subject: Are There Remedies for Acne? [print this page] Are There Remedies for Acne? Are There Remedies for Acne?
Also known as acne vulgaris, acne is the most common skin disease among people all over the world. It is characterised by small patches of red scaly skin known as seborrhea, blackheads and whiteheads, pimples and possibly scarring. It affects the areas of skin with the highest densities of skin follicles and is thus most commonly found on the chest, back, shoulders, neck and face. Exactly what is acne?
Stimulation of hormones known as androgens cause changes in the pilosebaceous units which are skin structures consisting of a skin follicle and a sebaceous gland which produces sebum.
Acne has long been considered a teenager's condition, but in fact can begin as early as infancy and continue well into adulthood. Most people will experience outbreaks, especially around periods of increased hormone production such as puberty, menopause, pregnancy and menstruation.
Aside from the physical aspects, acne has several psychological results. Many people get mocked about the condition of their skin when suffering from acne outbreaks, especially during their teenaged years. This can result in emotional scarring, low self-esteem, depression, and in extreme cases, suicide.
Severe outbreaks of acne can leave behind physical scarring. These scars are the result of the wound caused by inflammation within the dermis layer of the skin trying to heal itself and ending up with an excess of collagen concentrated in one place.
Acne itself is caused by an excess of sebum and dead skin cells creating a blockage in the skin pore. When bacteria enter the pore and become trapped by the blockage, inflammation can occur.
Research has shown that genetics influence the formation of acne to some degree. People who have a family history of suffering from acne are more likely to suffer frequent acne outbreaks earlier than others with no or very little evidence of acne in their families.
Stress can influence the formation of new outbreaks of acne, although it is not in itself the cause of the acne. Studies show that high levels of stress impact your body, causing it to work harder and produce hormones that have a detrimental effect on your skin.
Acne can be managed in many different ways, but many of the so-called acne treatments on the market either don't work, or are hard on your skin, damaging the pores and thus causing the acne to spread and worsen. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are among the most effective treatments available. You can also manage your acne, eating healthily to maintain your skin and washing twice daily with a mild soap to remove excess sebum and dead skin cells.
