Acne is basically an inflammatory skin disorder. Usually with acne, pimples, blackheads, and/or whiteheads are present. If you suffer from acne, you are not alone. Acne affects about 80 percent of Americans between the ages of twelve and forty-four. Those who suffer from acne can experience great emotional stress and that can have an affect on one?s self-esteem.
Hormones stimulate the production of keratin and sebum (an oily lubricant) and if sebum is secreted faster than it can make its way through the pore, a blemish is formed. Bacteria are trapped inside the pore and the result is either a blackhead or a whitehead. Blackheads arise when sebum and skin pigments together plug the pores and if scales beneath the surface layer of skin become filled with sebum, a whitehead appears. In severe cases, whiteheads spread under the skin, rupture, and the inflammation spreads.
There are several factors that can contribute to acne: heredity, hormonal imbalances, allergies, stress, drugs, oily skin, menstrual cycles, and candidiasis. Also nutritional deficiencies and diets high in saturated fats can encourage acne breakouts. Also if the body has too much toxic waste for the kidneys and liver to eliminate, the skin takes over the task by eliminating toxins through sweat which can contribute to acne.
If the pores of the skin become clogged, acne can flourish. Dust, dirt, and grime from pollution are to blame. It is very important to cleanse the skin properly with the proper skin care products.
Choose a non irritating cleanser containing ingredients such as salicylic acid, licochalone, chamomile, aloe vera, feverfew, or niacinamide. These ingredients can help to reduce redness, inflammation, and acne, and also unclog pores. Stay away from cleansers that produce lots of suds as these contain detergents and may irritate inflammation. Avoid sodium lauryl sulfate, a detergent sometimes used in skin care products.
For the treatment of pimples, do not steam your face or place ice cubes on pimples. These methods can cause changes in temperature that can increase inflammation. Try some spot treatments for pimples.
Finally, retinoids can be used topically and some people report a decrease in oil formation on the skin. Retinoids increase cell renewal thereby reducing dead cell buildup and the formation of blackheads.
Acne is a condition that can be improved by eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, and taking part in a good skin care regime.
