Acne Cures
Acne can be a unwanted problem, afflicting people in every age group. Acne primarily affects teens and adolescents and can cause long lasting physical and emotional scars. For years we have either learned to deal with our acne, or spent thousands of dollars with dermatologists or on useless as seen on tv products we have seen (like Proactive). Currently there are two treatments that do work and one is actually cost effective. It is now a fact that acne can be treated, controlled and even cured.
First one must become more educated on what acne is and what does and does not cause it. Acne is an inflammation of the skin that is caused by overproduction of sebum (oil) from our sebaceous glands and a low skin pH (acidity) that make ideal conditions for bacteria. This bacteria clogs the pores and causes pimples and deeper inflamed bumps and pustules (acne). Acne is genetic as it is first started by the overproduction of oil and acidity levels. Chocolate and sugary items don’t cause it.
Acne is basically a blockage in the pore which causes bacteria to be trapped and form either a whitehead or a blackhead. While there are many myths that point to diet as a cause of acne, these are unfounded. Junk foods and chocolate are not associated with acne. The reason people get acne is because of overactive oil glands or blockage of pores.
Heredity also plays a large part in who gets acne and how severe it may be. Those who are genetically inclined to acne will often get more severe cases than people who are simply going through a stress induced or hormone induced acne phase. They also may have a more difficult time clearing up blemishes. The blemish that occurs on the skin can be unsightly and embarrassing so prevention and treatment should be the focus.
The best form of treatment for acne is prevention, as it is with any affliction. You should try to keep your hands away from your face because dirt and oils can contaminate pores. Proper health is also important. This means proper diet, exercise and sleep to reduce stress. Keeping your face clean using mild soap is also a good preventative.
If you have an outbreak, there are home remedies, over the counter medications and prescription medications that can help. There are several topical creams and soaps that are used in the treatment of acne. These can be found in pharmacies and in the cosmetics department of grocery stores. Benzoyl peroxide creams, vitamin A and zinc are all used to help treat acne. For more severe cases a prescription oral antibiotic may be prescribed along with a topical cream that is stronger than the over the counter medications.
Before you run off and do these items, there are other things you should check into. Although doctors and scientists cannot say for sure what exactly causes acne, there are several things that are at the top of the list of suspects.
Medications – Many believe that Acne can be a side effect of some drugs, including barbiturates, seizure medication and steroids. Interestingly enough some believe that birth control pills cause acne while others prescribe birth-control as a medication for acne.
Chocolate – Many now believe that chocolate cannot cause acne outbreaks. Still, there are those who are staunch believers that chocolate causes outbreaks. The debate rages on.
Stress – While stress may not be a cause of acne, many people believe that stress can aggravate acne. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress.
Washing your face too often – While acne sufferers should keep their face clean, too much washing or harsh scrubbing will actually aggravate the skin causing acne to occur
Using greasy skin care products and oily cosmetics. Acne occurs when the pores become plugged up. Therefore, one can assume that any product that covers up the face in anyway may block the pores and the natural release of sebum may help cause acne flare-ups.
Common skin problems related to acne include skin rashes; popping of blackheads, whiteheads and nodules in the form of pimples and acne; and formation of dry, oily areas and reddish-brown blotches on skin. Greasy and spicy foods can also cause acne prone skin.
Healing of the acne lesion is not the end of the problem. It is the beginning of a new series of problems, to solve which a lot of patience and understanding is required. Repeated trips to the clinic of the dermatologist are necessary thus.
The post inflammatory effects caused by acne are part of the skin’s natural healing process. Medication and practices in vogue can only help facilitate this healing process. Laser therapy, in the treatment of acne, is still at the kindergarten level. Researchers and scientists in this area are themselves confused a lot, and so far, unable to arrive at definite conclusions. Their problem is also the same as faced by the specialists of acne treatment in other branches of science.
Two types of acne patients are likely to opt for laser therapy. One, those who are interested in getting rid of the scars, pimples or whatever it may be, on emergency basis and secondly those who are willing to wait but wanting to have a permanent cure. The typical side effects that go with other systems of acne treatment are applicable to laser therapy as well. The damage is likely to be caused by the laser system that is still in the stage of research and development. Well, no one should be in a hurry to own it.
Laser treatment specialists are also fully aware of their own limitations about the present status of this system. Proper skin care will still remain a problem even after you get rid of the unwanted part of the skin. Improved tissue metabolism that will boost the blood flow to pores, causing them to open, is the only answer the researchers are not themselves convinced about the efficacy of laser treatment, how can your dermatologist advise you to go fort it? Even if he does, you please be guided by what you have decided for you!
