Related Articles

Acne, also termed acne vulgaris, is a major challenge for people who want a glowing and clear complexion. Some people choose not to treat their acne. However not treating acne can lead to skin discoloring, permanent scarring and social problems. Hyperpigmentation and acne often lead to embarrassment and frustration, but with efficient therapy, acne sufferers can have flawless skin.

Acne: What is it?

To understand exactly what acne is, we must start below the skin's surface, deep in the hair follicle. The follicles, whose walls are lined with skin cells, produce oil (sebum) thanks to the sebaceous glands they contain. Normally, dead skin cells inside the follicles emerge on the skin's surface through sebum secretion and they are then no longer a problem. However, when the cells stick together instead of shedding, they form a plug or blockage.

A sac, or micro comedone, is formed under this blockage, and it contains oil and dead skin cells. Bacteria can grow freely in this environment, feeding on the dead skin cells and oil for fuel. As this sac continues growing, whiteheads (closed comedones) and black heads (open comedones) will form. The immune system will send more cells to the sac in more serious cases to battle infection, and this creates a larger comedone. A nodule (papule or pustule) or cyst will develop after further inflammation, causing pain.

Further Acne Causes

Acne breakouts can also be triggered by stress and simply heredity. Acne can also be exacerbated by diet. To cover marks caused by acne, women apply heavy makeup. This can also exacerbate and cause acne. Washing the face too roughly and using abrasive sponges and scrubs on the facial skin contributes to acne breakouts. Black women especially, who use pomades and hair oil, may see increased breakouts along the hairline and forehead areas on the face.

Tips for Acne

1. Further infection is caused by picking and squeezing at pimples, blackheads and whiteheads, so don't do it. Picking at acne, while in its second phase, can lead to scarring. With properly sterilized instruments, a doctor can remove larger comedones if necessary.

2. Some people think that excessive sweat or dirt can cause acne. But the truth is that blackheads are filled with oxidized sebum, not dirt. Rough scrubbing won't fix the problem, it may make it worse. Wash your face with a cleanser specifically formulated for acne twice a day, and remember to be gentle when drying.

3. Solutions which are certified noncomedogenic do not cause or aggravate acne. Stick to cosmetics and skin care products that have this label. Moreover, use only natural products for your skin care.

4. Most of the acne treatments found in your local pharmacy make skin sensitive to sun. Use sunscreen when you are outside and speak to your doctor about this. Stay away from tanning salons.

5. Avoid cosmetic treatments unless you have spoken to your dermatologist about it. Facials can aggravate your acne.

6. Touching acne lesions worsens the problem, so avoid doing so. Also keep your forehead from being covered by hair.

If you were wondering how to get rid of acne, now you know. Don't forget that natural products are best for acne skin care. Being aware of the acne causes enables you to fight it more effectively. Pay attention to what you use on your face, and be gentle with it!