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There are many misconceptions and rumours about acne. Exactly why some people get acne and some do not is not fully known. It is known to be partly hereditary. Several factors are known to be linked to acne:
- Family history
- Hormonal activity, such as menstrual cycles and puberty
- Stress, through increased output of hormones from the adrenal (stress) glands.
- Hyperactive sebaceous glands, secondary to the three hormone sources above.
- Accumulation of dead skin cells.
- Bacteria in the pores, to which the body becomes 'allergic'.
- Skin irritation or scratching of any sort will activate inflammation.
- Use of anabolic steroids.
- Any medication containing halogens (iodides, chlorides, bromides), lithium, barbiturates, or androgens.
- Exposure to high levels of chlorine compounds, particularly chlorinated dioxns, can cause severe, long-lasting acne, known as Chloracne.
Traditionally, attention has focused mostly on hormone-driven over-production of sebum as the main contributing factor of acne. More recently, more attention has been given to narrowing of the follicle channel as a second main contributing factor. Abnormal shedding of the cells lining the follicle, abnormal cell binding ("hyperkeratinization") within the follicle, and water retention in the skin (swelling the skin and so pressing the follicles shut) have all been put forward as important mechanisms. Several hormones have been linked to acne: the male hormones testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), as well as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I). In addition, acne-prone skin has been shown to be insulin resistant.
Development of acne vulgaris in later years is uncommon, although this is the age group for Rosacea which may have similar appearances. True acne vulgaris in adults may be a feature of an underlying condition such as pregnancy and disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome or the rare Cushing's syndrome. Dermatologists are seeing more cases of menopause-associated acne as fewer women replace the natural anti-acne ovarian hormone estradiol whose production fails as women arrive at menopause. The lack of estradiol also causes thinning hair, hot flashes, thin skin, wrinkles, vaginal dryness, and predisposes to osteopenia and osteoporosis as well as triggering acne (known as acne climacterica in this situation).
Diet and acne
There is no widely agreed-upon proof that diet has any effect on most people's acne. Eating greasy foods may get grease on a person's hands: subsequent contact of the hands to the face may exacerbate acne.
Milk and acne
A recent study, based on a survey of 47,335 women, did find a positive epidemiological association between acne and consumption of partially skimmed milk, instant breakfast drink, sherbet, cottage cheese and cream cheese. The researchers hypothesize that the association may be caused by hormones (such as several sex hormones and bovine IGF-I) present in cow milk. Although the association between milk and acne has been definitively shown, the ingredient in the milk responsible for the acne is still unclear. Most dermatologists are awaiting confirmatory research linking diet and acne but some support the idea that acne sufferers should experiment with their diets, and refrain from consuming such fare if they find such food affects the severity of their acne.
Seafood and acne
Seafood often contains relatively high levels of iodine. Iodine is known to make existing acne worse but there is probably not enough to cause an acne outbreak. Still, people who are prone to acne may want to avoid excessive consumption of foods high in iodine.
High carbohydrates/High GI and acne
It has also been suggested that there is a link between a diet high in refined sugars and other processed foods and acne. The theory is that rapidly digested carbohydrate food such as white bread and refined sugars produces an overload in metabolic glucose that is rapidly converted into the types of fat that can build up in sebaceous glands. According to this hypothesis, the startling absence of acne in non-westernized societies could be explained by the low glycemic index of these cultures' diets. Others have cited possible genetic reasons for there being no acne in these populations, but similar populations shifting to these diets do develop acne.[citation needed] Note also that the populations studied consumed no milk or other dairy products. Further research is necessary to establish whether a reduced consumption of high-glycemic foods (such as soft drinks, sweets, white bread) can significantly alleviate acne, though consumption of high-glycemic foods should in any case be kept to a minimum, for general health reasons.Avoidance of 'junk food' with its high fat and sugar content is also recommended. On the other hand there is no evidence that fat alone makes skin oilier or acne worse.
One study suggested that chocolate, french fries, potato chips and sugar, among others, affect acne. A high GI (glycemic index) diet that causes sharp rises in blood sugar worsens acne. If this study's conclusions are verified then a low GI diet may help acne also, but a 2005 review of somewhat dated scientific literature cannot affirm either way. A study in November 2006 in Australia gave a 50% reduction in 12 weeks in mild-moderate facial acne by introducing its subjects to a high protein, low GI diet.
Sex and acne (Masturbation causes acne)
Common myths state that masturbation causes acne and, conversely, that celibacy or sexual intercourse can cure it. Sexual activity can lead to hormonal surges and can also serve to relieve stress caused by inactivity or lack of self-confidence, more common in acne sufferers. Healthy sexual activity may improve the psychosomatic metabolism and mental maturity of an individual, but has not been scientifically correlated with changes in acne. Serious levels of inactivity combined with any serious levels of sexual stress worsen an individual's metabolism.
Stress Does Not Make Acne Worse
Many people believe that acne is related to stress. This is simply not true because there are many stressed out individuals who are not breaking out with acne. Everybody has stress and it is a part of life. It is also a part of adolescence. Acne may cause you to become more stressed out because it is there, but it does not directly cause stress.
Acne is Not Caused by Poor Hygiene
Hygiene and acne
acne is not caused by dirt. This misconception probably comes from the fact that blackheads look like dirt stuck in the openings of pores. The black color is simply not dirt but compact keratin. In fact, the blockages of keratin that cause acne occur deep within the narrow follicle channel, where it is impossible to wash them away. These plugs are formed by the failure of the cells lining the duct to separate and flow to the surface in the sebum created there by the body.
This myth seems to make sense, but it really is not true. Acne is caused by an overproduction of sebum. This is natural oil that is essential to your skin to keep it waterproof and hydrated. A lack of cleanliness does not cause Acne. In fact, the products that cause Acne are located deep inside tissues that you can’t clean. Over cleaning and scrubbing your skin too much or using harsh chemicals on your skin can cause you to irritate your skin, thus increasing your chances of Acne.
Proper skin care is important at all times throughout your life. If you have Acne, then you want to take special care to keep your skin clean and healthy. This means that you need to protect it from too much sun and harsh cosmetics.
To clean your skin you will want to use a gentle soap or specialized skin cleaner. Wash your face with this product twice per day. Don’t scrub and aggravate the Acne but clean it with a nice, soft cloth. Apply cleanser to all areas around the hairline and the neck. Rinse clean with water and pat dry your face. If you have very oily skin, then you may need to use an astringent. Use it only in the oily parts of your skin because dry skin will increase its oil production and make your Acne worse. Hair care is also important and you will want to shampoo at least two or three times per week. If you have oily hair, then you will want to shampoo daily. This can help prevent scalp Acne as well. Try to keep the shampoo off of your face as much as possible.
Tanning was once considered an Acne treatment, but it really only dries out your skin and temporarily hides your Acne. As your skin becomes accustomed to the sun, the Acne will adjust and flare again. You are also risking skin damage and increasing your chances of skin cancer. Many Acne medications are also prone to causing skin to be more sensitive to sunlight. This means you will need to be diligent about using sunscreen when outdoors.
The best thing you can do for your skin is not wear any make-up at all, but since we know this is not happening for many women, you will want to make your make-up selections carefully. Look for make-up that is “noncomedogenic” and avoid make-up that has an oil base. Be sure to read labels carefully when shopping. Be aware that even if it says “noncomedogenic,” it may still cause Acne in some people. Be sure to wash away all make-up every evening before you go to bed. This allows your skin to breathe and provides your Acne with air. You can also look for make-up that contains products that will aid in killing bacteria that contributes to Acne. In fact, this make-up can be useful in prevention as well. If you apply moderate amounts of make-up, you may be doing your skin some good. There are also several types of make-up that contain sunscreen to help prevent your face from damaging sunrays.
Avoid products that cause your skin to become dry. Avoid products that contain alcohol, as it will dry out your skin and defeat the purpose. It may kill the bacteria, but it will cause your body to produce more oil. You also want to ensure that your aftershave and perfume is as alcohol free as possible. Use products that contain a moisturizing product. Use moisturizers that are oil-free, you will also want to use oil-free foundation.
Antibacterial products will help kill the bacteria that causes Acne. There are several antibacterial cleansers available that will aid in killing the bacteria. Look for products that contain Benzoyl peroxide. Be aware, however, that these can cause your skin to dry out if they are overused.
If you have long hair, you will want to sleep with your hair up and on a pillowcase that nobody else has used. This will keep the oil from your hair from causing an increased amount of oil on your face.
Shaving with Acne can be uncomfortable. If you do need to use a regular razorblade to shave, then be careful around blemishes. Be sure to use plenty of water and shaving cream. Electric razors are often good because they do not scrape the skin, but cut the hairs.
Sometimes Acne is caused by simply touching your skin too much. If you sit with your chin in your hand all day, don’t be surprised when your chin breaks out. If you constantly swipe hair off of your forehead, don’t be surprised when your forehead breaks out. By touching your face you are introducing dirt and oil to these sensitive areas.
If you have a blackhead problem on your forehead, nose or chin, there are several strips available to help you remove this debris. You simply get your skin wet, apply the strip and allow it to dry. After the strip has dried, you simply peel it off of your skin. This is an interesting sensation, but you can almost feel all of that material coming out of your pores. These are safe and very effective. They may not get them all, but if you look at the strip you will see little black spikes all over the sticky side of the strips.
Medications that Aggravate or Create Acne
There are several medications that can do you more harm than good. When this comes to your Acne, you want to avoid any that may make your situation worse. Many of these medications will aggravate your already existing Acne or may cause you to breakout.
Any illness may aggravate your Acne or cause you to breakout. In this sort of situation, it is difficult to determine what the cause of the breakout is. Is it the illness? Medication?
Despite this fact, you want to be certain that you don’t stop taking a medication that is essential for your health simply because it is causing your Acne to be worse. Instead, consult your doctor to prescribe you a different medication that may be easier on your Acne. It is more important that you sustain your health so that you can live even if you don’t look the best you have ever looked. Acne may be painful to look at, but it is not life threatening.
Other medications that are known to cause Acne include:
•Anticonvulsants: Certain anticonvulsants are prescribed for people who suffer from epilepsy and seizures. They may also be prescribed to people who suffer from bi-polar disorder and depression. These medications often list Acne as a side effect. Lithium is another medication that is popular for these conditions and can also cause Acne
•Corticosteroids: These are often used to treat asthma and other chronic lung disease. These medications are similar to cortisol and can stimulate the body to produce sebum, which can cause an increase in Acne.
•Sobriety Medications: Antabuse is often prescribed to help alcoholics stop drinking. I can also cause Acne in recovering alcoholics.
•Immunosuppressants: These types of drugs suppress the immune system. These may be required for people who have recently received an organ transplant. It can also suppress your ability to fight the bacteria that causes breakouts.
•Thyroid Preparations: Many thyroid medications are known to trigger Acne. Large amounts of iodine may also cause breakouts.
•Systemic Steroids: Systemic steroids are synthetic versions of natural steroid. These may cause breakout of Acne while curing another skin condition.
•Anabolic Steroids: These are steroids that can cause severe cases of Acne in some users.
•Cosmetic and Acne: Acne that is caused by cosmetics is called “Acne cosmetica.” This Acne is triggered by cosmetic products rather than the natural causes that typically cause Acne. If you think that you are experiencing a breakout because of a product then you will want to discontinue using it.
•Birth Control & Acne: There are several oral contraceptives that may control Acne but there are also several others that may cause it as well. These tend to have a low estrogen content and a progestins that increases androgens in the body. Only women are affected, obviously as it is oral contraceptive, but they tend to only be women who have a tendency towards androgenicity. Some of the pills that you may want to steer away from include:
o Loestrin 1.5/30
o Loestrin 1.5/20 Fe
o Estrostep Fe
o Levlen
o Alesse
o Ovral
o Norlestrin 1/50
Acne Care Tips - The Conclusion
Acne is a part of life, but it is something that should be taken seriously. This condition can have a devastating effect on teenagers and this certainly needs to be considered if you have a teenager suffering from Acne.
Parents have usually experienced the mental distress that Acne can cause, so you want to be compassionate. As adults, you know that the Acne will pass, but when you are in high school it can be hard to deal with. We know that people don’t walk around staring down your blemishes and making fun of you, but it’s still a hard part of life.
There are several new medications and treatments that you can take advantage of whether you are a teenager or an adult. There are several common conditions that can be brought under control rather quickly with this new technology.
Always consult a dermatologist if the Acne is severe. You will not want this condition to go untreated, as it can prevent scarring. Scars can be a reminder of your adolescent years, which most teenagers will not want to remember. A dermatologist will be able to provide you with numerous treatment options.
Remind teenagers and yourself that Acne is treatable and you are not alone in your suffering. Many people suffer from Acne and, in fact, about 85% of adolescents suffer from Acne. If you are unable to be successful with over the counter medications, look for professional treatment to aid you in your fight against Acne.
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