What is Acne?

Introduction

The medical term is called acne vulgaris. Over 17 million people, including adults suffer from this condition. Most people refer to it as either a pimple or "zit".

The sebaceous gland produces sebum (an oily secretion) that comes out of the hair follicle through a pore on the skin. When this pore is blocked by sebum and skin cells, it leads to the all noticeable red and white pimple also called a comedone.

When the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, which normally lives on the skin, gets involved inside the pore, it leads to inflammation and redness.

The pimple contain pus which is a mixture of sebum, bacteria, dead skin cells, chemicals produced by the bacteria, white blood cells and the bacterial itself. This is called a pustule.

If the pustule opens up, then the pus is released and the skin has a chance to heal. However, if it does not rupture and stays filled up, it can lead to a cyst and become a lump (nodule) underneath the skin. This can be a painful condition and is likely to cause permanent scars.

Can't wait discover effective home and natural remedies for acne?

In these articles, we reveal some of the home remedies acne treatment and natural remedies that are effective in curing this common skin problem.

natural remedies leaf Home Remedies for Acne

Natural Remedies for Acne

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Facts and Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

What are the symptoms of acne?

Pimples can appear on face, the back, the shoulders or the chest as blackheads, whiteheads, red flat or raised spots or pustules. The pimple may be painful and tender to the touch.

It is often associated with an oily skin. These areas are the most common area because they contain a high concentration of sebaceous glands.

What is the main cause of acne?

Practically everyone knows that excessive production of the male hormone testosterone is a major cause of pimples in adolescents. Too much of this hormone causes:

excessive production of sebum causing it to easily clog the pores,
an increase in production of keratin, a protein that covers the skin, and
an increase in the number of sebaceous glands, thus producing more sebum.

Some believe in the myth that you can "catch" pimples like you can catch the flu or the cold virus. This is not true.

What are other common causes of acne?

Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy or around the menstrual period can also cause pimples to flare up. Even babies can develop this condition (although it goes away on its own).

Here is a comprehensive list of factors that can cause or worsen this common skin problem:

teenagers Age - Adolescents are more likely to get this condition.

Gender - It is well known that boys are more likely to develop severe pimples compared to girls.

Heredity - Those with a family history are more likely to get this condition.

Environment - Working in an environment that is hot or polluted can worsen this skin condition. This is common for those who are exposed to cooking grease in the air while working in fast-food restaurants.

Clothing - Clothing and bags (such as a headbands, helmets, backpacks and tight collars) can rub and put pressure on the skin causing the pimples to get worst.

Diet - Foods does not directly cause this problem but may cause flare-ups and worsen the condition.

Drug Use - Prescription drugs such as birth control pills, antibiotics and steroids can aggravate this condition.

washing face to avoid acne Hygiene - Although some people believe that pimples are caused by not cleaning the skin properly, this is far from the truth. It is a myth. However, using harsh soaps or scrubs can cause excessive irritation to the skin and make the condition worst.

As well, touching or squeezing the "zit" can cause further inflammation and can easily worsens the appearance of the pimple. Gently clean the skin with a mild cleanser designed for the skin and avoid the regular bar soap used to wash your hands.

Use of Cosmetics - Avoid using oil-based cosmetics products or those with perfume. They can worsen the condition. Even hair spray can aggravate the pimples on the foreheads.

Candida/Yeast Overgrowth - Yeast (Candida albicans) overgrowth in the body can contribute to the acne condition.

Toxins in the Body - Some herbalists believe that acne is related to toxins and bacteria building up in the liver or intestine.

Stress - Emotional stress, although it does not cause acne, can aggravate the condition significantly. Read our detailed article on how to manage stress using natural remedies.

Nutritional Deficiency - Low levels of zinc and essential fatty acids may also be involved in worsening the acne condition.

What is cystic acne and how can it be treated?

Cystic acne is a condition where there are one or more painful fluid-filled cysts. With this severe form of acne, scarring can result.

Home remedies and natural remedies may help but severe forms will require medical treatment from your family doctor or a dermatologist.

What is adult acne?

It is less common for adults to develop acne but it does happen. This can persist into the late 40's and 50's for some people. It is also more common for women to develop adult acne than men.

During adolescent years, most cases of pimples are caused by overactive hormones. But what about when it comes back in adulthood?

Experts are not exactly sure of the cause but there are several factors that seem to play a role. Stress, drug use (birth control pills and hormones) and poor quality cosmetics can cause or aggravate this condition. Of course, genetics play a part and pimples are more common in those with a family history.

As well, fluctuating hormones during pregnancy, monthly periods and during menopause can be responsible for creating this problem.

What diet should I go on to avoid acne?

Recommended foods to eat

Drink water to help your body deal with toxins. Drink up to 10 glasses (2.5 liter) of water daily.

Food sources rich in essential fatty acids such as flaxseed, almonds, nuts and seeds can be helpful for the skin condition.

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oils, are also recommended to promote a healthy skin.

Foods to avoid

There is the myth that chocolate causes pimples (unless you are allergic to it). This is not true.

Avoid eating too much "junk" foods high in saturated fats and sugar such as potato chips, carbonated beverages and candies. Excessive sugar can promote the growth of bacteria and yeast, something you don't want to happen if you have acne.

Often, when an adult gets the acne condition, it may not be due to fluctuation in hormones and could be a sign of a sensitivity to certain types of foods.

Foods that have a high risk of triggering such an allergic reaction include wheat, sugar, chocolate, margarine, corn, deep-fried foods and dairy products. You may have to eliminate foods from your diet to try to isolate the cause. An elimination diet is a diet where the person cuts out dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, smoking and processed foods.

Can vitamins help to cure acne?

Yes, in some people, the use of vitamins and supplements have been very helpful. These vitamins probably won't get rid of all the pimples, but they can lessen the outbreaks. Click here to see the comprehensive list of natural remedies for treating and curing this annoying skin condition.

What about a detoxification (detox) program?

Herbalists and alternative healthcare experts suggest a detoxification program that can help the body eliminate toxins that worsen the outbreak of pimples. Keep in mind that it is possible that the condition may appear worst initially.

A three day vegetable juice fast can help the body remove toxic substances. The juice can be a blend of apples, beets, carrots and well as green juice such as wheatgrass and spirulina.

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