Acne Advice - Natural Health Association
What is Acne Acne is a very common skin complaint where sufferers have increased levels of spots and pimples on the face, neck, chest and back.
Most people will suffer from some level of acne during their life time with levels varying between different people, but most will contract it during puberty.
Worth Considering About Acne Acne not only affects the skin of sufferers but in many cases there are important social and psychological consequences of the condition, possibly leading to depression.
Sufferers may withdraw from interaction through embarrassment regarding their appearance effectively socially disabling them.
With such serious consequences from a non life threatening condition, it is wise to seek professional help if the symptoms are very bad.
Keep trying different treatments until a suitable one is found to help your condition.
What Causes Acne Acne is caused by over activity of the sebaceous glands at the base of the hair follicle within the pores of the skin (pictured either side of the hair).
This causes increased levels of an oily substance called sebum, which clog the pore and cause bacteria grow.
This then presents itself as a blackhead or a whitehead.
If either of these become infected a spot is formed.
Blackheads Blackheads are caused by the blockage of the pore by sebum with the outer part open to the air, which causes the sebum to oxidize changing its colour to black.
In no way are blackheads caused by dirt, which is the common misconception.
The more the skin is stressed and disturbed the worse blackheads will become, so wash the effected area gently and moisturise afterwards.
Natural Acne Treatments Regular Gentle Wash Gently wash affected skin regularly with a sensitive, unperfumed cleanser.
Be careful not to scrub at the affected area as this will be much worse for the skin and cause further blemishes in the long run.
Food Diary Although no foods have been proven to cause acne you should eat a varied, healthy diet and drink lots of water.
Try keeping a food diary and identify if any foods cause variations in the condition.
Antibacterial Products Antibacterial and anti-inflamatory washes should be used to help fight bacterial growth, causing spots and inflammation.
Examples are Oxy 10 and Freederm, but there are many more products on the market that are designed for this condition.
Most people will suffer from some level of acne during their life time with levels varying between different people, but most will contract it during puberty.
Worth Considering About Acne Acne not only affects the skin of sufferers but in many cases there are important social and psychological consequences of the condition, possibly leading to depression.
Sufferers may withdraw from interaction through embarrassment regarding their appearance effectively socially disabling them.
With such serious consequences from a non life threatening condition, it is wise to seek professional help if the symptoms are very bad.
Keep trying different treatments until a suitable one is found to help your condition.
What Causes Acne Acne is caused by over activity of the sebaceous glands at the base of the hair follicle within the pores of the skin (pictured either side of the hair).
This causes increased levels of an oily substance called sebum, which clog the pore and cause bacteria grow.
This then presents itself as a blackhead or a whitehead.
If either of these become infected a spot is formed.
Blackheads Blackheads are caused by the blockage of the pore by sebum with the outer part open to the air, which causes the sebum to oxidize changing its colour to black.
In no way are blackheads caused by dirt, which is the common misconception.
The more the skin is stressed and disturbed the worse blackheads will become, so wash the effected area gently and moisturise afterwards.
Natural Acne Treatments Regular Gentle Wash Gently wash affected skin regularly with a sensitive, unperfumed cleanser.
Be careful not to scrub at the affected area as this will be much worse for the skin and cause further blemishes in the long run.
Food Diary Although no foods have been proven to cause acne you should eat a varied, healthy diet and drink lots of water.
Try keeping a food diary and identify if any foods cause variations in the condition.
Antibacterial Products Antibacterial and anti-inflamatory washes should be used to help fight bacterial growth, causing spots and inflammation.
Examples are Oxy 10 and Freederm, but there are many more products on the market that are designed for this condition.
