Acne is not a problem confined to adolescence; in fact, more than sixty percent of the population is troubled with blackheads and pimples well beyond the teen years. If acne is your problem, cheer up. While there are no acne cures, with reliable acne treatments, including internal and external therapies, you can keep outbreaks controlled, reduce the possibility of scarring, and lessen that greasy, shiny look. It's time to feel good about yourself again.
Causes of Acne
Acne has never been completely understood, but hormonal imbalances and heredity are certainly major factors, and breakouts can be aggravated by stress and lifestyle choices. The chief catalyst seems to be overactive sebaceous glands which secrete too much sebum, the lubricant the helps retain moisture and then becomes too much of a good thing. The oil clogs the pores of the skin causing breakouts, mostly on the face if it is adult acne, and on the face and sometimes on the back, chest, and upper arms in the teen years. Oily skin, pimples, blackheads, enlarged pores, and redness are acne symptoms, and these can be exacerbated by diet, pregnancy, birth control pills, cosmetics, and humidity.
Acne is not to be confused with rosacea, another facial skin condition which usually strikes in the middle years and causes blotchy red skin and small bumps, but rarely whiteheads or blackheads.
Your Diet Affects Your Skin
There is no scientific proof that certain foods, like chocolate or colas, can cause breakouts, but if something seems to act as a trigger for you, avoid whatever it is. Choose a healthy, balanced diet high in fiber and high in zinc, which means shellfish, nuts, egg yolks, and whole grains; and natural raw food rich in oxalic acid, such as almonds, cashews, and beets. The whole range of B vitamins will help keep your skin clear, and too little vitamin B2 can actually cause oily skin. B vitamins are found in wheat germ, Brewer's yeast, organ meats, nuts, and beans. Remember that one of the functions of the skin is to eliminate toxins through perspiration. This means you should drink lots of water to flush out most toxins via the kidneys and the liver and keep your system clear. Water is also necessary to keeps your skin hydrated. A good diet encourages clear, healthy skin, and works as an anti aging treatment as well.
Supplements Can Assist with Acne Control
Food grown in nutrient-depleted soil will be lacking sufficient nutrients to optimize good health and healthy skin, and so it makes sense to add one or more supplements to your diet. Supplements are also useful if you eat a lot of processed food and occasionally feel the urge to gorge yourself on fast food. The best supplement is a multivitamin suitable for your age and sex, and then you can add zinc and possibly a B vitamin complex or Brewer's yeast to help meet your special requirements. Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid which is known to benefit skin cells, and you might find it helpful to add this supplement as well.
Acne Skin Care is Needed Daily
Any acne treatment should begin with a common sense procedure such as cleansing the skin with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. Avoid harsh cleansers and astringents, which make the oil glands more productive. An antibacterial astringent is perfect for wiping away excess oil between cleansings. Avoid squeezing and picking which can spread inflammation and cause acne scars, and use hot compresses and then an extractor for blackhead removal if needed. Antibacterial lotions that dry the skin, mild, pure soap, and a medicated cream is useful for treating oily, acne-prone skin. If you wear makeup, choose water-based acne products rather than oil-based products. Avoid anything that makes your skin feel tight and dry. If the upper layer of skin has been treated so harshly that it has become dry and shrunken, the flow of oil will be restricted and even more blockages and breakouts will occur.
Good Medical Options are Available for Acne Sufferers
A dermatologist should be consulted if your acne is severe, and this will give you access to tretinoin (Retin-A cream) or accutane for acute cases, both of which are available on perscription. You can also get prescriptions for a range of antibiotics in pill form, such as tetracycline, as well as antibiotic salves and creams. Effective over-the-counter acne treatments include topical salves and creams that contain benzoyl peroxide, or a five-percent solution of tea tree oil, or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). Blemishes can be dried up with a variety of acne products that contain salicylic acid, sulfur, or resorcinol.
More Useful Information and Advice
* Exercise is good for the skin since it increases circulation and blood flow, but when you are exercising, avoid wearing cosmetics or moisturizers, which keep perspiration from flowing freely and cause pores to clog. Sweatbands also hold perspiration and oil against the skin and shouldn't be used.
* Keep your hair off your face so that you are not adding to your problems with scalp oil. Avoid using hair products that are oily or greasy for the same reason.
* Prolonged exposure to the sun or sunlamps might dry acne but can result in a whole host of new problems, such as damaged, leathery skin and skin cancer. There are better solutions.
* Use caution about taking saunas and steam baths as they may aggravate your acne condition. You can't do much about heat and humidity ? nature's version of saunas and steam baths ? but keeping your skin clean and removing excess oil frequently will assist in the prevention of breakouts.
* Remember that stress makes acne worse. Don't let emotional upsets get under your skin, so to speak. Try meditation or relaxation techniques to prevent stress-induced breakouts. Your skin isn't the only organ that will benefit.
Acne treatments are of vital importance to acne sufferers and can make a big difference in the lives of people who have to cope with this very real problem. Both internal and external acne remedies can be found on the Internet. Compare prices and brands, and place your order from the comfort of your home. Products are usually shipped the same day that you order. Shop with confidence online, and see an improvement in your appearance within days.
Scott Gray is currently a freelance writer and enjoys providing information and advice to online shoppers who are in the market for anti aging options, acne treatments, and general skin care.