins can cause acne, so getting rid of them is important and water can help you get rid of acne from the inside out.

Tip #4 - Eat Healthy Foods - Eating the right healthy foods can also help you prevent acne. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and foods that are high in vitamins and minerals. The right nutrition can help to keep your skin very healthy, keeping you from getting acne, and eating right can help the rest of your body too.

Tip #5 - Don't Touch - You should avoid touching your skin whenever you can too. Don't pinch pimples and keep your hands off of your face as much as you can. Hands carry bacteria and they also have oil on them. Touching your face can transfer these oils and bacteria to your face, causing acne. So, work to avoid touching your face.

Tip #6 - Go with Natural Cosmetics - If you have to use cosmetics, make sure that you go with natural ones. Purchase hypo-allergenic products to help keep acne at bay. When you do use cosmetics, be sure that you cleanse them away as soon as you can, especially before going to bed in the evening.