Introduction - Acne is a common, in fact, predominant skin disorder that
affects all nations, races and genders regardless of their ethnic backgrounds
geographical location or environmental conditions. The resulting impact is even
more troublesome. According to a recent survey done in US, about 25% of adults
and 31% of teens surveyed said that acne sometimes keeps them from participating
in social activities. It has been. Today, dermatologists have a consensus that
only few people survive their teen years without suffering at least an
occasional acne break-out. For many, acne continues into their adult years,
causing embarrassment and prompting the sufferer to search the cosmetic counters
for means to cover the spots.
Acne statistics for the age - According to general statistics, acne usually
starts around puberty and lasts until adulthood, although it can persist for
many more years, regardless of age. Similarly, baby acne affects approximately
20% of newborn babies. About 25% of teens will still have acne at age 25. More
than 80% of acne sufferers are between the ages of 12 and 24. Acne affects about
90% of adolescents and 20-30% of adults aged 20 to 40 years.
Acne statistics for the gender - Probably because of their frequent hormonal
variations and moods swings, women make up 75% of adult cases of acne. Often
acne is worst during adolescence and begins to subside during your twenties. But
for some people, acne remains throughout adulthood although often in milder
form.
Acne statistics for the sites - Acne affects the face in 99% of cases. Other,
less affected sites are back, neck, buttocks and even arms. Last but not least,
considering that 80% of the population between the age of 12 and 24 years old
will be afflicted by acne to one degree or another, acne is a very serious and
widespread concern. For many people, acne problems can continue all throughout
their life well into adulthood, even though they were told as teens that they
would "outgrow" it.
What is Acne? - Acne is an extremely common and distressing condition that
affects the skin's oil glands. The small holes in your skin (pores) connect to
oil glands under the skin. These glands make an oily substance called sebum. The
pores connect to the glands by a canal called a follicle. Inside the follicles,
oil carries dead skin cells to the surface of the skin. A thin hair also grows
through the follicle and out to the skin. When the follicle of a skin gland
clogs up, this is when a pimple develops. Most pimples are found typically on
the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders but they can appear literally
anywhere. Acne can cause unsightly and in rare cases permanent scarring but it
is not life threatening. Acne develops when the hair, sebum and skin cells clump
together to form a plug. A bacterium grows in the plug that causes swelling.
Then when the plug starts to break down, a pimple grows. Acne is the most common
skin disease. Men and women of any age and race can get acne although it is
generally believed to be a teenage ailment as it is most common in teenagers and
adults. It is estimated that as much as 80% of the population aged between the
age of 11 and 30 will experience some form of acne. Even those in the older
generation, as old as in their fifties (though less common) can suffer from
acne. The sole cause of acne in the first places not established, though people
have many theories. To clear up one misconception, diet definitely does not
cause acne, although many people believe this to be true. Whether you eat a lot
of fatty foods or a lot of chocolate and crisps plays no part in acne although
it is true that eating well can only benefit your complexion, acne (in the first
instance) is not caused by what you eat.
Doctors and dermatologists believe it could be down to the increase of
hormones in puberty which can cause the oil glands to clog and plug up. Older
women can have acne due to the hormonal changes when pregnant and those who take
the oral contraceptive pill can also suffer acne as a side effect. If any of
your immediate family members suffered from acne as well, there is a very good
chance you will too as it is hereditary. Some medications, particularly some
antibiotics can cause spots and using particularly greasy oil-based cosmetics.
Acne can be treated by OTC (Over the counter) topical face washes or creams or
in severe cases, a course of antibiotics and/or steroids over a certain period
is prescribed depending on the kind of acne you have and the severity. The
quicker the acne is treated the lesser the incidence of scarring. Your doctor
will be able to advise or refer you to a dermatologist (a skin specialist) who
can work with you so you get the best possible treatment. Understanding
different stages of acne An easy grading of acne - Based on the degree or the
severity of the signs and symptoms produced in acne, the disorder can be
categorized into three prominent or main stages or grades as follows:
Mild acne ("whiteheads" and "blackheads") Mils acne, also known as
non-inflammatory acne, is caused by a plug of dead skin cells and oil in the
canal that contains the hair, under the surface of the skin. Because the plugs
are underneath the skin surface, scrubbing will not get rid of them. In fact,
rubbing the skin or using harsh or abrasive soaps can irritate the skin and make
the acne worse. Mild acne does not usually leave permanent marks on the skin.
Moderate to moderately severe acne - This type of acne, also known as
inflammatory acne, consists of several whiteheads, blackheads, papules and
pustules that cover from top of the face and/or other parts of the body. It can
be treated with antibiotic lotions or gels, as well as retinoic acid. Retinoic
acid is an altered form of vitamin A. It helps prevent whiteheads and black
heads. Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic pill, such as erythromycin.
If you take birth control pills to prevent pregnancy, antibiotics can affect how
well they work. Be sure to use a second method of birth control with the pill,
such as a condom. Retinoic acid and antibiotic pills can make the skin
sensitive to the sun. So, wear sunscreen and stay in the shade while using
them.
Severe acne Severe acne is rare and consists of a mixture of both
inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne has all types of lesions including severe
inflammatory lesions (markedly reddened pustules) and possibly cystic lesions
(lesions over 0.5 cm in diameter with a soft top that are losing their
inflammation). It is most common to have a mixture of lesions at any one time.
You should see a dermatologist to care for this type of acne. Scarring can be
prevented with appropriate treatments. Topical treatment alone will not be
effective at treating severe inflammatory acne because it cannot penetrate deep
enough through the skin's surface to treat the severely inflamed nodules and
cysts. "You're About To Learn How To Look Better,Feel Better,and have A Renewed
Sense of Self-Esteem - By Clearing Your Acne Permanently In As Little As 3
Days.Severe acne requires systemic treatment (medicine taken orally). Systemic
therapies cause distribution of the drug throughout the entire organism. Your
dermatologist can prescribe oral antibiotics and oral contraceptives. Large
inflamed cysts can be treated with an injection of a drug that lessens the
redness, swelling, and irritation, and promotes healing.
Acne & Female connection! Why pimples love women when they don't love to
have them? Did you know that most young women and men will have at least a few
pimples over the course of their lives? However, interestingly enough, acne
seems to affect men and women in different ways. Young men are more likely to
have a more serious form of acne. Acne in young women tends to be more random
and linked to hormone changes, such as the menstrual cycle. As women get older,
acne often gets better. But some women have acne for many years. Some women even
get acne for the first time at age 30 or 40. For many women, acne can be an
upsetting illness. Women may have feelings of depression, poor body image, or
low self-esteem. But you don't have to wait to outgrow acne or to let it run its
course. Today, almost every case of acne can be resolved. Acne also can,
sometimes, be prevented. Talk with your doctor or dermatologist (a doctor who
specializes in skin diseases).
Factors that trigger acne in women - Several factors, alone or combined, can
trigger acne attacks in women such as:
Hormonal changes (puberty): - Remember, during puberty, girls have an
increase in male sex hormones called androgens. This increase causes the skin
glands to get larger and make more sebum (oily secretion of your skin).
Menstrual cycle: - The menstrual cycle is one of the most common acne triggers.
Acne lesions tend to form a few days before the cycle begins and go away after
the cycle is completed. Other hormone changes, such as pregnancy and menopause,
improve acne in some women. But some women have worse acne during these
times.
Medications: - Certain medicines, such as those used to treat epilepsy and
types of depression can aggravate acne in women. Stopping use of birth control
pills can play a role as well.
Make-up: - While not a real "cause" of the acne itself, wearing oil-based
make up on frequent basis can trigger acne flare ups in women.
Skin pressure or friction: Friction caused by bike helmets or backpacks can
make acne worse.
Family history: - Those women who have / had other people in their families
with a history of acne, there is a greater chance they will have it too.
Does poor hygiene of women cause acne? It is a myth that women get acne
because they do not wash enough. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Too much
washing or scrubbing the skin harshly can make acne worse. And washing away
surface oils does not do much to prevent or cure acne, because it forms under
the skin. The best way to clean the face is to gently wash it, just twice a day
with a mild soap or cleanser. Be careful to remove make-up without harsh
scrubbing.
Can eating chocolate or greasy foods cause acne in women?
While many women feel that eating chocolate or greasy foods can cause acne,
experts have not found a link between the diet and acne.
Simple hints & tips to prevent & treat acne and acne scars Take care:
You can help prevent acne flare-ups and scars by taking good care of your
skin.
Clean gently: Clean your skin gently with a mild soap or cleanser twice a day
once in the morning and once at night. You should also gently clean the skin
after heavy exercise.
Avoid friction: - Avoid strong soaps and rough scrub pads Wash thoroughly but
not frequently: - Wash your entire face from under the jaw to the hairline and
rinse thoroughly.
Make up removal: - Remove make-up gently with a mild soap and water. - Top 5
myths on what causes acne - Fact versus fiction... When it comes to explaining
acne to adolescents and some adults, it is necessary to separate fact from
fiction, because having acne can tax a person's nerves and send him off to an
emotional roller-coaster. The teenage years are a great time to meet new friends
and start dating and be accepted by one's peers; being misinformed about acne is
due to certain myths. Following are some of the most common myths associated
with the "causes of acne" today:
First myth: Eating too much chocolate will cause acne Reality: Chocolate does
not cause acne or make it worse. Even the most renowned doctors will insist, and
can prove, that there is no direct link between chocolate and acne. However,
even if there is no direct link between the two, you must still adhere to a
healthy lifestyle that decreases the amount of sweets, salts and fat from your
diet. Ensure you consume foods that are rich in nutrients, especially vitamin
A.
Second myth: Dirt will cause acne Reality: - This is a myth that is widely
held but while it is certainly important to keep the skin always clean because
oil and dirt can block pores, dirt does NOT bring about the clumping together of
skin cells against the follicle wall. This phenomenon occurs very deep in the
skin where cleaning won't reach it.
Third myth: Acne has something to do with sex Reality: - Some adolescents
actually believe that once they're married or give birth to their first child,
their acne will disappear. A variation of this myth is the other side of the
argument: that an active sex life causes acne. This link was made only because
adolescence is that period in a person's life when sex is of great concern. This
particular myth became less popular in the 1940's when the medical community
finally declared that sexual activity and acne are not related.
Fourth myth: Hot climate causes acne Reality: - Some people think that people
who live in cold climates are less likely to get acne, while those who live in
the tropics are more prone to it. There is no link between where one lives and
the incidence of acne. Nor is the color of one's skin a precursor of acne,
although it has been observed that dark-skinned people tend to have less severe
acne compared to light-skinned individuals. Larger glands and more defined pores
are common characteristics of dark skin, and these two attributes are known to
protect against acne. Note though that hyper-pigmentation tends to occur more
frequently with dark skin after acne is cured, so care must be taken to not
irritate dark skin after a bout with acne.
Fifth myth: First time shavers will get acne Reality: When a boy reaches the
age of puberty, one of the first signs is hair on the face, especially above the
lip and on the chin. The hairs are at first sparse but over time, a beard and a
moustache appear, making boys want to shave them. After the initial shave, the
hair grows back, this time thicker. As the hair grows back after each shave, it
grows thicker and is denser resulting in repetitive shaving. Frequent shaving
can cause the skin to dry out, because as more hair grows, the shaving becomes
more frequent and more forceful. Some of these hairs could turn inward and grow
internally which can cause acne. The inside growth, combined with the production
of oil in the sebaceous glands can result in frequent skin breakouts. The myth
that shaving causes acne is indeed a myth, but it is true that shaving too often
and too close to the hair follicles may contribute to the growth of acne.
Unveiling top 5 acne myths Differentiating between fact & fiction... -
Like many other common disorders and diseases, there have been several myths and
unrealistic assumptions associated with acne. The main cause of the formation
and spread of these myths is lack of proper understanding of the disorder,
little or no knowledge about the development of disease and unnecessary delay in
diagnosis and treatment of acne. The following article attempts to explain some
of the common acne-related myths and also throws light on the actual reality
behind each of these myths.
Myth 1: Acne is caused by poor hygiene or washing Fact: Acne is not caused by
poor hygiene, sweating, or not washing. These factors do not cause the clogged
pores that contribute to acne development. While medicated washes containing
benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur are one form of
treatment for acne, simple soap and water does not treat the condition.
Myth 2: Acne is caused by diet Fact: - Acne is not caused by diet. No
scientific connection has been found between diet and acne. No food, not
chocolate, fries, pizza, or any other food, has been shown to actually "cause"
acne. However, diet can play an important role in lessening or aggravating the
intensity of the disease.
Myth 3: There is no treatment or cure for acne Fact: - Acne does not need to
be allowed to run its course. The condition can be treated as there are
prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) products (although medicines
are never free of side effects) for it. There have been also some natural or
herbal treatments for acne that have, to date, no reported side effect.
Myth 4: I can prevent acne from washing my face more often Fact: No. You
cannot prevent acne from washing my face more often. Dirt does not cause acne.
It is the overproduction of oil (sebum) from within the skin rather than the
surface oil/dirt that leads to acne.
Myth 5: Squeezing a pimple may help me get rid of those notorious pimples
Fact: Absolutely not. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Squeezing a pimple
may cause the contents of the follicle to rupture into the tissue rather than
being expressed to the surface of the skin. This can cause tissue damage and
scarring. Sometimes a medical provider will open a pimple or cyst with a special
instrument designed not to damage the tissue, but you should avoid squeezing or
picking pimples.
Rediscovering Vitamin E... An efficient & essential ingredient of Clear
Skin Max An introduction to Tocopherol acetate (Vitamin E) Tocopherol is the
scientific name for vitamin E. Tocopherol acetate is a lipid-soluble version of
vitamin E. Natural vitamin E is used as a powerful antioxidant and free radical
scavenger. One of nature's most dynamic moisturizers, it also aids cellular
renewal of the skin. Therefore, to date, vitamin E has been tried for the
treatment of almost every type of skin lesion (problem) imaginable. For the same
reason, many doctors and dermatologists lay people use vitamin E on a regular
basis to improve the outcome of scars and several physicians recommend topical
(locally applied) vitamin E after skin surgery or resurfacing.
What is vitamin E? - Vitamin E is considered as one of the most important
oil-soluble anti-oxidant and free radical scavenger. It is also a
photo-protector, protecting cellular membrane from free-radical damage.
Some basic skin-related functions of vitamin E-
Vitamin E is one of the best known antioxidants found in the human body. It
means that its key biological function is to protect lipids from oxidation and
free radical damage. Therefore, it basically serves a preservative function due
to its ability to protect against oxidation.
Vitamin E counts among the vitamins that protect the skin and the mucous
membranes.
It improves trans-epidermal water loss, thereby improving the appearance of
rough, dry and damaged skin.
It also helps to maintain connective tissue.
Vitamin E seals the connective tissue and the vascular walls, makes wounds
heal quickly and keeps the skin elastic and smooth.
Vitamin E also prevents aging of the skin.
It prevents irritation due to sun exposure. If applied before sun exposure,
it acts protective against epidermal cell damage caused by inflammation.
It also counteracts increased functioning of the sebaceous glands (as is the
case in acne) and reduces excessive skin pigmentation.
What Causes Pimples? There are many factors that cause pimples/acne and it
varies in its severity. Stress can cause flare ups in some, side effects of
certain medications, even allergies. A bout of acne can be short lived or it can
persist for several months or several years. Some people will only get very mild
pimples, others will get very severe acne although this is thought to run in the
family, so if acne or pimples have occurred in your family It is likely you will
suffer from a few in your lifetime. Many things can irritate or make acne flare
up but pimples are caused from when the hair follicles in your pores in your
skin get blocked and the sebaceous gland produces an excessive amount of oil.
Although no one is totally sure why acne occurs, it is believed it can be a
result of the following: -
Bacteria accumulating in the sebaceous glands
A collection of dead skin cells
Overactive sebaceous glands producing too much oil due to hormone
fluctuations
Using oily make up, such as greasy foundations and overly thick
moisturisers
The sebaceous gland gets clogged when the oil (otherwise known as sebum)
cannot leave the open pore so turns into an obstruction. The skin around the
pore can swell and a white plug formed of dead cells of oil can form, this is
what is what is known as a whitehead. If the plug does not fully close the pore
you get a black appearance which is called a blackhead. Pimples can become
infected when the whiteheads rupture underneath the skin's top layer. This
allows the dead cells, bacteria and oil to seep into the surrounding tissue. If
this outbreak is very widespread and severe, you could develop an infection
called cystic acne which is very large, unsightly and painful red bumps Even if
the boils disappear you could be left with permanent scarring. Prompt treatment
of this is essential to minimise the possibility of permanent scarring so visit
your doctor as soon as possible. It is important to remember that anyone can
suffer from spots at any time even after treatment but will be a lot less
severe.
Your skin at glance What, where & why? Introduction - Your skin is the
largest and one of the most important organs of your body which performs some
essential functions such as protection, hydration, sensation and temperature
regulation. The internal structure of your skin, however, is even more
interesting. Let's discover some of the main structural features of your own
skin:
Layers of skin - Your skin is composed of two main layers, the epidermis and
dermis, that both rest on the subcutaneous (underlying) tissues.
Epidermis: - It is the outer (or uppermost) layer of the skin and is made up
of outer dead skin cells and deeper living cells. The melanocyte (special cells)
within the epidermis produces melanin giving color to the skin and helps protect
it from ultraviolet light Dermis: - The dermis is found beneath the epidermis
and makes up bulk (90 percent) of your skin. Subcutaneous layer: - The epidermis
and dermis sit on the subcutaneous (subcutaneous = beneath the skin) layers,
composed largely of fat, through which the blood vessels and nerves run. The
roots of the oil and sweat glands are located here. Glands of skin - There are
two main types of glands in your skin: Sebaceous oil glands: - These are
distributed throughout the skin but are mostly concentrated in the scalp, face,
mid-chest, and genitals. They are attached to the hair follicles and secrete an
oily substance (sebum) that lubricates and protects the skin. Sweat glands: -
These glands are distributed throughout the body but their greatest number is
found in the palms, soles of the feet, forehead, and underarms. They secrete at
times of stress, emotion, or in the presence of a warmer environment.
Special structures of skin Hair: - Each hair grows from a single follicle
that has its roots in the subcutaneous tissue] of the skin. The oil glands next
to hair follicles provide gloss and, to some degree, waterproofing of the hair.
Hair also contains melanin. The number of melanin granules in the hair
determines its color. Malnutrition can cause damage to the hair.
Fingernails and toenails: - These are part of the epidermis and are composed
of the protein, keratin. Each nail grows outward from a nail root that extends
back into the groove of the skin. With malnutrition, after an injury, or
chemotherapy, the nail formation is impaired.
Types of skin - Depending on your family (heredity), your genetic make-up and
your lifestyle, you skin can be of one of the following types:
Oily skin: - Oily skin is caused by over activity of the sebaceous glands.
Oily skin is thick with large pores and has a greater tendency to develop acne,
but not wrinkles. Most people, who have oily skin, also have oily hair.
Dry skin: - Dry skin is caused by under activity of the sebaceous glands,
environmental conditions, or normal aging. Dry skin is usually thinner and more
easily irritated. There is a greater tendency to develop wrinkles, but not
acne.
Balanced Skin: - Balanced skin is neither oily nor dry. It is smooth and has
fine texture with few problems. However, it has a tendency to become dry as a
result of environmental factors and aging
Combination Skin: - Combination skin consists of oily regions, often on the
forehead and around the nose, and regions that are balanced or dry.
The best criteria to choose Acne skin products Top 5 hints and tips... When
it comes to an effective treatment for your acne, you want a product that will
really work and that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. However, because of the
intense market clutter, finding the anti acne skin care product may seem like an
impossible task. The following hints and tips would serve as your easy,
at-a-glance guide to help you make your mind while choosing among different skin
care products that are used to treat acne.
Is it recommended? - The FDA's new good manufacturing practices ruling, for
example, attempts to ensure that the natural or herbal supplements: -
Are produced in a quality manner and meet all the recommended safety
standards
Are free of all the contaminants or impurities
Are accurately labeled as per the recommended guidelines
Therefore, you should choose an acne-care supplement according to the same
FDA-recommended guidelines.
Is it clinically backed? Remember, this is an era of evidence-based medicine
and you are supposed to consider evidences, pure facts and real testimonials,
not claims. Accordingly, go for a complete, multi-component anti acne supplement
that contains ingredients which are clinically backed by a number of trials and
studies and have been recommended by full-fledged health experts and physicians
for a non-prescription use.
Is it fully compliant? Compliance of a medicine or some specific product can
be defined as its suitability to most of the people taking it without causing
any significant undesirable side effects. The most effective skin care system
for people with acne should, therefore, be considered as highly suitable and
compliant for people of almost age groups and genders. In other words, it should
be capable of giving best and fast results in young adults, middle aged and
elderly men and women equally.
Is it safe? It is quite logical and understandable that ideally, an anti-acne
supplement or program should be free of the typical "allopathic" medications'
side effects. You should, therefore, do your research when planning to take any
kind of such skin care supplements or systems. A simple of way of doing this is
read the authentic testimonials, and see if the product has been approved by
some major international and credible authority on health. Similarly, user
compliance and tolerance is another important issue to be considered while
choosing skin care program or multi-component system to cure acne.
Is it affordable & economical? Any skin care system or product for people
with acne cannot be considered as a top one until and unless it takes good care
of your pocket because of its accessibility and affordability. Accordingly, you
should choose a product that offers the best value for money i.e. gives you more
for less.
Conclusion - While you can find many brands of both natural or herbal and
over the counter anti acne skin care creams, lotions, supplements and oils,
there are hardly few which even work and come any close to whatever they
promise. Most importantly, even the most frequently bought and used products
have their own share of undesirable effects and unwanted interactions within the
body. The key here is, therefore, to select the safest and yet more effective
natural skin care system that will comprise of multiple components and will,
therefore, address the acne problem on multiple levels.
Article
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