Acne Medication and Advice Expert Article
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Say Goodbye To Acne If you’re a teenager, chances are good that you’ve got acne. But, alas, while acne usually begins at puberty, it doesn’t end there. It can last well into midlife for many people. During our teenage years, we suddenly care about our appearance. We want to look good so acne is more than just a temporary flaw in our personal appearance. It can have a huge impact on our self-esteem. While we’re reminded that beauty is only skin deep so is acne. Given a choice, wouldn’t all of us prefer the beauty of clear skin over the beast of acne? Myths about acne abound, partly because people rarely seek medical attention for it, and partly because public interest far exceeds the accurate information available. Let’s take a look at some widespread myths about acne, and compare them with the facts. Myth: Acne is a phase you’ll outgrow, so it’s best just to ignore it. Fact: Many people continue to have problems with acne well into middle age. Acne can strike people of any age. Furthermore, acne is treatable, so there’s no need to wait it out. Myth: People with acne don’t bathe often enough, and should wash more often. Fact: Acne is the result, not of dirt, but of built-up oil, dead skin cells and bacteria in a closed pore. A blackhead is black because of oxidation of oil and pigment within the pore. It is possible to keep your skin very clean and still have problems with acne. Myth: Acne problems are affected by sexual activity. Fact: Although hormonal fluctuations can cause acne outbreaks, this is unrelated to sexual activity or the absence of it. What is Acne? Acne occurs when the oil glands under the skin produce excess sebum, the skin’s own oil. This sebum accumulates with dead skin cells to form a plug in a skin pore. Bacteria trapped inside the pore feed on the sebum mixture, multiplying and irritating the walls of the pore. At this point, the eruption is called a blackhead or a whitehead. As the white cells of the immune system gather to attack the bacteria, pus is formed leading to an inflamed pimple. What Triggers An Acne Outbreak? A number of circumstances and events, both external and internal, can trigger an outbreak of acne. Fluctuating hormone levels at various stages of life, such as puberty, pregnancy or menopause, can cause an acne outbreak. Stressful circumstances can trigger an outbreak; for example, exam time, an upcoming prom, family problems, business challenges, and many more of life’s difficulties. Certain diets, such as fried and fatty foods, too much red meat, and lack of fruits and vegetables, can exacerbate acne problems. Other problems, such as poor elimination, lack of sleep or exercise, even the weather can contribute to acne outbreaks. What Can You Do? Fortunately, there are a number of approaches to an effective acne treatment program. They include:
Take The First Step You deserve to have healthy, glowing skin, but it’s up to you to take the first step. To develop a clear skin program, go to |
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