and Acne Treatments

Acne is a very common problem and over 90% of all teenagers suffer from this skin condition at one point or another

History of Acne

during puberty.

Acne, which used to be known as Acne vulgaris, normally decreases dramatically after puberty but in some the condition will persist into adulthood.

Acne is a problem that has been around since ancient times and there are reports about ancient rules suffering from acne and skin conditions.

In ancient Rome they used sulphur in mineral water to treat acne and the use of suplhur as a treatment against acne survive well into the 19^thcentury.

Benzoyl peroxide was used as earlu as the 1920s but during the 1930s they tried a lot of other alternatives including radiation treatment and laxatives against acne.

When antibiotics became readily available in the 1950s patients and doctors soon noticed their effect on infected pimples. In time creams containing antibiotics were developed to treat acne.

During the 1980s, oral isotretinoin showed to be very effective against acne but the drug had serious side effects in pregnant women causing birth defects and miscarriages.

Women who suffers from acne can sometimes be treated by a hormonal acne treatment.

The estrogen / progestogen found in normal hormonal contraceptives have some effect, but serious ailments may require an antiandrogen combined with oestrogen.

In rare cases when one or several pimples grow unusually lagre and don’t react to other acne medication, a physician can chose to inject cortisone directly into it.

Even a small shot of cortisone tend to reduce redness and inflammation right away, but cortisone does come with serious side effects, especially if used for any longer period of time.

Camedones or blackheads as they are more commonly referred to today are a type of acne vulgaris where oil accumulate in the pores (sebaceous glands).

Many people believe that blackheads are the result of poor hygiene, but this is certainly not the case. Excessive cleaning can actually worsen the problem by causing dry skin, this prompting the body to produce even more oils.

Blackheads are usually unpleasant to look at but they are not dangerous, that said you might still want to know how to remove blackheads while avoiding to cause damage to the surrounding skin.

A common over the counter remedy is the adhesive strip that is placed on top of the blackheads. The blackheads stick to the tape and is removed when the tape is removed.

For individuals with a lot of blackhead related problems the strips can be impractical due to their temporary relief and in this cases salicylic acid might be a better solution.

What is Acne?

 Acne is more likely caused by overactive oil glands than uncleanliness.

Male sex hormones called androgens increases at puberty. A type of protein called keratin and an oily skin lubricant sebum, are stimulated by the increase of androgen.

A blemish arises when sebum tries to go through the pores, but gets trapped by an over production of sebum that cannot get through fast enough. The pores becomes filled up with the oily substance sebum, attracting and trapping bacteria, which leads to acne.

Blackheads

A blackhead arises when the trapped sebum, together with skin pigment, blocks the pores.

Whiteheads

A whitehead arises when the scales below the skin’s surface gets filled up with sebum.

When a whitehead builds up and spreads below the skin’s surface, a more severe form of inflammation occurs which can lead to acne scars if not properly taken care of.

Factors that contribute to break outs

Factors that can contribute to skin ruptures such as blackheads, whiteheads and pimples include hereditary, oily skin, menstrual cycles, candidiasis,  and hormonal imbalances. 

If drugs such as steriods and oral contraceptions are taken, it could also contribute to break outs.

Add an unbalanced diet high in saturated fats and animal products, with not enough fresh fruit and vegetable; together with environmental and industrial pollutants, and you can get very aggravated skin ruptures.

Although more than 20 million teenagers suffer from this skin disorder, acne affects adults increasingly aswell. Whilst teenage acne tends to concentrate on areas such as the face and the upper body, adult acne tends to be along the jaw line and can be more severe and painful.

There are many ways to get rid of acne and acne scars. Before trying antibiotics and more severe forms of medication and surgery, try more holistic approaches, and you may find that  clear and beautiful skin will be your once again. 

  Don’t Live With Acne Anymore!