Acne can be a bit of a mystery. It seems to be partially inherited, but it is not known why some people are affected and some are untouched. However, we understand some of the biology behind it. The main culprit is over-production of sebum, an oily substance that works to lubricate and soften skin and hair. The production of oily sebum inhibits the skin's surface, providing an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Bacteria grow, part of the skin becomes red and swollen, and then becomes a pimple. The role of testosterone is due to the excess production of sebum called testosterone, the male hormone. However, testosterone is present in both men and women. During puberty, the body changes its response to testosterone, thus producing extra sebum. This irregular reaction, which occurs mainly during adolescence, causes the skin - especially the face and upper torso - to become oily. Sebum then combines with naturally occurring dead skin cells to block hair follicles. The body usually controls its response to testosterone until the early 20's, and then the annoying acne clears up. Hair follicle theory Narrowing hair follicles can be involved in the production of acne - says a recent scientific theory. Evidence suggests that hair follicles may be constricted for a number of reasons, including excessive shedding of cells inside the follicle, abnormal cell binding, or water retention that causes the skin to swell. Tight hair follicles prevent dead cells from leaving the body, forming a lump under the skin. Together with sebum, it creates ideal conditions for acne. To make matters worse, many people cannot resist squeezing their pumps. It can make the condition worse by spreading the bacteria around the skin. It can also cause scars, sometimes permanently. Touching the face can also make acne worse. Without realizing it, most of us touch our faces several times a day. The problem is that our hands contain oils and bacteria that increase the symptoms of acne. In fact, all accessories, including glasses and telephone handsets that make face contact must be clean. Hair, especially long hair, also touches your face, so it is important to keep your hair clean and oil-free. Fabric accessories such as hats and headbands should be avoided or used as little as possible. Other factors that appear to aggravate acne include diet, skin irritation, stress, hormonal activity such as menstruation, and certain medications. Dietary links show skim milk products related to acne. However, there is no statistical evidence that foods such as chocolate and fast food have anything to do with pimples or exacerbate acne. Acne medications include anabolic steroids (used for bodybuilding), lithium, barbiturates, halogen and androgens.
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Over-the-counter treatments are available anywhere from your local pharmacy to the grocery store and are intended to treat mild to moderate acne. These treatments include the creams and gels mentioned earlier. Home treatment It is important to keep the affected areas clean, so wash the affected area twice a day with a non-abrasive cleanser. Never, choose a zit! This can lead to scarring and spread the infection. There are no home remedies for acne that will work immediately. It can take weeks, if not months, for significant results to appear. Never go to bed paint makeup and wash your face in the morning when you get up and at night before you go to bed.
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