|
Click Here for more
articles
|
|
|
|
Controlling Acne
|
|
by: Lori Stryker
|
Controlling Acne
Acne...it affects a majority of teenagers and many adults well into
middle age. It is dreaded and despaired over by many who suffer from
this common skin condition. Clearing acne begins by understanding what
acne really is and what triggers it. Then we will consider how it can
be controlled by lifestyle choices, skin care choices and wise use of
make-up.
Who suffers from it?
Teenagers struggle with acne, but so do many adults. Acne breakouts can
result from fluctuating hormone levels at various stages of life, such
as puberty, pregnancy or menopause. Outwardly, acne can reveal internal
signs, such as poor elimination or buildup of toxins, a lack of
exercise or high stress levels. Both men and women contend with acne,
and as good health and beauty are intertwined, the causes of acne can
reveal the solutions to managing and reducing skin breakouts.
What is it?
Acne occurs when the oil glands produce excess sebum, the skin's own
oil, which accumulates with dead skin cells to form a plug which
results in a clogged skin pore. Bacteria trapped inside the pore feed
of the sebum mixture, multiplying and producing agents which irritate
the walls of the pore. As the immune system works to attack the
bacteria, pus is formed leading to an inflamed pimple, blackhead or
whitehead. Picking or squeezing a pimple can cause the pore to rupture,
releasing the bacteria into the surrounding area, and can cause more
pimples, cysts or scars. For many, certain areas of the skin have
overactive sebaceous, or oil glands which produce excess sebum. These
areas are typically the forehead, nose, cheeks and/or chin. Comedones,
or blackheads, are not caused by dirt, but rather by sebum which has
clogged a pore, oxidized and discoloured by melanin.
What triggers it?
Often a spotty complexion denotes a diet high in sugar or saturated
fats found in fried foods, refined or processed foods. Conversely, a
diet low in fat may lack essential fatty acids, and can also affect the
appearance of the skin. Breakouts can reveal toxin buildup, resulting
from constipation, kidney or lymphatic problems. Other triggers include
a polluted, dry environment, and seasonal climate changes. Genetics
also determines whether a person will be predisposed to acne breakouts.
In general, acne is caused by a combination of four main factors:
- Genetics
- Skin Care
- Lifestyle
- Emotional State
We cannot change our genetics, but we can change the other three
factors to help reduce the likelihood of acne breakouts.
How can acne be controlled?
Skin needs to be cleansed, fed and nurtured. Externally, the skin
benefits from a simple regimen:
- Cleansing with a mild, slightly acidic and all natural soap. Other
kinds of soaps can cause redness, soreness, irritation or tightness
because of the harsh chemicals, colorants detergents and fragrances
they are made with. Avoid any products which contain ingredients which
may irritate or dry out the skin. Most often culpable ingredients are
petroleum derived, synthetic or animal based.
- Tone with an alcohol-free, all natural toner, since alcohol is drying
to the skin and will cause the oil glands to produce more sebum. Toner
also helps reduce the bacterial population on the skin, decreasing the
number of bacteria which will migrate into the pores.
- Moisturize with a petroleum free cream. Petroleum is comedogenic and
can clog pores unnecessarily. Creams which contain natural waxes such
as beeswax do not have a comedogenic effect on the pores. At night,
massage a facial oil into the skin as this helps increase circulation
to the surface of the skin and suppresses the oil glands from producing
excess oil.
- Once per week, use a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells which
accumulate at the surface of the pores and lead to blackheads. A mud
mask used once every couple of weeks also helps draw out sebum in the
pores as the clays present in the mask are highly absorbent.
Internally, the skin is fed and cleansed by a diet rich in fresh
fruits, whole grains and vegetables. These foods provide more water,
nutrients and fibre into the diet and can make a remarkable difference
in the appearance of the skin. Relaxation, adequate sleep, exercise and
stress reduction also play an important role in keeping the skin clear
and healthy as they assist the body to repair and detoxify itself.
Seasonal or climate changes, such as winter and humid summers in
addition to dry, polluted environments also contribute to acne
breakouts by drying out or irritating the skin. As the skin is exposed
to dry temperatures moisture is lost through the skin, triggering the
oil glands to produce more sebum. Keeping the skin clean and
moisturized is essential to preventing the pores from becoming clogged
with excess sebum. In humid conditions, the skin loses moisture through
sweat and evaporation, triggering the same process which can lead to
breakouts. Moisturizing and regular cleansing in dry, humid or polluted
conditions can reduce the onset of acne.
Makeup can also trigger breakouts. If they contain comedogenic
ingredients, such as those derived from petroleum, they may contribute
to acne despite a clean and healthy skin regimen or lifestyle. Choose
all natural makeup which is in harmony with the rest of your skin care
regimen and less likely to contribute to breakouts.
Acne treatments which contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide worsen
acne, as these are skin irritants and very drying. Tea tree essential
oil is a natural alternative, and works by sterilizing the infected
area upon contact without damaging the surrounding skin cells. It can
also prevent microbial growth in that area for hours. Other treatments
for acne include hydrocortisone which thins the skin over time, or
antibiotics which can contribute to microbial resistance in the long
term. Hormone treatments work by decreasing testosterone levels in the
body, since this is the hormone responsible for sebum production. There
are natural alternatives to aid in controlling acne, such as tea tree,
lemon and juniper berry essential oils. These are effective and much
safer to use for treating acne.
Acne can be a source of frustration for many. Much can be done, however
to minimize the occurrence of breakouts thereby reducing the impact of
acne on our lives. Making healthy adjustments to our diet, lifestyle
and skin care product choices can lead to clearer, more radiant and
healthy skin, free at last from acne.
References:
- Erikson, K, (2002). Drop Dead Gorgeous
- Marsden, K, (1993). Super Skin
- Purvis, D, (1989). The Business of Beauty
- The Organic Makeup Company can be located at
http://www.organicmakeupcompany.com
About the Author
Lori Stryker has been researching and developing all
natural skin care and make-up for the purpose of offering men and women
safe natural cosmetics for everyday use. She brings to her research a
specialist in human biology from the University of Toronto, coupled
with a professional home economics degree and an education degree from
the University of British Columbia, fusing chemical and biological
knowledge with food family and textile sciences.
|
|
