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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Most adolescents and young adults show evidence of acne. It is most prevalent between 15 and 24 years, and is more common and more severe in males than in females. Onset peaks early in puberty and usually resolves in males during their early 20s. Females can develop acne for the first time after puberty and are more likely to suffer ongoing acne, which can persist into their 30s and 40s. Acne mainly affects the face, neck, chest, shoulders and upper back; areas which have the highest density of sebaceous glands.

Types of Acne

Acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is the most common type and involves the initial development of comedones which are blackheads and/or white heads. Blackheads are plugs of sebum that build up in affected hair follicles where the plug is open to the skin surface. Whiteheads are also plugs of sebum in hair follicle canals but in this case the hair canal is closed over by dead skin.

Acne Fulminans

Acne fulminans is characterized by a sudden occurrence of highly debilitating inflammation. This result in ulcerating acne, fever, inflammation and pain in the joints of hips and knees. Acne conglobata, when unsuccessfully treated, can give rise to this form of acne.

Causes of Acne

Harmones

For the majority of acne sufferers, the trouble begins at puberty, when the body begins to produce hormones called androgens. These hormones cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge, which is a natural part of the body's development. In acne sufferers, however, the sebaceous glands are overstimulated by androgens, sometimes well into adulthood. Androgens are also responsible for acne flare-ups associated with the menstrual cycle and, on occasion, pregnancy.

Bacteria

The bacterium Propionibacterium acnes is a regular resident of all skin types; it's part of the skin's natural sebum maintenance system.

Once a follicle is plugged, Oil secretions build up beneath the plugged pore gets blocked , providing a perfect environment for the skin bacteria Propionibacterium acnes to multiply rapidly, creating the chemical reaction we know as inflammation in the follicle and surrounding skin.

Increased Skin Oil

Healthy skin and hair is naturally softened and lubricated by sebum, an oily secretion of the sebaceous glands. At puberty, changing hormone levels prompt various physical changes including an increase in the production of sebum by the sebaceous glands.

Sebaceous glands reside along the hair shaft. The excreted sebum normally travels up along the hair shaft and out through the opening of the hair follicle (pore) onto the skin's surface.

Acne Treatment Products

Combination therapy acne treatment products are those acne treatment products that offer multi-pronged approach to acne cure. The composition of such combination acne treatment products include pills, injections, creams, facial masks, gels, etc. as one treatment. Several examples of combination therapy acne treatment products abound.
Combination therapy acne treatment products are good. Single therapy acne treatment products are equally good. Choose what works for you. The bottom line is that whichever acne treatment product you choose cures your acne without causing you unpleasant side effects and leaving acne scars behind.

Type of Acne Treatment

Acne treatments consist of reducing sebum production, removing dead skin cells, and killing bacteria with topical drugs and oral medications. Treatment choice depends upon whether the acne is mild, moderate, or severe.
Alternative treatments for acne focus on self care: proper cleansing to keep the skin oil-free; eating a well-balanced diet high in fiber, zinc, and raw foods; and avoiding alcohol, dairy products, tobacco, caffeine, sugar, processed foods, and foods high in iodine, such as salt.

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