Understanding Acne
Acne is a skin condition characterized by plugged pores (blackheads
and whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules). Acne lesions
usually occur on the face, but can also occur on the neck, chest, back, shoulders,
and upper arms and legs. It affects people of all ages, but is most common in
adolescents. It affects young men and young women about equally, but there are
differences. Young men are more likely than young women to have more severe, longer
lasting forms of acne.
On the other hand, young women are more likely to have intermittent
acne due to hormonal changes associated with their menstrual cycle and acne caused
by cosmetics. These kinds of acne may afflict young women well into adulthood.
Most people outgrow the condition by the time they reach their 30s; however, acne
can persist into the 40s and even beyond. Acne is far from life threatening but
can be quite upsetting, and when severe it can lead to serious and permanent scarring.
How Acne Forms
Our bodies are completely covered with hair, except for a few
areas. Hair is produced from groups of skin cells that form hair follicles. Among
the hair follicles in skin lie sebaceous glands. These glands produce an oily
substance called sebum, which protects the skin and maintains its waterproof qualities.
Sebum seeps onto the skin surface through the opening of the follicle called the
pore. Sometimes, the cells from the lining of the hair follicle are shed too fast
and clump together, plugging up the pore so sebum cannot get through. This mixture
of cells and oily sebum accumulates in the hair follicle causing bacteria to grow.
This bacterium produces chemicals and enzymes and attracts white blood cells that
cause inflammation. When the wall of the plugged follicle breaks down, it spills
everything into the nearby skin - sebum, shed skin cells, and bacteria, leading
to lesions or pimples.
If a pore becomes clogged, closes, and then bulges out, you have
a whitehead. If a pore becomes clogged but stays open, the top may darken and
you're left with a blackhead. Sometimes when the walls of the pore become damaged
it allows bacteria and dead skin to work their way under the live skin. This leaves
you with a red, but small infection called a pimple. Clogged pores that are open
deep in the skin cause cysts that are generally infections larger than pimples.
Acne: The Truth
1. The exact cause of acne is unknown, but doctors believe it
results from several factors, mainly high hormone levels. During puberty, androgens
(male sex hormones) increase in both boys and girls resulting in enlarged sebaceous
glands. This leads to a greater production of sebum (oil) and thus a greater opportunity
to develop acne.
2. When women either go on or off "the pill", the resulting
hormonal changes may cause acne to flare up. Also, the hormonal changes related
to pregnancy can also cause acne to worsen.
3. Another factor that may be responsible for acne is genetics.
In other words, the tendency to develop acne may be inherited from your parents.
4. Certain drugs are known to cause acne. Among them are androgens
(male sex hormones) and barbiturates (used to control seizures).
5. Greasy makeup can change the cells of the hair follicles making
them to stick together causing acne. Therefore, look for "noncomedogenic"
cosmetics and toiletries. These products have been formulated so that they will
not cause acne. Also, heavy foundation makeup should be avoided. Most acne patients
should select powder blushes and eye shadow over cream products because they are
less irritating and noncomedogenic.
6. Acne can get worse if blemishes are picked or squeezed. Squeezing
forces infected material deeper into the skin, causing additional inflammation
and possible scarring.
7. Acne is not caused by dirt. Washing too often or too vigorously
may actually irritate the skin and make acne worse. The best approach to treating
acne is two fold. First of all, gently wash your face twice a day with a mild
soap such as DermaPure Rx Mild Cleansing Gel and pat to dry. Secondly, because
acne is caused by a variety or biological factors that are beyond our control,
use an appropriate acne treatment such as DermaPure Rx.
8. The foods we eat do not cause acne. There is just no scientific
evidence supporting such a connection. Nonetheless, some people insist that certain
foods affect their acne. If it makes you feel better, avoid those foods, but be
careful about jumping to conclusions. Acne may get better or worse on its own.
It is always important to eat a well balanced diet.
9. The ordinary stress of day to day living is not an important
factor in acne. In fact, the stress may actually be a result of the acne lesions,
not the other way around! However, severe stress that needs medical attention
is sometimes treated with drugs that can cause acne as a side effect.
10. There is no proven effect of sunlight on acne. While a tan
may make blemishes and scars less apparent, many acne treatments make skin more
sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) rays, making the risk of ultraviolet light exposure
all the worse. In addition, suntans cause the skin to increase sebum (oil) production
to heal damaged skin, causing more acne.
11. Acne can be cleared up. With products such as
DermaPure Rx Advanced Acne Treatment Formula
available today, there is no reason why someone has to endure acne
or get acne scars. A word of advice, give acne products enough time to do their
job. Most dermatologists would recommend the use of a medication daily for 4 to
8 weeks before they would change the treatment. It is very important for patients
to be aware of this time frame so they do not become discouraged and discontinue
their medications. |
