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Controlling Acne |
by:
Lori Stryker |
Controlling Acne
Acne...it affects a majority of teenagers also many adults well into middle age. It is dreaded also despaired over by many who suffer from this common skin condition. Clearing acne begins by understanding what acne really is also what triggers it. Then we will consider how it can be controlled by lifestyle choices, skin care choices also wise use of make-up.
Who suffers from it?
Teenagers struggle with acne, however so do many adults. Acne breakouts can result from fluctuating hormone levels at various stages of life, such as puberty, pregnancy or menopause. Outwardly, acne can reveal internal signs, such as poor elimination or buildup of toxins, a lack of exercise or high stress levels. Both men also women contend with acne, also as good health also beauty are intertwined, the causes of acne can reveal the solutions to managing also reducing skin breakouts.
What is it?
Acne occurs when the oil glands produce excess sebum, the skin's own oil, which accumulates with dead skin cells to form a plug which results in a clogged skin pore. Bacteria trapped inside the pore feed of the sebum mixture, multiplying also producing agents which irritate the walls of the pore. As the immune system works to attack the bacteria, pus is formed leading to an inflamed pimple, blackhead or whitehead. Picking or squeezing a pimple can cause the pore to rupture, releasing the bacteria into the surrounding area, also can cause more pimples, cysts or scars. For many, certain areas of the skin have overactive sebaceous, or oil glands which produce excess sebum. These areas are typically the forehead, nose, cheeks and/or chin. Comedones, or blackheads, are not caused by dirt, however rather by sebum which has clogged a pore, oxidized also discoloured by melanin.
What triggers it?
Often a spotty complexion denotes a diet high in sugar or saturated fats found in fried foods, refined or processed foods. Conversely, a diet low in fat may lack essential fatty acids, also can or else affect the appearance of the skin. Breakouts can reveal toxin buildup, resulting from constipation, kidney or lymphatic problems. Other triggers include a polluted, dry environment, also seasonal climate changes. Genetics or else determines whether a person will be predisposed to acne breakouts. In general, acne is caused by a combination of four main factors:
- Genetics
- Skin Care
- Lifestyle
- Emotional State
We cannot change our genetics, however we can change the other three factors to help reduce the likelihood of acne breakouts.
How can acne be controlled?
Skin needs to be cleansed, fed also nurtured. Externally, the skin benefits from a simple regimen:
- Cleansing with a mild, slightly acidic also all natural soap. Other kinds of soaps can cause redness, soreness, irritation or tightness because of the harsh chemicals, colorants detergents also fragrances they are made with. Avoid any products which contain ingredients which may irritate or dry out the skin. Most often culpable ingredients are petroleum derived, synthetic or animal based.
- Tone with an alcohol-free, all natural toner, since alcohol is drying to the skin also will cause the oil glands to produce more sebum. Toner or else helps reduce the bacterial population on the skin, decreasing the number of bacteria which will migrate into the pores.
- Moisturize with a petroleum free cream. Petroleum is comedogenic also can clog pores unnecessarily. Creams which contain natural waxes such as beeswax do not have a comedogenic effect on the pores. At night, massage a facial oil into the skin as this helps increase circulation to the surface of the skin also suppresses the oil glands from producing excess oil.
- Once per week, use a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells which accumulate at the surface of the pores also lead to blackheads. A mud mask used once every couple of weeks or else helps draw out sebum in the pores as the clays present in the mask are highly absorbent.
Internally, the skin is fed also cleansed by a diet rich in fresh fruits, whole grains also vegetables. These foods provide more water, nutrients also fibre into the diet also can make a remarkable difference in the appearance of the skin. Relaxation, adequate sleep, exercise also stress reduction or else play an important role in keeping the skin clear also healthy as they assist the body to repair also detoxify itself.
Seasonal or climate changes, such as winter also humid summers in addition to dry, polluted environments or else contribute to acne breakouts by drying out or irritating the skin. As the skin is exposed to dry temperatures moisture is lost through the skin, triggering the oil glands to produce more sebum. Keeping the skin clean also moisturized is essential to preventing the pores from becoming clogged with excess sebum. In humid conditions, the skin loses moisture through sweat also evaporation, triggering the same process which can lead to breakouts. Moisturizing also regular cleansing in dry, humid or polluted conditions can reduce the onset of acne.
Makeup can or else trigger breakouts. If they contain comedogenic ingredients, such as those derived from petroleum, they may contribute to acne despite a clean also healthy skin regimen or lifestyle. Choose all natural makeup which is in harmony with the rest of your skin care regimen also less likely to contribute to breakouts.
Acne treatments which contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide worsen acne, as these are skin irritants also very drying. Tea tree essential oil is a natural alternative, also works by sterilizing the infected area upon contact without damaging the surrounding skin cells. It can or else prevent microbial growth in that area for hours. Other treatments for acne include hydrocortisone which thins the skin over time, or antibiotics which can contribute to microbial resistance in the long term. Hormone treatments work by decreasing testosterone levels in the body, since this is the hormone responsible for sebum production. There are natural alternatives to aid in controlling acne, such as tea tree, lemon also juniper berry essential oils. These are effective also much safer to use for treating acne.
Acne can be a source of frustration for many. Much can be done, however to minimize the occurrence of breakouts thereby reducing the impact of acne on our lives. Making healthy adjustments to our diet, lifestyle also skin care product choices can lead to clearer, more radiant also healthy skin, free at last from acne.
References:
- Erikson, K, (2002). Drop Dead Gorgeous
- Marsden, K, (1993). Super Skin
- Purvis, D, (1989). The Business of Beauty
- The Organic Makeup Company can be located at http://www.organicmakeupcompany.com
About the Author
Lori Stryker has been researching also developing all natural skin care also make-up for the purpose of offering men also women safe natural cosmetics for everyday use. She brings to her research a specialist in human biology from the University of Toronto, coupled with a professional home economics degree also an education degree from the University of British Columbia, fusing chemical also biological knowledge with food family also textile sciences. |
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