A Few Quick Facts About Acne

Fact #1: Acne does not result from poor hygiene habits but from an internal imbalance, generally caused by nutrient deficiencies and hormonal imbalances that affect the overall function of our body systems.

Fact #2: Acne affects about 80 percent of Americans and has higher incidences in men and teenagers. Hispanics and Latinos are the ethnic groups with highest incidences of acne, while Africans and African-Americans are the lowest at risk.

Fact #3: Acne originates from an infection of acnes P. bacteria, hence the name acne.

Fact #4: While all lights have antibacterial properties, UV and blue light are known to be the most powerful bacterial fighters for the skin.

Fact #5: A prolonged unhealthy diet gives rise to candidae yeast growth in the colon, mucus linings, increased oil secretions, and inhibited bodily functions that in turn make way for acne.

Fact #6: Over 40 percent of American teenagers consult dermatologists for acne treatments.

Fact #7: Higher incidences of acne in men occur due to the elevated levels of androgens that produce. Androgens are responsible for the overproduction of oil and generation of acne-causing
bacteria that gives rise to comedones.

Fact #8: Aloe Vera has been used for centuries as a skin regenerative gel and topical pain reliever. It can be used on acne scars to accelerate healing time and encourage cell growth.

Fact #9: Vinegar and lemon juice can be used as natural medications to inhibit bacterial growth, dry skin, and reduce oil production. Just apply after washing and allow to act for 10 minutes.

Fact #10: Moisturizing two times a day will not make you break out. As long as you use a noncomedogenic lotion, the moisturizer will encourage cell growth and tissue regeneration while maintaining healthy moisture levels in your skin. This keeps your oil glands under control.

Medications to Fight Acne

In today's world, there are rarely any diseases that cannot be treated with a medication. Such is the case with acne, which summons the use of a specific set of systemic and topical medications depending on the type of acne suffered.

Below you will find a list of the most popular acne medications available, used by doctors and dermatologists all over the world.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid: acids derived from sugarcane, milk, and fruits that upon application, result in the natural exfoliation of dead skin cells.

Benzoyl Peroxide: acne medication that is generally obtained in a topical form, OTC, or with a doctor's prescription. It works by inhibiting bacterial action and reducing oil secretions that promote breakouts. Benzoyl Peroxide is also a powerful peeling chemical that aids in the renewal of skin and the healing of old flare-ups.

Salicylic Acid: chemical that aids in the shedding of dead skin cells, thus reducing follicle plugs preventing future blockages. Also used in the treatment of skin disorders such as warts, dandruff, and psoriasis.

Sulfur: this element is effective in reducing inflammation as well as inhibiting bacterial activity. It is available in powdered form, and can be found in many cosmetic products that fight acne.

Retinol: alcohol form of Vitamin A. Also found as a topical, it is popularly used in cosmetic products for its easy solubility and its conversion into Retin-A by skin enzymes.

Clyndamicin: antibiotic that is used in the treatment of acne, generally in combination to other medications. As it is alcohol based it is a powerful antiseptic, but like most acne medications, it results in dryness and flakiness of the skin.

Tea Tree Oil: this oil is a popular antiseptic that also aids in the healing and regeneration of the skin. It can be obtained in its pure form and is generally used as a spot treatment. It can also be
found in cosmetic products designed to reduce blemishes.

Vitamin Supplements for Acne

Once acne unfolds, our bodies go through enormous effort to counteract its effects, depleting nutrients at a faster rate than normal. This becomes a vicious cycle that only worsens if left unmanaged. Here are a few vitamin supplements that you can take to refuel your body with essential nutrients.

As our bodies become depleted of nutrients over time, it can take a while for supplements to begin working at their optimum level. Take these supplements for a minimum of six months to reestablish normal vitamin and mineral levels in the body.

Niacinimide: deficiencies of niacinamide have been related to incidences of acne. This B vitamin aids in blood circulation and tissue oxygenation and regeneration.

Antioxidants: aside from natural vitamin antioxidants such as vitamin A and E, other supplements such as grape seed extract have an extraordinary effect on how the body processes free radicals.

Chromium Picolinate: helps control bacterial activity and reduces infections within follicles.

Vitamin D3: aids the body in tissue repair and regeneration.

L-Cysteine: this supplement contains sulfur, an antiseptic and vital element for smooth, resilient skin. Make sure to take this supplement on an empty stomach with water or juice ONLY.

Selenium: promotes elasticity of the skin, also a powerful antioxidant.

Retin-A: this supplement must be prescribed by a doctor. It acts as a peel to remove dead skin cells and encourage tissue repair/renewal. It must be taken for over six months for noticeable results.

Lecithin: necessary for the proper absorption and assimilation of fatty acids.

Proteolytic Enzymes: like acidophilus, these act by maintaining better colonic function. The enzymes digest colonic waste, enhancing nutrient absorption and improving the body's waste management.

Garlic: garlic is known to be a powerful antiseptic. It inhibits bacterial activity while also strengthening the immune system.

Acne and its Types

Acne is a skin condition that results from a follicle that becomes plugged. Pores, or follicles, can become blocked by over-production of sebum by oil glands in the skin, accumulations of keratin, and bacteria.

Once an acne lesion forms on the skin, it appears as a microcomedone. Microcomedones are minuscule lesions that can't be seen by the naked eye, and can only be spotted by using a microscope.

Microcomedones can develop into either inflammatory acne or non-inflammatory acne. Non-inflammatory acne results in what are called comedones, which can be either a whitehead or a  blackhead.

Whiteheads are characterized for resulting in an accumulation of sebum that blocks the follicle. The bacterial activity in this case is contained beneath the skin, and appears as a small bump with a firm white tip.

Blackheads, on the other hand, result from retention of sebum within an open follicle. The black color on the end of the blackhead is attributed to melanin (natural skin pigment), which turns black in contact with oxygen .

If the whitehead or blackhead isn't resolved and doesn't heal properly, the follicle may rupture and result in inflammatory acne. Inflammatory acne occurs either as a papule, a pustule, a nodule, or cyst.

The first stage of inflammatory acne is the papule, which results in the breaking of a follicle wall. As the tissue breaks, white blood cells rush into the cavity where bacteria is trapped, causing the follicle to swell up.

Following the papule, a pustule is formed as white cells migrate to the surface of the follicle. The inflammation is more Noticeable and the pimple appears white and stiff.

In many cases when pustules don't heal as they should, the follicle walls break completely, affecting the skin surrounding the lesion. The area becomes swollen and hard and can be painful to touch. This is called a nodule.

The last stage of inflammatory acne is the cyst, in which acne lesions become severely irritated due to an accumulation of pus.

Treating acne when it first begins can save your skin from painful lesions and scars. Now that you know the different types of acne that exist, you can identify the severity of your next breakout and understand its stage of development for better treatment.