Introduction To Acne
Reports show that over 90 percent of all adolescents and almost 25 percent of all adults are acne sufferers. And although acne affects about 50 percent of all adult women, acne does affect males and females worldwide, regardless of nationality.
This article includes information based upon research about acne. It strives to help clear up myths from facts and present an overview of the issues surrounding acne along with possible solutions available to help with the prevention and treatment of acne, all based upon the most recent studies, reports, articles and findings available, so that you can learn more acne health care.
For example, does chocolate really cause pimples? And how about oily foods? Do French fries bring on the acne? The latest reports show that although scientific evidence is not 100% accurate in this area, your diet does not directly cause acne. And by diet, this means not only chocolate and French fries, but also any other dietary combinations with sugar and oil or other ingredients.
The real cause of acne can actually be a blend of several factors that we?ll discuss here. Note that the contents here are not presented from a medical practitioner, and that any and all health care planning should be made under the guidance of your own medical and health practitioners. The content within only presents an overview of acne research for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice from a professional physician.
Acne Truth and Myths
Let?s take a look at some other popular beliefs about acne to dispel any other rumors for example, stress. Is it true that increased stress spreads acne? Not exactly. What is true is that ultimately stress can have a very minimal or minor influence all by itself. It cannot actually cause acne, but it can influence reoccurrences of acne as stress increases the body?s creation of a substance called cortisol that in turn causes your sebaceous glands to produce increased amounts of sebum oil that can be blocked in pores. Note, however, that some medications people take when trying to deal with or treat stress can have a large influence on acne as the result of medication side effects.
Acne is contagious, true or false? Not! No one can ?catch? acne it is non-communicable.
You?ll outgrow acne, so just leave it along myth or truth? This is false. Acne strikes all ages and is treatable, but shouldn?t be left alone to possibly worsen.
Being out in the sun helps acne, right? In the long run, no. The sun may appear to help clear up your blemishes and redden your skin, thus lessening the overall reddish effect of the targeted acne area when it was outstanding. However, rays from the sun can cause skin damage and actually irritate skin more, worsening any existing acne problems in the process and clogging more pores as skin cells dry up and slough off quicker than normal. So use caution (and sunscreen) here!
Sweating helps clean out your hair follicle areas, myth or reality? Another myth. In reality, strenuous activity can temporarily increase your body?s oil production that can actually worsen acne problem areas, causing recurrence or intensification.
Acne problems are directly proportionate to sexual activity, or lack thereof true or false? False, another myth. Just because teenagers are going through hormonal changes, does not mean that this has anything to do with acne. Both are separate issues. Same with adult acne and sex two entirely different issues.
People with acne are dirty and don?t wash enough. Not! This is another myth. Acne is the result of a build up of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria in a closed pore. Period. Dirt is not even a factor in the equation.
Acne is only on external issue or surface deep i.e. people shouldn?t make such a big thing out of it, myth or reality? Myth. In reality, yes, it basically is only on your skin (and underneath the surface a little bit). However, the effects run much more deeper than that in many instances. More than 50 percent of those suffering acne problems reported negative comments and other feedback from members of society, regardless of whether or not there was any scarring left for others to see afterwards. And resulting internal depression and low self-esteem can be harmful emotionally not only short-term but over a person?s lifetime. So acne can indeed be a very big issue requiring healthcare treatment and support.
OK, myth or reality: there is a cure for acne? Myth. Although there is no cure at this time, there are many treatments available that do a great job. As the saying goes, ?Prevention is the best medicine? however, there is no need to suffer in silence with all the options available on the market today for all price ranges.
Certain cosmetics or spot treatments will help acne, myth or reality? Myth again. By the time a blemish appears, it has been in the works for a good couple of weeks.
Myth or not: people with acne should not use moisturizers or other make-up products on their faces? Myth! Today there are many noncomedogenic cosmetics out there specially formulated to NOT clog pores.
Skin Care & Acne Prevention
Now for the facts. Let?s take a look at how to combat acne. The main strategy to use is prevention where possible and better skincare. Here are several top issues of focus for each: exercise, cosmetics, diet, hormones, hygiene, medications, shaving, stress.
1. Exercise ? Keeping in shape can help fight acne by fighting off negative stress levels that can come from negative self-esteem and depression. However, some safeguards need to be in place to ward off acne that can result from your workout routines. First watch which products you use on your body because you?ll most likely be sweating. With any sunscreens for outdoor workout activities and any make-up or other cosmetics, check for ?noncomedogenic? and ?oil-free? on the labels to help prevent pore clogging. And when your workout is finished, wash the products off as soon as possible, especially if you?ll be going into a steam room or sauna where your pores will be opening up more. You don?t want these lotions and other cosmetics getting into your pores and clogging them up, resulting in blemishes.
Watch what you put on your body with regards to clothing, sports gear and equipment, too. For example, tight lycra and nylon exercise outfits might look great in the movies and on magazine models, but if you are susceptible to acne problems, avoid these synthetic fabrics that tend to trap in body moisture and heat resulting in a bacteria frenzy. Instead, choose loose clothing made of cotton or natural blends to allow more air to get to your skin. And when you?re finished with your workout, get out of clothing wet from perspiration or water sports. Shower and change into dry, clean clothing. And keep your sports gear and equipment clean, too. Dirty headgear, for instance, can irritate forehead areas prone to acne problems. So toss headbands into the washing machine after workout sessions.
Tip: when cleaning your body after a workout, no need to scrub with force and irritate skin. If possible, wash with medicated soap (check for ?exfoliant? on the label) or medicated wipes from your athletic bag where showers aren?t available.
Tip: and when drying with a towel, even if it?s during your workout to erase sweat, always blot instead of rub. That way you avoid grinding excess dead skin, dirt, sweat and other chemicals into your pores and risking pore-clogging and skin irritation.
2. Cosmetics ? To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that are similar to acne and that can contribute to acne, use products labeled ?noncomedogenic? or ?oil-free.? Shimmering facial colors can contain a flaky mineral called mica that can cause skin irritations and clog pores. Other additives in coloring that can cause similar reactions are coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes. More preventative measures include using a lip gloss that promotes a matte finish instead of a high gloss for less pore-clogging note the more the shine, the more then comedogenic content and the more the pores can clog. Beware that eye creams can contain heavier concentrations of moisturizers than regular creams and lotions, meaning they have greater potential to clog pores in the surrounding facial areas. Additionally use caution with hair styling products that contain oils, alcohol and adhesives that should be kept away from skin and from seeping into pores along with perspiration during workouts especially watch hair gels and mousses so that they don?t cause clogging around your hairline. Use care when choosing fragrance and scented cosmetics, too, and opt for ?hypo-allergenic? or ?fragrance-free? versions where possible to avoid allergic reactions and skin irritations (a sampling 3-day test behind an ear is recommended).
Tip: thoroughly clean your face and any other areas where cosmetics are applied daily, especially if used when combined with exercising or other activities that promote sweating, where there is the opportunity for the chemicals to be absorbed or soaked up into your pores.
3. Diet ? Studies show that diet does not play a role in either the cause or the treatment of acne. However, what is recommended for acne preventative care is this: what is best for your body is best for your skin, especially since your skin is the largest organ of your body. So here are healthy vitamins, minerals and other supplements that have been known and recommended to prevent and help conquer acne breakouts:
* Vitamin A or Retinol is found not only in some cosmetic creams but also in liver, fish oils and dairy products. Produced by plants, this vitamin is also known as called Beta-carotene, and is found in yellowish-orange fruits and vegetable yams, cantaloupe, carrots apricots, and in green vegetables like spinach, kale and parsley. Beware that high doses of Vitamin A are toxic.
* Vitamin B Complex. These vitamins are found in leafy vegetables, fish, milk, eggs and whole grains and have many functions. For example, although B-2 can irritate acne, it can help alleviate stress. B-1, B-6 and B-12 are also known for proving stress relief. And B-3, in avocados, eggs, peanuts, lean meat and liver, reportedly reduces cholesterol level, has an anti-inflammatory effect on skin and improves your metabolism and circulation, improving acne in some studies.
* Vitamin C - A form of this vitamin, the C ester has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has helped penetrate skin and prevent the return of acne. It is being tested for repairing damage to scar tissue from teen years.
* Vitamin E, in almonds, broccoli, peanuts, sunflower seeds, wheat germ and vegetable oils, has been said to help with scar tissue healing, but this is considered a myth by many healthcare professionals. Instead, researchers are considering that a form called tocotrienol (often referred to as high potency E or HPE) may carry antioxidant properties that may be able to aid the skin when ingested.
* L-Carnitine - this supplement is reported to help repair skin damage from acne for young and old.
* Zinc (found in eggs, mushrooms, nuts and whole grains) and selenium (a trace mineral in most soils and absorbed my a variety of vegetables) are known to improve the overall health of the body, including the skin.
In summary, a good quality brand name multivitamin will probably have the recommended vitamins and minerals that you need to help with acne prevention. Combine this with drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day and making good, healthy dietary food choices. For example, if you have had ill effects from eating a certain food before, be leery of it and make healthier food choices for yourself.
4. Hormones ? Hormones or lack of, during later years and especially for women, can play a role in acne flare-ups and prevention. One recent study showed that about 50 percent of women have acne, referred to as hormonal acne, problems during the week before their menstruation. Treatment options can include topical retinoids, oral antibiotics and Benzoyl Peroxide for teen years. On into adult years, some acne aids include oral contraceptives or hormonal birth control pills and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) for women, combined with systemic or topical treatments, prescription or over-the-counter products and medications, and antibiotics for both sexes.
5. Hygiene ? A healthy skin regimen should include no harsh scrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skin irritation or possible over production of oil to replace what?s washed off, clogging pores in the process. Products with gentle exfoliation ingredients are OK to use i.e. not scratchy nut or fruit shell pieces that can tear skin. And skip alcohol products when possible these can take off the top layer of your skin and cause your glands to product more oil, clogging pores in the process.
If you do spot acne-troubled areas, do NOT mess with them. Remember that these are already weeks in the making, and squeezing or picking blemishes can force the infected area to regress back inside, further troubling the region and possibly leave a scar. If necessary, seek help from a dermatologist for alternative treatments.
6. Stress ? Since your skin in your largest organ, how you live can sure influence how healthy your skin is. And stress, not necessarily ?bad? stress, but rather certain external and internal stressors, factor into this health equation. So let?s take a look at how to handle these stressors with regards to acne prevention.
Acne Healthcare, Programs and Treatments
There is hope. Although acne is not curable, it is treatable. And dermatologists now know more about the controlling and prevention of acne than ever before. One secret to acne management acne is prevention or stopping the condition before it starts or reoccurs. Another is to use any of a variety of treatments that work best for you under the guidance of your healthcare provider or dermatologist. And after you find a treatment solution or solutions, use them regularly.
First of all, timing can make a difference in acne treatment. It can be prudent to begin treatment as soon as the first signs of acne appear in order to avoid the most minimal damage. And even after the blemishes fade, you may need to continue treatment to keep new outbreaks at bay.
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