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Acne can be very mild, resulting in a few lone pimples, or it can be severe when it occurs on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and back. Pustules, comdones, and deeper cysts occur with very severe acne and scarring may result if the condition is not cared for properly. These scars may be visible for a lifetime. Here’s what your can do to prevent these scars from forming, and treat them if they do develop.

First, you must understand what causes acne. Acne is caused by a bacteria (propionibacterium acnes) that is a part of the normal bacteria in and on everybody’s skin. It feeds on fatty acids secreted from the pores. When the pores get clogged up, this bacteria starts to eat the fatty acids in the pore. It excretes propionic acid. This acid breaks down the skin and allows other not so friendly bacteria to start growing and causing infections.

So, get rid of the oil and blocked pores and get rid of the acne.

But, your body produces oil all of the time.

Antiobiotics are/were a mainstream treatment. Take your pills every day and the problem may clear up. The problem is that over time the acne bacteria has started to become resistant to antibiotics. Also, antiobiotics are not specific to just one bacteria. Other problems could occur from long term use of antibiotics.

Creams and lotions kill the bacteria on the surface of the skin, but don’t help too deep into the skin. Most of these manufacturers just want you to keep buying their products month after month.

One simple fix is to wash your face twice a day. This helps to remove the oils that the bacteria is feeding on. It may also help to open pores.

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Instant Acne Remedy   by Luke Brown

MAKE ACNE HEAL!

ACNE 101
Acne, the most common skin affliction, is defined by plugged pores and inflamed pimples.
It can occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms and usually begins with the onset of puberty. It can continue into adulthood but usually at a decreased rate. While for some acne can be disfiguring and upsetting, for most it will diminish over time without treatment.

ACNE CAUSES
Acne is caused by a hormone called Testosterone (present in both men and women) stimulating the sebaceous glands in the skin to enlarge and produce oil and thus plug pores. It is not caused by dirt, make-up, or foods (although the American Academy of Dermatology states, “A healthy diet is important for improving raw materials for healthy skin.”).

Acne usually develops at the onset of puberty, although there are some types that occur before puberty. Adults can be affected by hormonal changes brought on by childbirth, menopause, and medications. INH (Isoniazid), which used to a treatment for Tuberculosis (TB) and is now being used in some treatments of AIDS, has been shown to cause some acne.

Adult acne is NOT Rosacea.

THE BIOLOGY OF ACNE
All acne is defined by skin follicles (pores) becoming blocked with Sebum (oil) and subsequently becoming infected with bacteria. This is called a Comodone and falls into two categories: non-inflammatory and inflammatory

Non-inflammatory acne consists of two types: whiteheads and blackheads.

Whiteheads are closed Comedones: trapped sebum and bacteria that stay below the skin surface.

Blackheads are open Comedones where the pore is open to the surface and the sebum (which contains the skin pigment Melanin) oxidizes (turning brown/black in color).

Inflammatory acnes consist of Papules, Pustules, Nodules, and Cysts. These are all Comedones that have ruptured. A Papule is when the wall of the blocked follicle breaks (inside the skin, not at the surface) and white blood cells rush in and a Pustule is the Papule several days later when the white blood cells make their way to the surface of the skin (commonly called a “zit” or “pimple”).

A Nodule is when the follicle wall breaks along the bottom causing a bump that can be very sore to the touch. A Cyst is a large pus filled lesion.

SOME COMMON MEDICATIONS
All acne treatments are geared towards preventing a new breakout.

The most common treatments are topical (creams, gels, and lotions). These can be either OTC (over the counter) or prescription and all of them are made with Vitamin A like drugs such as Benzoyl Peroxide. The biggest side effect of topical treatments is that it can lead to dry skin. Also, understand that extremely high doses of Vitamin A are toxic.

Oral treatments include prescription antibiotics and dietary supplements. Some people take Vitamin B2 to help alleviate stress (ergo, help regulate hormones) while others increase their Vitamin E intake through the consumption of almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, broccoli, wheat germ, and vegetable oils.

Sometimes your dermatologist will treat acne with other means. Acne surgery is where the dermatologist removes the blackheads and whiteheads. Microdermabrasions and chemical peels can unblock pores (whiteheads and blackheads) and generates new skin. Nodules can be treated with the injection of Corticosteroids. And, some women use female hormones (such as birth control pills) or medications that decrease the effects of male hormones.

HOW ABOUT POPPING?
“Popping” is not recommended because it can lead to more redness, swelling, and inflammation. But, there are some instances that, when done properly, “popping” can be beneficial to the healing process.

If you must “pop” a pimple, only target those where the puss is all the way at the surface and white.
1. Disinfect a needle with rubbing alcohol.
2. Gently prick the pimple’s surface.
3. Take two tissues and wrap both index fingers with them.
4. Squeeze from the sides, gentle but firm, using a down and in motion.

Don’t force it. Stop if clear fluid or blood comes out of the pimple. Forcing or continuing to squeeze a lesion after the puss is gone can lead to scarring. Never try to pop a painful cyst or nodule.

ACNE MYTH
There are many myths regarding acne. The most common, the belief that can be cured with face washing, leaves the acne sufferer at risk of irritating the pores and possibly causing more clogging. Exposing your skin to the sun excessively will just burn your skin, potentially making the acne worse.

Today, most people know that masturbation and sex do not cause acne. And while stress may affect hormones, the affect on the subsequent acne is minimal. While it is known that diet does not cause acne, some people have discovered that the elimination of some foods help control outbreaks.

HOW TO FACE THE PROBLEM IF YOUR FACE IS THE PROBLEM
It is only in recent years that the psychological effects of acne are being addressed. People who suffer from acne can end up withdrawing socially due to decreased self-esteem, poor body images; and feel depressed/anger/frustration. These negative effects can have crippling consequences.

It is important to remember that acne is controllable and, for most people, it will diminish over time. Seeking the help of a dermatologist is highly recommended as well as seeking the help of a mental health professional.

About the Author

The author of this article knows all about acne treatments. He has also written many articles on painless acne therapy . For more information, visit www.instantacnetreatment.info