The Truth about Acne - Causes, Cures and Common Misconceptions

1
The Truth about Acne - Causes, Cures and Common
Misconceptions
2
Introduction

• Acne is a common skin complaint. Predominantly a
  curse of Adolescents and teens, it is currently
  the most common skin condition in North America
  with approximately 70 to 87 of teens being
  affected and 20 of its cases been linked to
  adults. Whilst acne doesn't necessarily affect
  everyone, around 17 in every 20 people are
  afflicted in their lifetime. Usually affecting
  areas on the face, neck, back and the chest, acne
  can be seen most prominently in teenage boys whom
  commonly have the worst cases, whilst in adult
  women the condition is most noticeable.There
  are varying type of acne, which can range from
  mild to cystic. Whilst it can take many forms,
  such as whiteheads, blackhead, papules and
  pustules, acne is and of itself a distressing
  condition. Acne is caused when the hair
  follicles in the skin become clogged with dead
  skin cells and the substance sebum (oil) forms a
  plug in the pore where bacteria can flourish.
  This is known as a comedo. If left untreated, a
  patient may notice an increase in the number of
  pimples they have, and can even be affected by
  scars and dark skin patches as the acne fades.
  Clogged pores can even become infected, causing
  the skin around the plug to become inflamed and
  sore. The resulting irritation can be very
  painful in some cases, as it is a response from
  the bodies immune system to fight the bacteria,
  which sends more blood and chemicals to the
  affected area in a bid to clear the infection but
  which also causes inflammation.

3

• But if acne is a naturally occurring condition,
  egged on by our bodies immune system, then what
  can we do to prevent it? The treatment of acne is
  often over exaggerated and really is quite simple
  in mild to moderate cases. However, for some
  patiences, treatment may require the use of
  topical medications such as retinoids or oral
  medications such as antibiotics. In cases where
  you are unable to effectively manage your acne at
  home it is advised that you make an appointment
  with your local GP or dermatologist. When
  experiencing breakout our first instinct may be
  to pop the pustules or scrub our skin raw, but to
  do so would have bad consequences. Remember our
  body is its own ecosystem, it defends us from
  infection and makes us healthy. Whilst we can
  sometimes help this process along, we also need
  to make sure we don't pollute our microbiomes
  with harsh chemicals or oils, some of which can
  be found in skin care products. Soap can dry out
  the skin, so it is important that when used it is
  also rinsed off so that it doesn't cause further
  issue. A common myth is that you should let
  acne run its cause, however, when a condition can
  be persistent to the tune of several years, it
  can have a harsh effect on one's self-esteem to
  simply let it be. However, with the right
  self-care a lot of cases can be managed or even
  treated at home by using these simple tips

4
Table of Content

• Avoid touching your face.
• Wash your face no more than twice daily.
• No squeezing.

5
Avoid touching your face

• This can spread the sebum over your face causing
  more spots to occur. It also spreads sweat and
  other foreign bodies that you may have on your
  hands. If you have long hair, keep it clean and
  off your face.

6
Wash your face no more than twice daily

• Whilst it seems counter-intuitive, washing too
  much can irritate your condition rather than
  placate it. Acne is not caused by dirt on the
  skin, and whilst you do want to remove makeup and
  all the other gunk that settles on its surface
  throughout the day, there is no reason to
  obsessively scrub. Instead use a gentle cleanser,
  preferably containing no harsh chemicals or
  alcohol. Look for cleansers with salicylic acid
  or natural ingredients. Use lukewarm water, rinse
  well and pat dry with a clean towel.

7
No squeezing

• Whilst obvious, often our need for a quick fix to
  hide the spots wins out, but it is important not
  to squeeze your spots as this can cause scarring,
  spread the infection and put you in more pain.
• Other factors can also play a large role in
  triggering acne. As we have already established
  pre-pubescents form the larger group of acne
  suffers with pre-menopausal women coming in a
  close second. The reason behind this is hormones.
  Hormone changes and imbalance can cause a higher
  production from the sebaceous glands, making our
  skin much more oily. Whilst there is little we
  can do about our bodies natural cycles, young
  ladies and women may find that a combined oral
  contraceptive may help with their breakouts.
  Speak to your doctor for further information.

8

• Diet has long been blamed for causing spots
  with the top culprits being dairy products,
  greasy food, and chocolate. However, there is
  little to no conclusive evidence that greasy
  foods such as burgers can make your complexion
  worse. However, the grease on your foods is a
  definite hazard to your skin, so it is important
  to rinse any affected areas. But this is not to
  say diet is off the hook. Whilst we cannot prove
  the innocents of chocolate a lot can be said for
  a balanced and healthy diet. Studies have shown
  that a diet that is high in fiber and low
  glycemic can be very beneficial for our skin.
  Aside from the cosmetic distress of acne there
  is another risk to consider. The World Health
  Organization has found that UVA light, such as is
  found in tanning beds, can increase the risk of
  skin cancer. Whilst some people believe that
  tanning is a great way of 'drying' out ones
  pimples, the reality is that people with acne
  need to be more careful of their sun exposure, as
  sunburn will irritate the skin more. It is
  recommended to use a light, non-oily sunscreen
  when venturing outside. For further information
  and advice about the treatment, prevention and
  causes of acne, consult your doctor. This article
  is not a substitute for medical advice.

9
The end

• For more details, please visit-
• https//www.self.com/story/understanding-acne
• https//canadamedlaser.ca/acne-treatment/
• https//www.everydayhealth.com/acne/5-common-myths
  -about-acne.aspx
• https//www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/tru
  th-about-zits
• https//www.earthbody.net/how-to-heal/775-your-ski
  n-is-an-ecosystem