Pimples: Not-So-Skin Deep After All

To treat pimples, finding the most effective product in the market will not do. First, know where pimples come from. In other words, go to the root of the problem. In finding ways on how to cure pimples, one must know how pimples develop.

The skin has pores or follicles. These produce sebum, an oily waxy substance secreted to provide the skin Vitamin E. Sebum contains antimicrobial substance that help maintain the skin barrier’s integrity. They also help in keeping the skin hydrated. As useful as it is, excessive secretion of sebum can lead to acne. This may be due to hormones, diet or stress.

Follicles can get blocked by dirt and prevent sebum from being excreted towards the outer layer of the skin. These trapped sebum then are fed on by bacteria and would eventually develop into acne.

Two Main Types of Acne

There are also two main types of acne, non-inflammatory and the inflammatory acne. Black heads and whiteheads are non-inflammatory acne. These develop when pores are open and sebum gets stuck just below the skin’s surface.

Sebum that gets trapped can either turn black or white. If the plug or covering of sebum turns black (the color is caused by being exposed, not dirt) it’s called a blackhead, if it’s white, it’s a whitehead.

Inflammatory acne on the other hand, is a more severe type. It is caused by bacterial infection that causes the inflammation.

Non-inflammatory acne can be treated by many over the counter products. Products the contain benzoyl peroxide are effective in clearing pores and keeping away bacteria to prevent acne formation. Those products that contain salicylic acid on the other hand, aid in preventing development of too much dead skin that would lead to blocked pores. Just keep in mind to not try several products at the same time to prevent aggravation.

As inflammatory acne is more severe, it requires stronger treatment. These pimples are usually situated deeper within the skin. And of the two, this has a higher possibility of developing a scar. For chronic types, Tretinoin is an option. Tretinoin destroy the plug that blocks the pores, leading to oil being drained.

Treating Stubborn Acne: Know What To Do

There are also natural ways to cure pimples and prevent future breakouts. First, check what you put on your skin. Make ups cause acne. Heavy oil based make up can clog up the pores. Choose water based make up if it can’t be helped. And at the end of the day, remove any trace of makeup.

When you’re choosing products, opt for non-comedogenics items. Use the products that offer less possibility of developing the condition in the first place. These products are hypoallergenic, therefore safe even for sensitive skin.

So as not to aggravate the acne, fight the urge to burst the bubble, some just gets over eager to get rid of a pimple that they forget it will lead to scars. Not to mention, further infection.

Cure Pimples: You Can Deal With Zits!

Acne can be treated, that’s for sure. And for those suffering from the condition, quick and almost immediate relief is very much wanted. There are products that will stand up to their promise and there are some that won’t. Some have aggravating breakouts as one of its side effects. For sensitive skin, experimenting with different products is never an option.

The best course to get rid of pimples would be to go with acne home remedies that use mostly use natural treatments. Here are a few:

• Wash skin twice daily with mild cleanser. Look for products that contain natural products. There are now products made from natural ingredients. Clean skin that’s free from dirt prevent blockage of pores. Excessive oils are removed plus the skin is refreshed.
• Watch what you eat. Some food can cause hormone imbalance that would cause the sebaceous glands to over produce sebum. Instead eat fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamins A, C, and E which are needed to produce and maintain healthy clear skin.
• Keep hydrated. Well hydrated skin tends to push out dirt and excess oil more effectively. Do this by drinking lots of water and fruit juices rich in Vitamins that are good for the skin.

Choose Wisely: Choosing All-Natural

As there are reasons why acne develops, there are also ways to deal with pimples and prevent to have the condition back once cured. Look for treatments that will work for you. Never settle for products that work for many, go for the one that works for you. Not every products out there are created to work for everyone. Or better yet, choose that natural way to cure pimples, choose safety, choose natural.

Does an Imbalance of my Hormones Cause Acne?                                       

Both males and females have androgen hormones; but women are only having about ten percent compared in men. Hence, these hormones are linked to stimulate the sebaceous gland to produce sebum or oil into the skin.

However, when there are higher levels of androgens and it changed from the normal activity, excessive production of sebum could occur. This leads the pores to clog and trap the oil inside. These plugged skin pores could be a good habitant for the bacteria to grow together with other debris causing the appearance of acne.

Moreover, women sometimes respond differently; since there is a common female hormonal condition by which acne is connected with.  It is the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which has a testosterone-induced skin and hair changes features such as acne.

In addition, there are women who tend to have acne but with normal androgen levels. Thus with this, one must take into consideration that acne in this case can be a symptom of a more serious medical condition.

Testing for Hormonal Acne
Hormonal testing is done when this type of acne is suspected. This is a blood test by which it can measure androgens in the blood stream. If the determined level of the hormones is elevated, then h. acne is determined. Thus, attending to the required treatment as soon as possible will be helpful to make the skin be free from further effects of adult acne.

Treatment
Management of acne due to hormonal imbalances is not as crucial as you think. There are lots of available choices of hormonal treatments from which you can choose from.

The very common over the counter drug Benzoyl Peroxide is the first line treatment for acne together with the topical acne treatments such as Retinoids and other antimicrobial or oral antibiotics when inflammation is severe.  Also, a dermatologist may prescribe Isotretinoin for women with cystic acne and scarring.

For most women, acne caused by hormones is from the natural cycles a normal woman goes through such as menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. With this, doctors commonly prescribed a lower dose of oral contraceptive or birth control pills as well as with androgen receptor blockers that will keep the androgen production balanced.

Moreover, a Spironolactone known as a blood pressure medication is quite effective too; since this drug blocks aldosterone which is similar to androgen.

How to Control Hormonal Acne?

Hormone-causing acne can inhibit by controlling some of the modifiable factors in your lifestyle such as the following:

Weight Loss

Excess weight due to over accumulation of fats in the body plays a role in converting weak female and male sex hormones to more potent androgen hormones. By this, individuals who are overweight are likely to experience acne. That is why planning activities for weight loss is necessary to control the formation of acne.

Stress Reduction

Lack of sleep, anger, and long working hours are some of the things that create stress to a person. But did you know that by experiencing all of those now and then will make you more prone to acne? Yes, because stress affects the hormonal activities specifically androgens. It will be more helpful if you conquer your stress by doing relaxation techniques like yoga and many more.

Daily Cleansing

Regular cleansing of skin can be a big help to clear and minimize bacteria and other debris to take advantage to the excessive oil from your skin.  However, too much washing is not beneficial for you since it will cut the normal flora of the skin.

Prevention
You should not able to begin to treat acne if in the first place; you manage to prevent it anyways. Here are some beneficial things to prevent you from having acne:

• Be sure to clean your skin everyday at least twice daily
• Eat foods rich in antioxidants and Vitamins especially Vitamin A, C and E
• Drink plenty of water to help clean and flush toxins in the body
• Try to have relaxation exercises regularly
• Be cautious in the cosmetics you use; for some can be harsh to the skin and can block pores

Summary

No one can predict the occurrence of acne in one’s skin. Hence, there are available skin regimens to try and engage with to prevent you from having it. However, if you currently have hormonal acne, right treatment should be emphasized and done to avoid complications and further acne scarring.

Did these questions ever cross your mind – where acne vulgaris started? Who got it first? Do they know that it’s acne back then? It’s certainly a very interesting topic and surely there are a lot of people eager to know more about the littlest details about this skin condition.

First off, acne vulgaris is a medical term for common acne. Acne came from the Greek word “acme” which means a “point” or spot.” On the other hand, vulgaris came from the Latin word, “vulgus” meaning “common.” Hence, they’ve come up with name for the common acne.

Historians claimed that acne already existed at the time of Egyptians. It is written on their walls and other tablets that their pharaohs actually have it. With that case, it can be stated that acne really predominated the society yesterday and today.

Enough with the history and it’s time to discuss the real deal. As the term implies, it is a common human skin condition that mostly affects teenagers and adults. The peak incidence of this condition is at the onset of puberty.

It is characterized mainly by the presence of scaly red skin, blackheads and whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. Blackheads and whiteheads, collectively known as comedones, primarily entail the condition.

Generally, this occurs as a result of overactive sebaceous (oil) glands which become clogged, inflamed and reddened. However, this does not conclude the cause of such condition for there are other reasons why it this common acne occurs.

Clinical Symptoms

Where does acne usually occur? Oftentimes, it is seen on the face but it can be also seen at the back, chest, shoulders and arms. These are the areas of the skin with the densest number of skin pores or sebaceous follicles. Typically, the features of acne are divided into two, namely: non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne.

Non-inflammatory acne

This includes non-inflamed skin blotches which are known as comedones. It is either a blackhead or a whitehead.

A blackhead is a closed comedone that occurs when a pore is incompletely blocked which allows the sebum, bacteria and dead skin cells to slowly drain to the surface. Its color is derived from the pigment of the skin called melanin which reacted with the oxygen in the air. This process is called oxidation. With this, blackheads take a long time to clear.

On the other hand, a whitehead is an open comedone that appears a tiny white spot on the skin’s surface which is due to a pore that is completely blocking a pore and trapping the sebum, bacteria and dead skin cells. As compared with blackheads, they usually have short life cycle which means they clear faster.

Inflammatory acne

This includes inflamed lesions that are potentially capable of rupturing, exploding or collapsing resulting into severely damaging the surrounding area. These lesions are regarded as papules, pustules, cysts and nodules.

To understand further these lesions, each will described one by one. First, papules appear as red, tender bumps which have no head whereas pustules are inflamed lesions with a red circle having a white or yellow substance on its center.

On papules, be careful not to squeeze them because it can only worsen scarring while on pustules, before popping them you should first know the right way of doing it so as to avoid unpleasant scarring.

When acne vulgaris becomes severe, nodules and cysts come into picture. Nodules are large, hard bumps under the surface of the skin. It is relatively painful and last for several months. On the other hand, cysts are large, pus-filled bumps which are really tender. With these lesions, scarring is common.

Causes

If your mother or father has acne, you are a great candidate for having it too because it tends to run in families. Acne vulgaris is genetically predisposed wherein it is inherited by an autosomal dominant pattern with incomplete penetrance.

But don’t worry, sometimes it skips a generation so you’ll have a 50-50 chance of having it. At least, it’s not a 100%, right?

Other factors that can aggravate this condition include:

• Hormonal changes due to menstruation, pregnancy, pills and stress
• Profuse sweating and high levels of humidity
• Oily cosmetic and hair products
• Medications such as steroids, estrogen, testosterone, etc.
• High sugar diet

Treatments

A.      Natural Acne Remedies

Aloe Vera

The watery gel that can be extracted from aloe vera is considered as an extremely effective cure for acne. This gel is rich with enzymes that act as an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agent. With this, it can help in clearing up the skin.

Tea Tree oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil which is well accepted as a home remedy for acne. It is believed that this oil has an anti-bacterial component so it can kill or weaken the bacteria that are causing acne to occur. After diluting and extracting the oil, this is directly applied to the pimples. Usually, there are just minimal side effects associated with the use of tea tree oil.

Vitamin A and E

These vitamins are also natural remedies which are primarily beneficial to the skin. Vitamin A promotes healthy skin whereas Vitamin E acts as a natural antioxidant. These are available in the form of tablets and capsules.

Zinc

If you are fond of eating red meat, poultry, sea foods, grains and nuts, then you are actually eating foods that are rich in Zinc. Zinc is a mineral that can help improve acne inflammation. Also, it strengthens the immune system which will result in skin repair. It is also a nutritional supplement that is in a form of capsule.

B.      Self-Care Treatment

There are tips on how you can take care of your skin and these are as follows:

• Always make it a habit to wash your face twice a day using a non comedogenic soap.
• Avoid scrubbing and excessively washing your face.
• Remove all your make-up before going to bed.
• Use oil-free cosmetic products.
• When your hair is oily, shampoo it well. Long hair should be kept short by pulling it back to keep it from touching your face.
• Avoid popping or squeezing your pimples.
• Limit yourself from touching your face from time to time.

C.      Medications

Do not lose your hope when the remedies and self-care treatments you’ve done failed because over the counter medications are readily available to treat your acne.

Benzoyl peroxide is widely used as a medication for acne. It is the first line of treatment because it has the maximum effectiveness with fewer side effects. Primarily, it works by killing bacteria. Also, it causes redness and dryness of the skin. Occasional peeling may also occur when side effects take place.

This medication is as effective as the antibiotics. The good thing with this is that it doesn’t develop bacterial resistance unlike the antibiotics so relatively it’s of good use.

Other medications include oral and topical antibiotics such as tetracycline, amoxicillin, erythromycin, etc. These medications also help in killing the bacteria that aggravates acne.

D.      Surgery

There are surgical treatments available for the treatment of acne vulgaris. These treatments include laser therapy, phototherapy and manual extraction of comedones.

In the laser surgery, it is used for reduction of scars that is left behind by acne. Also, it is utilized to induce oxygen formation in the bacteria which will eventually kill them. In addition, it burns away the follicle sac and sebaceous gland.

On the other hand, phototherapy uses a red or blue light in the treatment of acne. These said treatments are still evaluated further for its usefulness, benefits and side effects.

Prevention

It is always true that prevention is better than cure. With this, there are ways on how to prevent you from suffering from this kind of condition.

• Take a bath everyday.
• Get enough sleep – at least 8 hours a day.
• Drink lots of fluids.
• Have a low glycemic diet.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise daily.
• Take your problems lightly.

Normally, a regimen will surely fail or be ineffective. But you should always think positively because this condition is highly curable but most especially it’s preventable. It’s not too late to improve the quality of your life, take a step and fight acne vulgaris.

What is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea tree oil is an extract of Melaleuca alternifolia, a shrub-like tree found in the northeastern part of the tropical coastal region of New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. There are over 300 varieties of tea tree but only a few are known to produce the valuable oil, and other species are continuously being studied to see if they contain any of the beneficial properties of tea tree oil.

The Melaleuca alternifolia tree is typically cultivated for extracting the valuable oil in plantations in Australia.

Why Is Tea Tree Oil Good for Acne?

The thing about tea tree oil is that is one of the most effective essential oils. It is found in almost all the pharmacies in Australia and is used widely all over the world nowadays. It is known to contain antibacterial as well as antifungal properties.

It is considered non-poisonous – when prepared carefully, a non-irritating antiseptic with very strong properties. It is considered safe and effective. It can be used for long periods of time without complications that usually comes with synthetic or chemical-based products.

Dealing with Acne, Day in and Day out

For anyone who has been suffering from acne, there may have been rows of embarrassment from it. To make the acne go away, the usual and most readily given solutions are to stick to good nutrition, proper rest, and exercise as needed.

Nonetheless, there are things that cannot be taken care of by traditional ways so that there are many medications and cosmetic products that offer cure for acne. Products such as creams, gels, soaps, among others can be bought over the counter. An acne treatment will work for some, but this will not be the case with others. Some will develop sensitivity to the product that might even increase acne severity.

Tea Tree Oil and Acne: A Match Made in Heaven

Most acne synthetic products contain active chemicals that can cause more damage to the skin. Good news is that there are now natural remedies that even experts highly recommend. Although, it will take longer for tea tree oil to work as compared to more popular synthetic products. Tea tree oil based products are getting more popular since it has fewer side effects.

One of the reasons why acne develops is when the sebum produced by the oil glands clog the pores. Tea tree oil works by drying up oily skin. It also does great in keeping oily face at bay so the skin will look fresh and radiant. After prolonged use; it will result in treating the acne and improving it significantly.

According to a number of studies, using a 5% diluted solution of tea tree solution and compared to the same ratio for a synthetic solution, tea tree oil takes a longer period of time to see results, but it is effective nonetheless. Compared to the synthetic product, diluted tea tree oil resulted to lesser side effects such as itching, stinging and dryness.

Things to Keep in Mind When Using Tea Tree Oil

As much the efficacy of tea tree oil for acne, products based with this oil should not be taken orally. Tea tree oil, when ingested, is toxic. It will bring on side effects such as drowsiness, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, as well as induce coma and abnormalities in the production of blood cells.

When applied on the skin, tea tree oils labeled as 100% pure essential oil can cause irritation, redness, excessive dryness and itchiness. Pick or make a 5 % tea tree oil solution. Add 5ml tea tree oil per 100ml of water when making the solution.

There are many products that contain tea tree oil for acne ready to use – ointments, gels, lotions and soaps. These are formulated to be safe when applied to the skin. When you buy tea tree oil products, get the ones specifically formulated to treat specified part of the body since what works for the chest and back acne might not work for the face and vice versa.

Tea tree oil has long been used throughout time. It is one of the most effective essential oils in the market. To treat acne, it is important to pick the product that works with the owner’s skin not the ones that works for most. Natural remedies that are known to be effective are the best to try out in almost any case. In the case of acne, there is tea tree oil; a natural substance that’s known to be effective and definitely worthy of a try.

If you’re thinking of these things, then it’s time for you to say goodbye to these mythical beliefs and know the real truth about acne.

Facing the Truth about Acne

In fact, acne is not a contagious disease that can be passed on from one person to another. It actually is a condition wherein the sebaceous glands are functioning at its peak level of activity, producing more sebum or oil which may result in clogging of skin pores creating acne.

For one, the oil responsible in producing acne is not the same grease coming from fatty foods you eat. That’s why; eating oily foods doesn’t cause acne.

Acne and its Management

Acne vulgaris, or simply acne, is a typical skin disorder affecting susceptible hair follicles, mostly found on the face, neck and upper trunk. It is classified according to its severity – blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, papules and nodulocystic. Acne becomes more marked during the onset of puberty and most likely to affect ages between 12 and 35 years.

There are several factors which directly influence the appearance of acne. Each will be discussed together with treatments needed for each case to properly handle the condition.

1. Hormonal Activity: When Things Go Crazy

Androgens are hormones responsible for stimulating the sebaceous glands, causing them to enlarge and secrete natural oil, sebum. This rises to the top of hair follicles then flows out onto the skin surface. Overproduction of oil happens during adolescence, menstruation or even pregnancy. When accumulated sebum plugs the pilosebaceous ducts, it will then create comedones known as the primary lesions of acne, the whiteheads and blackheads.

There are products in the market which are helpful in reducing the surface oil of skin such as oil blotting papers and alpha hydroxyl acids. AHAs, within the recommended dosage, aid in exfoliating dead skin cells, removing excess oil from the skin, and making the skin non-greasy.

In addition, laser acne treatment can be also one of your choices to lessen the excessive oil production in the skin. Three to five sessions, for about 30 minutes each, in a month may be required depending on the condition of the acne. Laser treatment procedure treats only the affected area without harming the surrounding skin as well as promotes collagen formation and rejuvenation making the acne less visible or completely gets rid of it.

2. Heredity: It Runs in the Blood

A person might be predisposed in getting acne through heredity. A research study about twins conducted by St. Thomas Hospital in London indicates that acne is tied up to genes. Anyone with first-degree relatives who have acne has 3%-4% chances of developing acne too.

Certain drugs like adapalene, azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide and other prescribed medications by a skin expert will help in treating acne.

3. Bacterial Infection: Say No to Germs

Over-secretion of oil invites bacteria in the skin, specifically Propionibacterium acnes. These bacteria are commonly non-pathogenic but when certain strains contaminates the skin clogged by dead skin, dirt or oil, it will then create and can cause infection including the typical skin disease, acne vulgaris.

Antibiotic medications including Tetracycline, Minocycline, Doxycycline and Bactrim/Septra are best suited in managing bacterial infections.

4. Stress: Deal with It!

The skin has nerves which are responsible for the different sensations you can perceive. The nerve endings release chemicals called neuropeptides. These neuropepides are stress-induced chemicals. When under stress, it increases to protect the immune system. Thus, it creates inflammation in the skin that can show as redness, bumpiness and feeling of itchiness and pain.

Engaging in stress management techniques like yoga, tai chi, progressive muscle relaxation, hypnosis or even guided imagery are activities that help in lowering the levels of stress in the body thereby reducing the chances of developing acne.

5. Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency: Know Your Inadequacies

Healthy and glowing skin requires proper nutrition including the intake of vitamins and minerals. However, taking of multivitamins should not be taken as a substitute to daily food consumption. Multivitamin intake should be as prescribed by a doctor to avoid overconsumption that can lead to toxicity. The following nutrients are good in preventing and reducing acne:

• Vitamin A builds up the protective tissue of the skin and prevents the development of acne by decreasing sebum production. It is an antioxidant that helps in relieving stress. Top five foods rich in Vitamin A are liver, pepper, sweet potatoes, carrots and dark leafy green vegetables.
• Vitamin C or ascorbic acid helps against infection and improves immunity. It is said to have antioxidants which reduces body stress. Vitamin C is abundantly found in these fruits and vegetables: red and green hot chili and bell peppers, guavas, and fine fresh herbs (thyme and parsley) and dark leafy greens.
• Vitamin E helps in rejuvenating the glow of the skin. It therefore aids in eliminating harmful free radicals from cellular metabolism. Studies have shown that vitamin E contributes in reducing the appearance of scars resulting from acne. Vitamin E rich-foods are sunflower seeds, paprika and red chili powder, almonds, pine nuts and peanuts.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flax seeds, salmon and walnuts.
• Zinc enhances the immunity system, reducing inflammation and promoting healthy hormonal level; as a result, acne may lessen. Oysters, toasted wheat germ, veal liver, sesame seeds and low fat roast beef are some foods high in Zinc.

6. Diet: Watch What You Eat

Intake of skim milk according to research affects in developing acne. Milk typically contains androgen hormones, which are associated in producing more sebum; also contribute to acne break outs.

There are also certain foods that can bring on an allergic reaction and cause inflammation. This will further aggravate acne and cause more flare-ups. Soy, corn, and wheat are some well-known allergens that can trigger unwanted acne breakouts.

Learn to watch what you eat and determine the various trigger factors that bring on acne. Once you have identified these triggers, you can learn to avoid certain foods and as a result, minimize acne.

7. Harsh Cosmetics: Beauty Has Its Price

Cosmetics such as make ups can enhance your facial assets but may contribute in worsening acne without your knowledge. Some skin products are comodegenic or pore clogging, oily and very unhealthy for the skin.

Ingredients liable for harsh effects on skin include lanolin which contains fatty oils that can aggravate acne in the skin of individuals with genetic tendency. Isoprophyl myristate and its chemical family including isopropyl almitate, isostearyl neopentonate, and octyl can also contribute to acne.

It is more advisable to use water-based and mineral-based skin care products. Nonetheless, by avoiding cosmetics altogether can greatly reduce the exacerbation of the condition and facilitate faster healing.

8. Certain Drugs: Know Your Medicines

There are some drugs known to have interaction in developing acne: barbiturates or sedative drugs, corticosteroids treatment for hives and eczema, lithium which is a mood stabilizer, anabolic-androgenic steroids commonly used by athletes, and dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA known as an anti-aging hormone.

These drugs are basically associated in producing more oil or have been observed to have acne as a side effect. If you need to take these medications, it is advisable to ask advices from a skin expert on how you can avoid getting acne through alternative remedies for instance.

9. Certain Diseases: Acne as a Symptom

There are some disorders which are sometimes characterized by acne. Diabetes, Jacob’s Syndrome, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, and Thyroid-related diseases usually have acne in their list of symptoms.

Meeting with an authorized medical provider can help determine and recommend medications with regards to the principal medical condition. Addressing the underlying medical issue will bring about treatment for acne.

10. Environmental Factors: It’s in the House

Working in a factory or in a humid work place will make you more susceptible to acne formation. It may cause your skin to produce more oil, hence activating it to develop unwanted acne. Proper self-care is recommended for the skin to stay clean and healthy.

But remember, frequent washing will cause your skin to break and decrease its normal flora; that’s why; it is advisable to wash your skin only at least twice a day, in day and in night time, or as needed, such as after a strenuous physical activity.

That Said…

There are many factors contributing in the formation of acne, whether it is directly influencing the development of the condition or not. However, there are also different ways on how acne can be controlled and dealt with. Treatments offer are depending on severity and nature of the acne.

It is not advisable to take risks in managing the condition. Consulting with a licensed dermatologist is a must to identify and fix the existing problem by giving the appropriate medication and remedy. Thus, submitting yourself to a properly planned management of acne will help in boosting your self esteem, and correlation with others.

These pimples are inflamed skin lesions that generally develop when skin pores are clogged and eventually infected. They usually appear as deep painful lumps on different skin areas such as the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders or elsewhere in the body. These lumps are regarded as acne cysts or nodules, wherein if not treated properly, this may result in acne scarring.

Dealing with Acne: Emotional and Physical Stress

The self-esteem of the person suffering from acne may be affected causing them to feel quite unconfident, timid and reserved. Most probably, they withdraw from socializations because they are concerned with how they look causing them to feel embarrassed. And these pimples are the main culprit for such situation.

It is true that not all may suffer from acne but it is best to care for the skin even if you are not affected by it. The best thing to remember is that prevention is better searching for a way to cure acne. Proper knowledge and understanding about the causes of acne is the preeminent way to fight pimples. It is primarily because you can effortlessly identify how acne is formed and how to prevent it upon knowing its causes and triggering factors.

Acne Prevention: Coping with Acne Effectively

There are various ways on how to prevent acne such as proper skin care, nutrition, healthy lifestyle, treatment regimen and the like. With this, there are 11 very essential steps that can help you in the prevention of acne and pimples and these are discussed as follows:

1.       Wash your skin everyday. It is advisable to wash the skin at least once or twice a day, upon waking up and before going to bed. The causes of acne such as excess dirt, oil and dead skin cells are removed through washing.

In washing your skin, you may use gentle or mild (noncomedogenic) soaps and avoid the usage of harsh cleansers. Warm water should be used and not hot water, because this may further irritate the skin which in turn makes the effort of preventing the acne useless.

When your skin becomes rough and dry, it is best to use oil-free or water-based moisturizers so that clogging of pores will be avoided. In attempt to keep the skin clean, you may tend to scrub your face strongly and frequently but this is not advisable. This will only increase the inflammation and worsen your acne.

2.       Remove make-up products on your face before going to bed. Leaving your face with makeup overnight may facilitate the blocking of skin pores that may lead to breakout of acne. Because of that, you have to make sure that you have removed your makeup before sleeping.

In using makeup products, avoid using cream products because it can cause skin irritation instead you can use powder cosmetics. Also, heavy makeup is a big no-no because it has a bigger chance of causing acne to occur.

In addition, you need to clean up your brushes and applicators regularly with soapy water and be sure to throw out old, contaminated makeup.

3.       Avoid touching your face. Your two hands may be the primary reason of the acne occurrence since the capacity to touch anything at any time is just natural. With this, the hands are always contaminated by different microorganisms, particularly bacteria which increase the risk of having acne.

Proper hand washing is advised so that you may keep your hands clean and uncontaminated. And unnecessary touching is recommended so as to prevent bacteria from getting near your face.

4.       Do not let your hair come in contact with your face. It is true that your hair collects dust and dirt wherever you go everyday. Hence, it is necessary to keep your hair away from your face to prevent the increasing chance of clogging the pores from your skin.

Although having bangs is not directly causing the condition, it is still essential to know that this may contribute to the occurrence of acne. Because of this, the hair should be kept short if possible or simply pull back your hair. Also, hair should be washed properly and thoroughly and avoid using oil-based products.

5.       Shower after having strenuous activities. After exercise or any sports activities, it is inevitable for you not to sweat a lot. With profuse sweating, the likelihood of having acne is possible so you have to shower after you are done.

The sweat collected on your skin can trap dirt and bacteria eventually causing acne. This is the primary reason why it is important to clean up the body as soon as possible so that no dirt or bacteria may clog up the skin pores. When washing the body, remember to use only mild cleansers.

6.       Wear loose-fitting clothes. With clothes that are tightly fitted from your body, the heat and moisture are trapped which can infuriate the skin. For everyday use, it is best to wear clothes that will enable your skin to breathe and properly absorb sweat and perspiration. When sweat and perspiration are absorbed properly, this will decrease the risk of suffering from acne.

7.       Ensure proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle. Eating balanced nutrition, avoiding stressful situations, exercising regularly, drinking 8 glasses of water and getting the right amount of sleep entail you to have not only good health but also eliminating the chances of acne from occurring.

It is inevitable for everyone not to experience stress because it is part of our daily lives. However, stress should be minimized because stress and acne are correlated according to scientific studies.

You can decrease stress and resolve it by means of leisure activities and talking to someone that you know that may help you relieve the tension. Also, not only that exercise can reduce stress but also it can improve blood circulation and delivery of oxygen to the skin.

Drink 8 glasses of water or more so that it will detoxify the body and rehydrate the skin which will lead to proper maintenance of health.

Also, proper diet is important in the prevention of acne. It is best to eat foods which are high in fiber and low in fat and equip your system with vitamins and minerals to balance the oil distribution of the body and to ensure the nourishment of the skin.

8.       Avoid scratching, pinching and squeezing your face. The inconvenience brought by the pimples may lead you to pinch, or even scratch them away. However, it is not best to do so because it will only aggravate the condition and it can damage the skin and leave the spot inflamed and reddened. Not only that, upon scratching or pinching the affected area, this may cause permanent scarring which may stay visible for years.

9.       Follow your treatment regimen strictly. Make a schedule about the time when you should wash your face and other parts of the body that you will consistently follow.  Being consistent and strict about your regimen will prevent any breakout from occurring.

10.   Use topical creams or ointments. Find for products which contain the ingredient salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients exfoliate the skin and aid in the removal of dead skin cells that mix with oil and dirt to form blackheads and whiteheads. When these blackheads and whiteheads are infected, this will result into pimples.

Always remember that before using any acne medication, ointment or cream, you should utilize it properly according to the right amount of dosage needed to treat your skin. When you apply these regimens with the right amount and frequency, this will maximize the benefits and effectiveness you can get from the medication.

11.   Consult a dermatologist. When the time comes that you have experienced acne breakouts, this will be your last resort. You have to seek the guidance of a dermatologist to properly care for your skin. This will ensure you that you will not be suffering from more pimples and that this may help you prevent future breakouts.

Also, a dermatologist gives professional advice and prescribes you the best medicine and treatment that will heal your acne fast.

Most people are commonly affected by acne at some point of their lives. Nevertheless, the dilemma of having acne can be surely prevented if these 11 steps are followed religiously. Not only that it will prevent future breakouts but also it will ensure good health and overall well-being.

For many years, diet was not considered a culprit in causing acne. According to research, acne can be triggered by certain group of foods. Processed foods and fatty foods are among these. There are also foods that keep acne at bay. So to keep your skin acne free, best avoid acne causing foods and go for healthy foods to prevent acne.

Certain Foods are Little-Known Acne Triggers

Although acne is partly caused by genes and hormones, food can also play a big part. Some who suffer from acne do not have the skin condition running in the family and yet are affected. The explanation, aside from hormones, lie within the diet. Sweets, some dairy products, meat and processed foods are marked as acne triggers. If one’s diet consists of mostly these types of food then expect to have unwanted acne breakouts.

While a diet of foods that triggers acne should be avoided, there are eating regimens that have certain group of foods that help prevent acne. These healthy food alternatives mostly consist of fruits, vegetables, and healthier options of dairy products and whole grains.

Ace Fruits: Loaded with Vitamins A, C and E

One of the important foods to prevent acne is fruits. Fruits that contain high levels of Vitamins A, C and E help keep your skin clear and beautiful. Among these are apples, strawberries, grapes, apricots, bananas, and cherries are great choices. You may also want to include cantaloupes, figs lemons, grapefruits, oranges, papaya, guava and kiwis in your food basket.

Making sure that fruits are part of your diet will not only help to keep your skin clear, it will also give an overall refreshed feeling. These fruits are high in vitamins, mineral, and fiber.

Go Green and Acne-Free with Vegetables

The vitamins you get from eating vegetables will also make your skin healthier. Adding vegetables to your usual diet will mean getting all the vitamins needed for producing healthy glowing skin.

Eating five servings of vegetables daily can minimize breakouts by as much as 30%, as shown in a study published in BMC Public Health. Munching on that carrot or celery never looked as enticing, isn’t it?

Next time you go to the supermarket, or better yet go to the weekend farmer’s market in your place, and make sure you have carrots, cucumbers, spinach, broccoli, peppers and garlic with you when you get home. Then toss yourself a salad in a French or Italian dressing.

Dairy Products and Whole Grains for Healthier, Acne-Free Skin

While there are dairy products that can potentially cause pimples or aggravate existing symptoms, there are also certain dairy products that will do well for your skin. Opt for low fat dairy products to add in your diet. You may also want to avoid drinking milk since it has been known to have hormones that can promote oil production.

Whole wheat and grains products can also be great additions to a healthier diet. Whole wheat breads, cereals and grains contain minerals needed for healthy skin.

However, dairy products and whole grains must be consumed with care as they can trigger acne when eaten in abundance.

Self-Empowerment against Acne

Look for acne preventing diet programs. Do your own research for foods that will go best with your lifestyle. Go for foods known to prevent pimples that you will find no or little trouble to incorporate in your diet.

Aside from incorporating healthy foods to prevent acne, take food supplements to help maintain your skin’s health. Just make sure you’ve consulted with your dermatologist before you take them. Vitamin A strengthens the protective layer of the skin and reduces production of sebum. Vitamin B3 and B6 are great for healthy skin and reduction of oiliness. Vitamins C and E are both strong antioxidants.

And lastly, keep skin hydrated. Drink lots of water and fruit juices. Well hydrated skin is healthy. So drink up and hydrate to finish off every healthy meal.

Eat healthy for smooth, clear, and beautiful skin; go for healthy foods to prevent acne from even starting. Make vegetables and fruits a staple in your diet.

Looking for the Right Stuff Ideal to your Skin

Oily skin and acne is such a persistent issue that finding an acne cure is almost like a never ending journey. Products that promise cure to the condition are sprouting anywhere that finding the right one takes efforts equal to the problem itself.

For girls and women with oily and pimple prone skin, finding the right beauty product like makeup will always be a challenge. It will never be easy and at times it’s consistent – consistently a test. As anyone with oily skin probably knows, most makeup kits and other skin care products are made with risky chemicals such as fragrances, additives, and a lot of other substances that, at worst, may do more harm than good.

Mere contact with these harmful substances can lead to worse breakouts, skin irritations, and itching. To apply any cosmetics to an oily skin is always a risk.  That is why choosing the right stuff ideal to your skin means extra effort and miles of patience.

What to Look For in a Makeup

Some would want to buy products to temporarily address the oiliness or at least hide skin issues that may come with the condition like sensitivity. It will give momentary satisfaction, but the possibility of having worse than before issue is ever present.

Probably the best element to watch out for makeup made for oily and acne prone skin is consistency and long term benefits. It is not enough to address the issue for a moment; it has to be for as long as possible.  And this is the great challenge for people wanting to “cure” oily skin.

Most makeup and other cosmetics seem to wear off as the day goes, and sometimes leaving the skin with more problems than when it has started. One of arguably the best make up to ever join the market is mineral makeup. It is a great solution for oily and acne prone skin since it usually does not have ingredients that other makeup types have.

Minerals like zinc oxide are ground into powder and added to other organic and natural ingredients to produce a whole line of products that helps prevent further breakouts.

Mineral Makeups: Best for Oily Skin

Mineral makeups are truly a miracle for many who suffer from oily or/and sensitive skin. The minerals are much safer and healthier for the skin. Best of all, most formulas for mineral makeups are natural, and organic botanical extracts. That basically means having a natural and healthy look of the skin – without the possibility of toxic chemicals touching your skin, not to mention, a number of potential skin problems such as premature aging, pimples, and skin allergy.

As good as it sounds; there is something to be wary about. Not all mineral makeup products are created the same way. Some put the words “mineral” or “natural” just to sell. With careful reading of labels, one can ensure getting the right mineral makeup that will work for oily and acne prone skin.

To be safe, look for the high quality and trusted brands. It may be expensive high quality minerals and ingredients for oily and acne skin will be definitely worth it.

Simple and Effect Steps to Cure Acne

Clean your face with a natural soap in the morning and in the evening. There are different natural soaps that work effectively for acne. Sandalwood soaps and sulfur based ones are excellent choices. For better results, you can use rose water or diluted lemon juice to clean your face before washing it. These solutions remove the dirt and the extra sebum. They have mild antibacterial properties as well.

Apply natural masks with exfoliating, skin renewing and antibacterial properties once to twice a week. This is another one of the effective natural ways to cure acne. You can choose from different masks. Oatmeal with honey is an excellent choice and so is oatmeal with sour cream and yogurt. You may also want to try mixing equal amounts of nutmeg and milk to prepare a mask. Use equal amounts of ground orange peels and powdered turmeric to make another effective mask.

Keep your skin hydrated at all times. This is one of the best natural ways to cure acne. There are two ways in which to keep your skin hydrated. One of them is to use a moisturizer after washing. It is best for it to be mild and light so that it does not cause unnecessary pore clogging. You may want to use a moisturizer that has sun protection properties as well. Drinking plenty of water is essential for getting rid of acne. Eight glasses a day should be more than sufficient.

Protect your skin from bacteria, extra oil and the harmful environmental elements. Not touching your face and not tampering the pimples is essential. You can easily spread bacteria with your hands. Avoid applying make up or any thick cream on your face as these cosmetic products may make pore clogging worse. Do not keep your hair on your face. It may contribute to pore clogging as it contains oil. Change your pillow cover regularly as it may contain oil transferred from your skin during the night. It is a good idea to apply sunscreen when you go out as the UV rays of the sun may slow down the acne healing process.

Get sufficient amounts of vitamins A, C and E, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids naturally. You do not have to use supplements provided that you have a balanced diet. Having a diet that gives your skin all the essential nutrients it needs is one of the best natural ways to cure acne. Vitamin A is essential for regulating the natural processes in the skin. It is found in carrots, pumpkins, squashes and fish. Vitamin C and E are powerful antioxidants that protect the skin. Vitamin C is present in citrus fruits, tomatoes and peppers while sweet potatoes, nuts and avocados are rich in vitamin E. Zinc regulates the production of sebum. It is present in nuts and turkey. You can get omega 3-fatty acids that support normal skin cell growth from fatty fish, walnuts and sunflower seeds.

Q: Does makeup cause acne?
While makeup is used to cover up acne, it can also worsen the condition. Some makeups, especially oil-based cosmetics, tend to clog pores. Clogged pores often result to acne. To remedy this, choose the type of makeup you wear. Opt for water-based or mineral-based cosmetics.

How to do this? Let makeup stand for a several hours. If the solution separates, then it’s water-based.
Also, to prevent anymore breakouts, never sleep with makeup on. Use mild cleansers to remove any trace of makeup on skin before going to bed.

Q: Does pregnancy cause acne?
Imbalance in hormone levels can cause acne. It will trigger the oil glands to hyper drive, and the result? Acne. Typically breakouts occur during the first trimester of pregnancy.

As the pregnancy progresses, acne will most likely get worse. The skin usually returns to normal after delivery. However, during pregnancy, it is not recommended to just try out any acne treatment that comes to mind. A dermatologist’s help should be considered since acne is due to hormonal changes.

Q: Does coffee cause acne?
While there is no scientific study to prove that caffeine, the substance found in coffee, causes acne. Nonetheless, a link may exist between the two. Caffeine is a known stimulant. Caffeine can also trigger sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. When sebum or oil is continuously produced due to intake of coffee, it might get clogged and result to acne.

Q: Does biotin cause acne?
Biotin is a nutrient essential to cell growth, production of fatty acids and metabolism of fats and amino acids. Supplement of this is taken to treat brittle nails, diabetes and hair loss. While it is beneficial, taking more than the advised dosage will mean saddling with undesirable and unwelcome side effects, like acne, along the way. So take no more than needed.

Q: Does milk cause acne?
Milk can cause acne. The reason for this is that milk, and other dairy products for that matter, contain hormones that cause the oil glands to produce sebum. One of the common reasons for acquiring acne is clogged oil glands.

Oily skin is prone to develop acne as it can result to clogged pores. Clogged pores then develop skin inflammation and infection, producing sore bumps known as acne.

Q: Does stress cause acne?
There is a strong link between stress and acne particularly in adults. When the body is stressed, stress hormones shoot up and, in turn, cause hormonal imbalance. Then this will cause the oil glands to secrete more oil. As oily skin is prone to acne, expect to have the bumps in a few days or so.

To combat stress related acne, simply look up some stress management techniques. Exercise to ease the stress off and wash your face regularly.

Q: Does sugar cause acne?
Here’s the bad news, some people get acne by their sugar intake. Why? Simply because the rise in sugar level causes oil glands to secrete more oil.

The liver takes care of excessive hormones caused after sugar intake so if the liver works slower, the more likely for you to develop acne. Some people have their liver working faster than others. Unfortunately, those with slower liver activity, acne may be one of the visible manifestations of that.

Q: Does shaving cause acne?
Not necessarily. This condition is prevalent in men as it follows that they are the ones who shave their facial hair a lot. The bumps that result from constant shaving are not the acne most fear. It is caused by hair that gets trapped in the follicle, this then cause inflammation in the skin. Prevention can start with keeping the materials and the process hygienic.

Q: Does facial hair cause acne?
Yes, more prevalent on males, too. Dead skin cells are continuously shed off, and they can combine with sebum, particularly around the follicles and develop acne. Also, when shaving facial hair, it is usually followed by applying cosmetics.

It is a common fact that some cosmetics, especially oil-based makeup, can plug pores and then cause acne. One tip in preventing acne is that when using cosmetics, choose non-comedogenic and water-based ones.

Q: Does sweat cause acne?
Actually not; sweat cleanses the body system. It is a way to rid the body of toxins. Since sweating makes the skin more prone to picking up and get stuck with dirt, bacteria just found a neat little spot to grow and multiply. The dirt can clog the pores thus sebum gets stuck in the pores. Add bacteria to that, and acne will develop.

Q: Does alcohol cause acne?
Drinking alcohol affects liver function. As liver is important in metabolism and helps eliminate toxins from the body, it can lead to hormonal imbalance. The level of hormones once unbalanced can stimulate over production of sebum.  When the body excretes, it will send alcohol out through the skin by sweating. It will then be possible that the pores get clogged causing acne.

Q: Does smoking cause acne?
According to a study, there is a nearly fifty percent chance for a smoker to suffer from acne. It was found out that, though inconsistent, a large percentage of smokers are suffering from acne. Smoker’s acne as it is called is a type of non-inflammatory breakouts which appears as tiny bumps. Although there was no established link between smoking and acne, it is still safe to say that to have healthy acne-free skin, better stay away from smoking.

Q: Does eating chocolate cause acne?
The link between chocolate and acne is not that established. To some, eating chocolate today means acne tomorrow, to some lucky ones no effect on the skin at all. The notion that says chocolate causes acne probably came about based on observations on how commonly sweet chocolates are. In truth, acne cannot be caused by chocolate. Overeating and imbalance diet, now those can cause acne.

Q: Does exercise cause acne?
During exercise, the heart rate increases. This will then trigger the sebaceous to produce oil. For some people with hyper active sebaceous glands, exercise means more acne. One way to remedy this problem would be to apply some medication before exercise. Another would be to wear loose clothes.
To prevent bacteria from multiplying, opt for water instead of salty or sugary drinks to replenish lost fluids.

Q: Does Creatine cause acne?
Creatine itself does not cause acne. However, increase in acne breakouts can be indirectly linked to creatine. Taking in creatine will dehydrate skin; dehydrated skin is less effective in ridding the body of toxins and oil that can lead to acne. Also, creatine is usually taken in with fruit juices or energy drinks which together may increase hormones that cause more acne breakouts.

Q: Does soda cause acne?
Yes, drinking soda leads to breakouts. Consuming soda can lead to dehydration and dehydrated skin is more prone to acne. The sugar in these drinks can cause the sugar level to rise, resulting in increased hormone levels. This can then lead to more breakouts. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water when you drink sodas to offset their effects.

Q: Does dry skin cause acne?
In fact, yes. Well hydrated skin tends to rid the skin of toxins and excess oil more effectively. Meanwhile, dry skin is less effective in getting rid of dirt, bacteria, sebum and other particles that clog up the pores. The skin will counter this problem by producing more oil to moisturize. The result? Higher risk of developing and aggravating acne.

Q: Does masturbation cause acne?
There is no evidence that links masturbation to cause or aggravate acne. As acne is caused by hormones, it is easy to believe that those with high androgenic (sex) hormones are likely to develop acne. One thing to point out though, masturbation are common to adolescents. It is in the adolescent stage that acne becomes prevalent.

Q: Does peanut butter cause acne?
Peanut butter is made of peanuts which are known to be rich in proteins and fats – substance which are not readily digestible by humans. In fact, some of these substances cause excessive sebum production. This will lead to inflammation and produce the bumps. Eating peanuts alone will not cause breakouts. Genetics, weakened immune system and other foods in the diet contribute as well.

Q: Does whey protein cause acne?
There is no scientific evidence that suggests whey causes acne. Nonetheless, there are some proteins that are indigestible to humans. For someone suffering from acne, it is safer to stop using whey powder. Although there is no current proof that links acne to whey, it is better to not risk the health of your skin.

Q: Does sweating cause acne?
Yes, sweating can cause acne. It is a natural way for the body to rid the system of toxins. To avoid acne caused by sweat, it is best to maintain good hygiene. Wipe the sweat off and/or wash the skin as to not let the skin have prolonged contact with bacteria and toxins excreted from the body.

Q: Does foundation cause acne?
Yes and a higher risk when using oil based foundation. Cosmetics tend to clog up the pores, blocking sebum and dirt that cause acne. Heavy cosmetics prevent excess oil and dirt from being eliminated from the skin and sometimes drive it deeper into the skin layers, thus developing inflammation. Always remove your makeup before going to bed.

Q: Does lotion cause acne?
Heavy cosmetics provoke acne development. Lotions are normally made up of oils that keep the skin moisturized, but this is a double edged sword. While moisturized skin do a better job of ridding the skin of impurities, products applied to skin can keep sebum and dirt as well as the skin’s needed moisture.
Choose products that are non-comedogenic to lower the risk of aggravating and developing acne.

Q: Does lack of sleep cause acne?
Sleep is important to the body. It is during sleep that cells are repaired and replaced. So when someone says lack of sleep causes acne, they’re right. Sleep plays major role in the skin’s health. A good sleep restores the body and builds a stronger immune system. Lack of sleep causes stress, it will disturb hormone levels and as you know, hormone imbalance causes acne.

Q: Does sleeping late cause acne?
Getting to bed late is detrimental to skin health. A glitch in sleeping pattern can stress one out and increase levels of hormones dramatically. Sleeping late almost always means inadequate sleep. One becomes irritated and stressed the following day.

In turn, the change in hormone levels can cause the sebaceous glands to become overactive. Since the skin is stressed, the pores might get blocked and cause inflammation that is known as acne.

Some of the issues above have risen as mere hearsay. Yet, there are some which contain a grain or two of truth. Of course, there are those backed by various studies but, all in all, they are raised to question and pique a common yet largely unresolved issue that is acne.