The Top 10 Causes of Acne

16 Mar

Are you keeping yourself away from eating oily foods like fried dishes and peanuts; believing it can cause you blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pimples or even acne cysts or nodules? Are you worried of getting acne from other people and spread it on your own skin?

If you’re thinking of these things, then it’s time for you to say goodbye to these mythical beliefs and know the real truth about acne.

Facing the Truth about Acne

In fact, acne is not a contagious disease that can be passed on from one person to another. It actually is a condition wherein the sebaceous glands are functioning at its peak level of activity, producing more sebum or oil which may result in clogging of skin pores creating acne.

For one, the oil responsible in producing acne is not the same grease coming from fatty foods you eat. That’s why; eating oily foods doesn’t cause acne.

Acne and its Management

Acne vulgaris, or simply acne, is a typical skin disorder affecting susceptible hair follicles, mostly found on the face, neck and upper trunk. It is classified according to its severity – blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, papules and nodulocystic. Acne becomes more marked during the onset of puberty and most likely to affect ages between 12 and 35 years.

There are several factors which directly influence the appearance of acne. Each will be discussed together with treatments needed for each case to properly handle the condition.

Hormonal Activity: When Things Go Crazy

Androgens are hormones responsible for stimulating the sebaceous glands, causing them to enlarge and secrete natural oil, sebum. This rises to the top of hair follicles then flows out onto the skin surface. Overproduction of oil happens during adolescence, menstruation or even pregnancy. When accumulated sebum plugs the pilosebaceous ducts, it will then create comedones known as the primary lesions of acne, the whiteheads and blackheads.

There are products in the market which are helpful in reducing the surface oil of skin such as oil blotting papers and alpha hydroxyl acids. AHAs, within the recommended dosage, aid in exfoliating dead skin cells, removing excess oil from the skin, and making the skin non-greasy.

In addition, laser acne treatment can be also one of your choices to lessen the excessive oil production in the skin. Three to five sessions, for about 30 minutes each, in a month may be required depending on the condition of the acne. Laser treatment procedure treats only the affected area without harming the surrounding skin as well as promotes collagen formation and rejuvenation making the acne less visible or completely gets rid of it.

Heredity: It Runs in the Blood

A person might be predisposed in getting acne through heredity. A research study about twins conducted by St. Thomas Hospital in London indicates that acne is tied up to genes. Anyone with first-degree relatives who have acne has 3%-4% chances of developing acne too.

Certain drugs like adapalene, azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide and other prescribed medications by a skin expert will help in treating acne.

Bacterial Infection: Say No to Germs

Over-secretion of oil invites bacteria in the skin, specifically Propionibacterium acnes. These bacteria are commonly non-pathogenic but when certain strains contaminates the skin clogged by dead skin, dirt or oil, it will then create and can cause infection including the typical skin disease, acne vulgaris.

Antibiotic medications including Tetracycline, Minocycline, Doxycycline and Bactrim/Septra are best suited in managing bacterial infections.

Stress: Deal with It!

The skin has nerves which are responsible for the different sensations you can perceive. The nerve endings release chemicals called neuropeptides. These neuropepides are stress-induced chemicals. When under stress, it increases to protect the immune system. Thus, it creates inflammation in the skin that can show as redness, bumpiness and feeling of itchiness and pain.

Engaging in stress management techniques like yoga, tai chi, progressive muscle relaxation, hypnosis or even guided imagery are activities that help in lowering the levels of stress in the body thereby reducing the chances of developing acne.

Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency: Know Your Inadequacies

Healthy and glowing skin requires proper nutrition including the intake of vitamins and minerals. However, taking of multivitamins should not be taken as a substitute to daily food consumption. Multivitamin intake should be as prescribed by a doctor to avoid overconsumption that can lead to toxicity. The following nutrients are good in preventing and reducing acne:

Vitamin A builds up the protective tissue of the skin and prevents the development of acne by decreasing sebum production. It is an antioxidant that helps in relieving stress. Top five foods rich in Vitamin A are liver, pepper, sweet potatoes, carrots and dark leafy green vegetables.
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid helps against infection and improves immunity. It is said to have antioxidants which reduces body stress. Vitamin C is abundantly found in these fruits and vegetables: red and green hot chili and bell peppers, guavas, and fine fresh herbs (thyme and parsley) and dark leafy greens.
Vitamin E helps in rejuvenating the glow of the skin. It therefore aids in eliminating harmful free radicals from cellular metabolism. Studies have shown that vitamin E contributes in reducing the appearance of scars resulting from acne. Vitamin E rich-foods are sunflower seeds, paprika and red chili powder, almonds, pine nuts and peanuts.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flax seeds, salmon and walnuts.
Zinc enhances the immunity system, reducing inflammation and promoting healthy hormonal level; as a result, acne may lessen. Oysters, toasted wheat germ, veal liver, sesame seeds and low fat roast beef are some foods high in Zinc.

Diet: Watch What You Eat

Intake of skim milk according to research affects in developing acne. Milk typically contains androgen hormones, which are associated in producing more sebum; also contribute to acne break outs.

There are also certain foods that can bring on an allergic reaction and cause inflammation. This will further aggravate acne and cause more flare-ups. Soy, corn, and wheat are some well-known allergens that can trigger unwanted acne breakouts.

Learn to watch what you eat and determine the various trigger factors that bring on acne. Once you have identified these triggers, you can learn to avoid certain foods and as a result, minimize acne.

Harsh Cosmetics: Beauty Has Its Price

Cosmetics such as make ups can enhance your facial assets but may contribute in worsening acne without your knowledge. Some skin products are comodegenic or pore clogging, oily and very unhealthy for the skin.

Ingredients liable for harsh effects on skin include lanolin which contains fatty oils that can aggravate acne in the skin of individuals with genetic tendency. Isoprophyl myristate and its chemical family including isopropyl almitate, isostearyl neopentonate, and octyl can also contribute to acne.

It is more advisable to use water-based and mineral-based skin care products. Nonetheless, by avoiding cosmetics altogether can greatly reduce the exacerbation of the condition and facilitate faster healing.

Certain Drugs: Know Your Medicines

There are some drugs known to have interaction in developing acne: barbiturates or sedative drugs, corticosteroids treatment for hives and eczema, lithium which is a mood stabilizer, anabolic-androgenic steroids commonly used by athletes, and dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA known as an anti-aging hormone.

These drugs are basically associated in producing more oil or have been observed to have acne as a side effect. If you need to take these medications, it is advisable to ask advices from a skin expert on how you can avoid getting acne through alternative remedies for instance.

Certain Diseases: Acne as a Symptom

There are some disorders which are sometimes characterized by acne. Diabetes, Jacob’s Syndrome, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, and Thyroid-related diseases usually have acne in their list of symptoms.

Meeting with an authorized medical provider can help determine and recommend medications with regards to the principal medical condition. Addressing the underlying medical issue will bring about treatment for acne.

Environmental Factors: It’s in the House

Working in a factory or in a humid work place will make you more susceptible to acne formation. It may cause your skin to produce more oil, hence activating it to develop unwanted acne. Proper self-care is recommended for the skin to stay clean and healthy.

But remember, frequent washing will cause your skin to break and decrease its normal flora; that’s why; it is advisable to wash your skin only at least twice a day, in day and in night time, or as needed, such as after a strenuous physical activity.

That Said…

There are many factors contributing in the formation of no more acne book, whether it is directly influencing the development of the condition or not. However, there are also different ways on how acne can be controlled and dealt with. Treatments offer are depending on severity and nature of the acne.

It is not advisable to take risks in managing the condition. Consulting with a licensed dermatologist is a must to identify and fix the existing problem by giving the appropriate medication and remedy. Thus, submitting yourself to a properly planned management of acne will help in boosting your self esteem, and correlation with others.