At some point in your life you probably suffered from acne.  Perhaps you still do.  Acne affects over 80% of the population.  Although the exact cause of acne is not known, there are several treatments that can control or reduce the number of acne outbreaks.  Finding a product that works can be a daunting task.
 
The production of excessive oil secretions combined with the natural occurrence of dead skin cells leads can lead to the blockage of the hair follicles.  When the follicle becomes blocked the oil builds up, and it isn’t long before we have a pimple. 

Myths about the Causes of Acne

There are many myths about what causes acne. Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but research has shown that foods seem to have little effect on the development and course of acne in most people. Another common myth is that dirty skin causes acne; however, blackheads and other acne lesions are not caused by dirt.

Cosmetics

Most cosmetic and skin care products are not pore-clogging (“comedogenic.”) Of the many available brands, those which are listed as “water-based” or “oil-free” are generally a better choice.

Hormones

When you begin puberty, certain hormones, called androgens, increase in both males and females. These hormones trigger oil ducts on the face, back and upper chest to begin producing oil. This can cause acne in some people.

What Factors May Aggravate Acne?

Occlusive Factors

When the skin surface and its pores are blocked, the pores are described as being occluded. Factors that may cause occlusion include certain cosmetics, oils, greases, and hairsprays. Hats, helmets and pads used in sports may also contribute to this problem as can humidity, sweating and the prolonged effect of contact with damp clothing.

Too much refined foods

Eating too much refined foods also develop acne, several studies reveal. Why it happens so, is easily answered that our body can not identify too much refined substances and our immune system stimulates. It produces anti bodies against these substances resulting in a severity and development of acne. Thus, it may be referred to as allergic effect. Avoid too much refined food such as diary products, juices and cooking oil.

Sunlight

Many people consider exposure to sunlight helps cure acne, but its ultra violet rays have reverse effects. Exposure to direct sunlight is a major cause of skin cancer and acne complications. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight.

Inflammation

The most common things that can aggravate your acne are: cleansing your skin too much, squeezing, picking, or popping zits. Excessive cleansing, particularly with the overzealous use of abrasive facial scrubs can irritate your skin, and worsen inflammation.

Acne Complications

Possible complications include

• cysts
• permanent facial scars
• changes in skin color
• damage to self-esteem, confidence, personality, and social life
• side effects of conventional medications (but homeopathic medicines don't have any side effects)

Acne Treatments

Antibiotics. For moderate to severe acne, prescription oral antibiotics may be needed to reduce bacteria and fight inflammation. You may need to take these antibiotics for months, and you may need to use them in combination with topical products.

Oral contraceptives. Oral contraceptives, including a combination of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol (Ortho-Cyclen, Ortho Tri-Cyclen), have been shown to improve acne in women. However, oral contraceptives may cause other side effects that you'll want to discuss with your doctor.

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Acne is a common inflammatory skin disease that involves pimples, primarily on face. Acne specifically occurs in teenagers and young adults sometimes causing them embarrassment, even psychological stress as well. Poor diet, stressful life, and hormonal changes are a few reasons for acne breakout. Also, incorrect use of beauty products or using poor quality acne skin care products can aggravate acne.

You can try using some natural or home remedies for mild acne, if it is initial stage and you see an occasional whitehead or a blackhead. However, if your acne is moderate, you should see a dermatologist and seek proper acne medication, before it gets severe. A doctor generally refers a few acne creams, and guides you on using acne skin care products. A variety of acne products are available at medical stores. Some of these are good to cure acne, and while others help you prevent acne. 

There are many OTC medicines that people take for acne. This may be a good option for initial stage but if your acne is getting worse, seek proper acne medication. The dermatologist examines the symptoms and gives you prescribed medicine for effective treatment and cure. Apart from treatment, you should change your diet plan and avoid foods that can cause acne or that slow the recovery process.

Most often, the acne products contain benzoyl peroxide and some antibiotics. These help the affected area to dry out, and take care of acne scar as well. Many acne creams and lotions that you use for treatment contain vitamin A. However, you may feel some irritation or itching on your skin when you begin the treatment. Use a good quality skin moisturizer for in such cases. In case of severe acne, you may also require to take oral acne medication. Many prescribed medicines eliminate the reasons that can cause acne. Generally, these help you fighting against the bacterial infection that leads to acne.

Sometimes, a medicine has its side effects as well. Discuss with your doctor, if you notice any rashes on skin, or some stomach problem, and seek any alternative medicine, or some medicine to counter the side effects of acne medication. Research has shown that a few acne medicines may cause malformation of the teeth; and a few others can cause changes in the color of the skin. Your skin may get dark, or lighter than its normal color.

A few other common side effects are as below.
• Your hair may lose their natural color, and may turn white.
• You may notice skin allergy.
• There may be blisters or some swelling over affected areas on skin.
• In some cases, you may also see burning or redness of skin.

Some doctors recommend that you should not take calcium supplements, or any laxatives while you are taking acne medications. Select your acne skin care products carefully, and if possible, use only those products that are prescribed or recommended by your doctor.

Washing your face is the most important factor that contributes to early recovery. Wash your face to revoke any oils or dirt from your face and do not apply any make up or cream while going to bed. It enables your skin to breathe which is very important for a healthy and fresh skin. Do not touch, prick or pierce your pimples as it may leave permanent scars on the skin. Let them heal naturally or though acne medications, and the scars will automatically disappear over a period of time.

Sometimes, a few medicines are not recommended for special cases such as for a pregnant women and patients of Hansen’s disease. Also, the patients of asthma, hay fever or those who have a weak liver are also advised against using some particular acne products. In such situations, discuss all the symptoms with your dermatologist, along with any medication that you are already taking. You may require some different acne creams or medication in such cases.

While purchasing acne products, read the instructions carefully. See the manufacturing and expiry dates of products, and read how to use those. There may be instructions that require that you should not expose your skin to sunlight after applying a specific acne cream. Following the instructions properly will help quick acne treatment and cure.

Apart from traditional acne medications, you can control acne using herbal products as well. The advantage with using herbal products is that these do not cause any side effects, though sometimes, the recovery process is slow. Even if you are taking traditional medicines, you can take herbal and natural treatment for acne, simultaneously. However, consult with your doctor before using a herbal product since it may hinder the effectiveness of prescribed medicines. Also, take required precautions in your diet and lead a positive and stress free life style.

Dr John Anne is an herbal specialist with years of experience and extensive research on Herbs and Alternative health. Read about Acne Treatment at http://www.morphemeremedies.com