Acne plagues most of the human race at some point in their lives. Some people are more genetically disposed to it than others. Either way, acne is something that is unpleasant to deal with and can get frustrating after a while. What is acne? Really?
Acne is actually a skin condition that causes inflamed red growths, whiteheads and blackheads. Acne occurs when the pores on the surface of your skin become clogged.[1]
How Does It Clog?
Each pore on your face is the opening to a follicle which contains a hair and an oil gland. Oil glands are good! They help remove old skin cells and properly lubricate the skin. However, the glands may produce too much oil and inflammatory cells, dirt, debris and bacteria can form to make a plug. This is a whitehead or a blackhead.1
What About Pimples?
Pimples form when the plug breaks open. The material inside the plug then causes swelling and inflammation. These are your red bumps.1
Causes of Acne
Hormones play a big part in when acne occurs. This is why many teenagers get acne. Medications may also contribute to acne as well as tight friction (such as headbands or hats).
Prevention of Acne
There are some things you may not be able to control. These include genetic tendencies towards acne, your current hormone levels and more. However, you can help prevent and get rid of acne quickly.
1. Don’t wash your face a bajillion times a day. Over washing can cause your skin to dry out and produce even more excess oil to make up for the difference.
2. Remove all makeup before going to bed. Don’t clog your pores! Your skin needs to breathe!
3. Wear loose-fitting clothing. Don’t irritate your skin.
Treatment of Acne
1. Be gentle! Touch your face with care.
2. Don’t pick at anything! This can further aggravate any inflammation and leave scars.
3. Eat a diet rich in antioxidants and omega 3’s. The omega 3’s help sooth inflammation and the antioxidants help repair damages.
4. Don’t cover acne with makeup. This causes even more problems. Help the body heal itself!
All in all, we all get acne sometime. Just remember that it is only fleeting and if you take care of your skin, it will soon be gone!
Acne. (n.d.). Retrieved August 8, 2011, from PubMed Health: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001876/
