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Natural and herbal skin care remedies for the treatment of acne in teens and adults.

Acne

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What is Acne?
What causes Acne?
How is Acne diagnosed?
Help for Acne
More Information for Acne

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What is Acne?

AAt some point in our lives, we have all experienced horror at the emergence of a pimple or two on our faces. However for some people, that pimple or two may get completely out of control and develop into acne. Acne is a skin condition that affects the skin’s oil glands (sebaceous glands) and results in clogged pores and flare-ups of lesions or pimples. The pores in the skin become clogged with an oily substance called sebum and are connected to the glands by follicles.

These follicles clog up the skin and a pimple develops. Certain body areas such as the forehead, face, neck, back, shoulders and chest are most commonly affected. Acne is most common amongst teenagers and young adults, but can affect people of all races and ages.

It tends to disappear when you reach your twenties but people in their forties and fifties have been known to experience acne outbreaks. Although acne is not life threatening, it can cause scarring. If left untreated, acne can also lead to deep emotional issues such as low self esteem, depression and anxiety.

What causes Acne?

The exact cause of acne is unknown but there are several factors that may contribute to this skin condition.

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These factors include:

Genetics (will most likely affect you if other family members had acne)
Hormones (hormonal changes during puberty, or monthly periods)
Infections (germs such as bacteria may cause acne)
Certain medications (steroids, anticonvulsants, hormones or birth control pills may cause acne)
Skin cosmetics (moisturizers, makeup and cosmetics clog the pores of the skin and cause acne)
Environmental conditions (humidity can increase the outbreak of acne)

How is Acne diagnosed?

Diagnosing acne is fairly straightforward and is usually done by means of a thorough examination of the skin and medical history. Sometimes, cultures are also performed –samples from your skin or acne discharge (pus) that are taken and sent to a laboratory to check for bacteria.

There are various types of pimples and these include:

Whiteheads (pimples that remain under the surface of the skin)
Blackheads (pimples that rise to the surface of the skin and are black in color)
Papules (small, pink bumps that may be tender)
Pustules (pimples that are red at the bottom and have pus on top)
Nodules (large, painful pimples that are deep within the skin)
Cysts (deep, pus-filled, painful pimples that cause scars)

Help and treatment for people with Acne

If acne is treated early, it usually responds well to treatment. The main aim of treatment is to stop new pimples from forming, heal pimples, prevent scarring and lessen the embarrassment associated with acne.

Mild to moderately severe acne may be treated with over-the-counter gels, lotions, and creams such as benzoyl peroxide which is applied directly to the skin. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed to reduce inflammation while oral contraceptives have also shown to improve acne.

In episodes where acne is extremely severe, another oral medication known as Isotretinoin (Accutane) is one of the most effective treatments with successful results. However, all these medications can cause negative side effects and it is important that you inform your health practitioner or dermatologist immediately.

It is also important to develop a good skincare routine that involves cleansing your skin in the mornings, evenings and after workouts. By adjusting your lifestyle and incorporating a healthy diet, exercise, drinking lots of water and getting adequate sleep will also help to make a significant difference to your skin’s appearance.

Herbs have proven to be a more natural, gentle alternative for the treatment of acne rather than the harsh, synthetic chemicals used in over-the-counter products and conventional medications. Not only are herbal remedies safe and effective to use, they also support the skin, immune and digestive systems.

Two carefully selected herbal ingredients such as Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree Oil), Azadirachta indica and Arctium lappa contain antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties and are not only effective for acne but for other skin conditions too. Other herbs such as Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) and Bulbine frutescence have wonderful antioxidant and healing properties and also help to prevent skin infection and provide ongoing relief. In addition, Lavender Essential Oil acts as a circulatory stimulant and antiseptic, and is used to treat burns and wounds and to prevent scarring.

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Tips to prevent acne

There are a number of tips to help you care for acne and prevent breakouts and scars:
Wash your face twice a day with warm water and a mild soap or gentle pH balanced cleanser, then apply a moisturizer for acne prone type skin
Eat a healthy, well balanced diet which includes fresh fruit and vegetables
Drink eight glasses of water a day to flush the toxins from the body
Exercise regularly to increase oxygen to the skin which can help to reduce acne
Reduce your caffeine intake
Avoid touching your face with your fingers and never pop pimples as this will only lead to swelling and scarring
Remove make-up before going to bed as it clogs the pores
Shampoo hair more regularly and keep it out of your face to prevent oil and dirt from clogging the pores
Shower after exercise and workouts because the sweat and the oils in the skin traps dirt and bacteria
Avoid wearing clothes that may irritate the skin if acne develops on your body
Wear a sunscreen when you go outside
Stop smoking as it worsens acne