Acne is simply a more technical term for pimples, blemishes and other complexion issues that young adults face typically during puberty and for some time after. As you probably know, it is most common on the face, but can occur elsewhere on the body, including the neck, back, chest and anywhere else on the upper torso.
What causes acne breakouts?
At puberty, the oil glands of the skin start producing an oily material called sebum, which lubricates the skin. Sometimes the wall of the oil gland breaks and spills the sebum within the skin, causing redness, swelling, and pus – in other words a pimple. Plugged oil glands may form blackheads and whiteheads. Despite popular belief blackheads are not caused by dirt.
There is a bacteria that normally lives on the skin called Propionibacterium acnes. This bacteria lives on the sebum produced by the skin oil glands. Sometimes, this bacteria multiplies and causes inflammation and acne.
Acne is built into your genes; it runs in families. In women, acne frequently worsens at the time of menstruation. Adult women often have trouble with acne through middle age. The reason is unknown.
Foods do not cause acne. In some people, certain foods will make acne worse. The most common ones are chocolate, nuts, carbonated beverages, and milk. Most people’s acne is not aggravated by these foods.
Acne may become worse under stressful situations. Cosmetics also make acne worse.
What is the best treatment for pimples and blemishes?
There is no medical cure for acne. It can certainly be controlled, but not cured. Many people do outgrow acne though.
Here are some of the most effective treatment options:
Natural Options:
There are natural products such as Clear Pores that can offer very effective acne treatment. Many sufferers have reported excellent results with this product with regular usage.
Without using prescription medication, another options is to use benzoyl peroxide 5% gel (available at your local drug store) on the pimples at night and NeoStrata alpha hydroxyacid in the morning. Some people are allergic to benzoyl peroxide.
Conventional Options:
There are many different medical treatments for acne. Not all people respond to the same treatments. If the first medications do not work, chances are the second ones will.
Your dermatologist may prescribe antibiotics to put on the skin, or to take by mouth. Retin-A can also be used on the skin.
An effective acne regimen is to combine Retin-A with glycolic acid peels every few weeks. This involves coming to the office every two weeks to have a weak acid applied to the face. The acid removes the surface material from the skin that causes pimples to form. The face is left red and irritated for a few days. Once your acne is under control, the glycolic acid peels only need to be done every three months or so. When you come in for a light peel, the esthetician can also remove any blackheads or whiteheads that are found. Beta hydroxyacid peels also are effective for treating acne.
Accutane is a drug taken by mouth which is reserved for severe acne. Accutane has many side effects and if taken during pregnancy will cause birth defects. Patients taking Accutane must have periodic blood tests and checkups.
Acne surgery can be done using sterile instruments to remove blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.
Additional Acne Treatment/Prevention Tips:
You should wash your face twice a day with a mild non-soap cleanser. Do not pick or squeeze your pimples, as it can leave scars.
Sunlight may help some acne patients, but is not recommended. Sunlight causes aging, wrinkling of the skin, and skin cancer.
If cosmetics are used, they should be oil-free (the kind that separates into two layers).Cosmetics labeled water-based may still contain oil. If a moisturizer is used, it should be labeled non-comedogenic which means does not cause pimples.