Acne Medication and Advice: Basic Training

Acne is not fully understood, and while it remains a bit of a mystery, it seems to be partly hereditary. Why some people are affected by it and others are not, isn't exactly known. We do, however, know some of the biology behind it.

The main culprit is the excess production of sebum, an oily substance whose function is to keep skin and hair lubricated and supple. The production of the oily sebum blocks the skin's surface, providing an ideal environment for bacterial growth. The bacteria multiply, the skin area becomes red and inflamed, and then what we call a pimple pops up.

The Role Of Testosterone

The excess production of sebum is caused by testosterone, the male hormone. However, testosterone is present in both males and females. During puberty, the body changes the way it reacts to the presence of testosterone, frequently producing excess levels of sebum. It is this irregular reaction, occurring mainly during adolescence that causes the skin -- particularly the face and upper torso -- to become markedly oily.

The sebum then combines with naturally occurring dead skin cells to block hair follicles, which prevents its removal.

The body usually regulates its reaction to testosterone by the early 20s, and then the annoying acne usually clears up.

Hair Follicle Theory

Recent scientific attention has focused on the possibility that narrowing hair follicles could be partially involved with the production of acne. Some evidence indicates that hair follicles may become restricted due to several possible reasons, including excessive shedding of cells within the follicle, abnormal cell binding, or water retention which causes the skin to swell.

The narrower hair follicles prevent dead cells from being expelled from the body, creating an excessive buildup beneath the skin. Combined with sebum, it produces ideal conditions for acne.

Making Matters Worse

Many people can't resist popping or squeezing their pimples. This may make the condition even worse, by spreading the bacteria to the surrounding skin area. Popping pimples can also lead to scarring, which in severe cases can be permanent.

Even touching the face can worsen acne. Without realizing it, most of us touch our faces many times throughout the day. It is a difficult habit to break. The problem is that our hands contain oils and bacteria that on contact with the face will exacerbate the acne symptoms. In fact, all objects, including eyeglasses and telephone handsets that make contact with the face must be clean.

Hair, particularly 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

Some of the other factors that seem to aggravate acne conditions include diet, skin irritation, stress, hormonal activities such as menstrual cycles and certain medications.

Dietary links show skim milk products to be related to acne. There is no statistical evidence, however, that foods such as chocolate and fast food have any association with pimples or aggravates acne.

Medications associated with acne include anabolic steroids, used for bodybuilding, lithium, barbiturates, halogens, and androgens.