Best Acne Treatments: Effective Or Medical Quackery?

No discussion of the best acne treatments would be complete without an understanding of the disease itself

. Acne is Greek for peak or highest point. Acme is derived from the same word. Acne is a disease most often affecting teens when hormones are going through harsh changes. Acne attacks the skins oil glands. It wont kill you but, as one depressed teenager pointed out, It can make you wish you were dead!

Heres what happens: The pores of your skin are linked to oil glands that are situated just under the skin. Follicles-or small liquid troughs-connect the oil glands to the pores. If the follicles get blocked, a pimple appears. Think of this like a beaver building a dam in the follicle. Skin cells, oil and hair mush together like the beavers dam and block the passage. The site can become infected, red, sore, and swelled.

Just as there are varying degrees of severity of the disease, so too there are hundreds of remedies. While the company names of the acne treatments are different, they all contain one or more of the following ingredients:

One of the more commonly used compounds is Resorcinol (C6H6O2). Also called resorcin or dihydroxy benzene, Resocinal is thought to breakdown pimples. It is water-soluble and crystalline. Its original use was as an ingredient in substances to counteract dandruff and eczema.

Benzoyl peroxide (C14H10O4) is another chemical compound used in acne treatment. It is applied to the skin and acts a peel, cleaning pores and reducing bacteria. Benzoyl Peroxide is sold in the form of cleansing liquid, bar, lotion, cream, or gel.

Salicylic Acid (C7H6O3) is another compound used to treat acne. Known as a monohydroxybenzoic acid it serves as a plant hormone. This colorless, clear substance is thought to stimulate breakdown of blackheads and whiteheads. It also cuts down on inflammation and swelling by reducing the shedding of cells, causing the epidural skin to slough off more easily, reducing blocking of the pores.

Besides using chemical compounds, the element sulphur (S) has also been included in many acne treatments. Since pioneer days this naturally occurring yellow crystalline substance has been recommended for treating acne among many ailments. Its mild antibacterial properties were thought to fight infection. As well as this natural substance, naturopaths recommend elimination of certain foods to aid in controlling acne. These include all dairy products, grains, and all processed foods such as sugars, margarine and nuts.

Whether the best acne treatments involve the use of harsh chemicals or age-old natural products, there are routine, common sense skin care routines which will help control acnes pain and may even assist with prevention of spreading. These include things like: washing your face gently twice a day with mild soap and warm water. Apply a lotion which contains benzoyl peroxide. Dont pick at or pop pimples. That will raise the potential for both infection and scarring. Refrain from touching your face as this increases chances of infection. Keep your hands clean and wash them before touching your face. If you wear glasses keep them clean and never sleep with makeup on.

by: Rose

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