By: Dr Siddique Fights The 4 Causes of Acne
May 25, 2015
By: Dr Siddique
Fights The 4 Causes of Acne
Common Skin Issues
1 Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
Symptoms include itchy, red, and dry skin caused by inflammation. Most commonly found in children (although adults can also get it)
2 Hyperpigmentation
Caused by an increase in melanin due to conditions such as pregnancy, exposure to sunlight and use of various drugs
Common Skin Issues
3 Acne
Medically known as acne vulgaris.It is a disease of the hair follicles of the face, chest, and back that affects almost all males and females during puberty;
Common Skin Issues
Overproduction of oil (sebum)
Irregular shedding of dead skin cells resulting in irritation of the hair follicles
Build-up of bacteria
Inflammation
Causes of Acne
The Formation of Acne
Spotting the
Closed comedones - whiteheads; the follicle is completely blocked
Open comedones - blackheads; black because of surface pigment (melanin) rather than dirt
Pustules (pimples); red, tender bumps with white pus at their tips
Nodules; large, solid, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin. Formed by the buildup of secretions deep within hair follicles.
Cysts; painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin. These boil-like infections can
cause scars.
HormonesAndrogens are hormones that increase in boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and oral contraceptives can also affect sebum production.
MedicationCorticosteroids, androgens are known to cause acne
DietStudies indicate that certain dietary factors, including dairy products and carbohydrate-rich foods (high glycemic index) — such as bread, bagels and chips, which increase blood sugar — may trigger acne.
Factors that may Worsen Acne
Acne myth…
Greasy foods and chocolate have proved to have little to no effect on acne.
Dirty skin or poor hygiene. Acne isn't caused by dirt. Adults don't get acne - it’s more likely to be reddish nodules around your mouth and jaw, rather than whiteheads and blackheads scattered all over your forehead, nose, and cheeks
Stress, sexual activity, masturbation ,toxicity
Cleanse skin with mild, non oily cleanser. It is best to wash the face morning, evening and after heavy exercise.
Often gels work better than creams since creams may have more of an oil base.
All products used should be non-commedogenic.
How to Treat Acne
Over washing, instead of eliminating oil on
the skin, may work to produce more oil because it stimulates the oil production glands.
Scrubbing the face with harsh cleansers also encourages more oil production.
Use mild, oil free moisturizer.
Keeping oily skin well moisturized decreases oil production.
Lactic acid, a type of alpha hydroxy acid - is a keratolytic. Rids hardened sebum and also can promote firming of the skin by thickening deeper layers.
L-Carnitine- reduces sebum secretion, which in turn results in fewer comedones
Decandiol- reduces growth of bacteria
Lidochalone- anti inflammatory
Key Ingredients
Use medicated pads and/or cosmetic blotters during the day. Apply pad or blotter to oily areas such as the nose, forehead and chin. Avoid rubbing but hold pad or tissue to the skin for only as long as it takes to blot up the oil, 15-20 seconds.
The goal is not to trigger the oil glands to produce yet more oil. So steer clear of products with high alcohol content or products that make skin become dryer as they will trigger the oil glands to then produce more oil.
Other treatment options include topical antibiotics, retinols, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide and many other prescription medications available by prescription.
Lasers and chemical peels are other options
Other Options
Acne can have lasting consequences in how you feel about yourself -- and left untreated, or improperly managed, it can leave permanent scars.
Be Patient ! Treatments can take 4-12 weeks to show results depending on symptoms at onset.