Acne Information, Cause, Tips and Treatment

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Acne Skin Care Treatment

An acne problem starts when the pores in the skin become clogged with sebum, an oil which lubricates the skin and hair. It may occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms. Acne is most common among teenagers during puberty, when the hormones go into overdrive, causing the overproduction of sebum. However, it is not restricted to any age group. Many adults in their 20s, all the way up to their 40s cope with acne. Although not life threatening, acne can be very troubling and disfiguring. Severe cases can lead to serious and permanent scarring.

The main symptoms of acne include:

• Reddened, inflamed bumps
  
  
• Whiteheads and blackheads
  
  
• Pus filled spots or pustules
  
  
• Deep tender nodules under the skin

Cause of Acne

Several factors can contribute to the cause of acne or make it worse. These include:

• Changing hormone levels during puberty can cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum.
  
  
• Another factor is heredity or genetics, passed down from the parents, predominately shown in school-aged boys.
  
  
• Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy or starting or stopping birth control pills can also trigger acne.
  
  
• Emotional tension, resulting in stress may aggravate the disorder.

In addition, certain drug medications are known to cause acne. These may include:

• androgens
• lithium
• barbiturates

Greasy and substandard cosmetics may alter the cells of the follicles and make them stick together.

Friction or pressure caused by bike helmets, backpacks, or tight collars can contribute or worsen acne.

Also, environmental irritants (such as pollution and high humidity), picking at or squeezing pimples, and hard scrubbing of the skin can make acne worse.

Myths About the Causes of Acne

There are many myths about what causes acne. Chocolate, greasy food, and pizza are often blamed, but research has shown that food seems to have little to no effect on the development and course of acne in most people.

Acne is not caused by poor hygiene. You can wash your skin hard and frequently, but all that will do is irritate the skin and make it worse. The best approach to hygiene and acne is to wash your face twice daily with a mild soap and pat dry the skin.

If you let acne run its course it will not be cleared up. If acne treatments are not working, consider seeing a dermatologist. With the products available today, there is no reason why someone has to endure acne or suffer from scars.

Also, acne is not contagious, you cannot catch it from someone else.

Acne Control

Tips To Help Prevent Acne :

• Wash your face regularly.
  
  
• Don’t pop or pick at pimples.
  
  
• Avoid touching your face with your fingers.
  
  
• Keep hair clean and out of your face to prevent additional dirt and oil from clogging pores.
  
  
• Clean your glasses or sunglasses frequently to keep oil from clogging the pores around the eyes and nose.
  
  
• Keep the phone receiver away from your mouth and chin to prevent bacteria from clogging the pores.
  
  
• Use sunscreen and avoid tanning beds.
  
  
• Avoid using too much makeup and wash it off before you go to bed.
  
  
• Wash your pillowcases regularly.
  
  
• Talk to your dermatologist the help prevent and stop reoccurring acne.

Click the link below for information on acne treatment, including prescription acne medication.

Acne Treatment for Mild, Moderate and Severe Cases