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 retinoidsor 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/truth-about-zits https://www.earthbody.net/how-to-heal/775-your-skin-is-an-ecosystem