Understanding Acne

Acne, pimples, zits, we have a number of names for one pretty big problem. Actually it is estimated that three out of four teenagers suffer from some form of acne. However, acne is not just a teenager malady. Acne also attacks adults as well and it has been shown that children as young as 8 are also getting acne and that early acne is an indication of future serious breakouts. Acne is an equal opportunity destroyer, with no regard to race, culture, gender or even age. Some people get it worse than other and there are those "annoying few" who never get so much as a red bump. But chances are great that acne has, in some way, touched your life.

What is Acne?
Acne is a blanket term used to describe several types of skin blemishes that can occur on the face, neck, shoulders, back and even the buttocks area. Many aspects of acne are still a mystery, even to doctors. The oil glands, called sebaceous glands, produce sebum which keeps the skin supple and moist. Sometimes, for reasons that are not entirely clear, the sebum collects in the pores and hair follicles due to a blockage. The sebum is then not able to drain as it should and bacteria grow. The bacteria cause the skin eruptions that are commonly known as pimples, cysts or zits.

What are the Effects of Acne?
The effects of acne can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. Severe acne can cause scarring of the skin and acne outbreaks are often red, inflamed, swollen and even painful. The emotional effects are equally scarring because acne often attacks the face, the first thing that people see on a person. Acne can cause depression, anxiety and even make people resistant to go out in public.

What makes Acne Worse?
Since no one really knows what exactly causes acne, it is difficult to say what makes it worse. However, some things have been linked to an increase in the inflammation of a breakout and even influence breakouts.
Not washing your face
Over washing or scrubbing your face
Sleeping in your makeup
Makeup allergies
Stress
Poor diet (lack of fresh fruits and leafy green vegetables)
Some illnesses (including the most common form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, which very closely mimics the appearance of acne)
Certain medications and antibiotics
Hormones
PMS

A dermatologist or doctor can prescribe certain creams and soaps for acne sufferers. For severe cases of acne, particularly those that include painful cysts, oral antibiotic treatments, such as tetracycline, have proven to be effective.

Herbal and vitamin/mineral remedies which include vitamin A, Zinc and Vitamin B6 are another popular method of treating acne. Herbs such as sarsaparilla, yellow dock, burdock and cleavers are believed to effectively treat acne by cleansing the blood and lymph nodes. Tea tree oil is often used topically on the acne to reduce the inflammation while killing the bacteria.