Acne – Causes and Control


Acne is the term for plugged pores in your skin called blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. Acne occurs on the face, as well as the neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. Although most teenagers get some form of acne, it can persist into adulthood. Nearly 17 million people in the US are affected.

Is Dirt is the real cause for Acne?
It’s not caused by dirt, its hormones. Acne most often begins in adolescence when testosterone, which is present in both males and females, increases. Testosterone stimulates glands in your skin to enlarge, produce oil, and plug your pores. Other causes of acne include hormonal changes in a woman’s monthly cycle, certain drugs, oil and grease from the scalp, certain cosmetics, mineral or cooking oil, pressure from helmets, backpacks, or tight collars, pollution, or hot, humid conditions.
Oil in your pores normally travels via the hair follicles to your skin surface. However, dried oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria can cover your hair follicles, blocking the flow of oil. Skin bacteria can begin to grown inside your plugged hair follicles causing inflammation.
If the hair follicle is only partially blocked, the result is a blackhead due to the black color. A completely blocked hair follicle is called a whitehead. Further infection and irritation leads to pimples with areas of pus forming.
Clear up your skin and get rid of Acne
Now we know what causes acne, let’s look at what can be done to clear up your skin. Ideally, you want something that works on any past, present and future problems. Past problems include damage, such as rough texture, discoloration, and uneven skin tone. Present problems are the actual blemishes, while future concerns include keeping the skin clean so oil will not build up, controlling oil, exfoliating dead skin cells, and supporting the skin’s natural resistance.
A prominent active ingredient is salicylic acid that penetrates pores to eliminate most blemishes. Other effective ingredients include alpha lipoic acid, retinol, vitamin E, white tea extract, lactic acid, zinc PCA and licorice extract.
Look for a complete system of products including a cleanser, toner, and day and night treatments. Products like this will work together, and ensure you don’t use something helpful, but then combine it with something that undoes all the good work. Girls and women must be particularly careful to use quality, water based cosmetics.
Selecting an effective system of products should enable you to restore your skin to a smooth, blemish free appearance within 6 – 8 weeks. Long term use of such a system may be necessary.

Post a Comment

0 Comments