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Author: Sabrina Jones
Source: articledashboard.com
Acne is a skin disorder where the skin becomes inflamed and produces pimples, blackheads or whiteheads. While usually thought of as a disease of the dreaded "teenage" acne can occur at any time in the life of a person. The American Academy of Dermatology, has reported that acne is a skin condition more common than people seeking treatment for. Acne usually begins around the time of puberty, but can occur at any time in life and is caused by a myriad of conditions, usually hormonal. Pregnancy, puberty and other conditions in which hormones are being over-produced, often leading to break outs of acne. These hormones stimulate sebum and keratin, which move through the pores of our body, most of which are often in the face, chest or back. The sebaceous glands are attached to hair follicles, small trees on the skin where hair grows. Normally, the oil spreads a follicle of the skin surface to lubricate the skin. Follicles shed skin cells from the lining. When the body produces excess oil and dead skin cells are stuck in the follicle develops acne. If you are trapped sebum, white spots appear and can be broken and the body's natural immune response is to send the white blood cells to the area causing the accumulation of pus. Women may also suffer a break out as a result of the release of progesterone, a hormone, at the time just before your period or if they take birth control pills. Some factors that increase the chances of developing acne are genetics, hormonal imbalances, oily skin, menstrual cycles and yeast infections. Other things that can increase your chances of getting acne is a high-fat diet, lack of hygiene, exposure to pollutants such as smoke or coal. The skin is actually the largest organ in the human body and is our first line of defense against our environment. One of the main functions of the skin to help cool us and eliminate some of the toxins from the body through sweat, which helps both the liver and kidneys process and eliminate toxins. As these toxins escape through the skin, increase the possibility of creating clogged pores and thereby creating an outbreak of acne. What can you do? If your acne is caused by puberty or prolonged hormonal surges such as taking hormonal contraceptives, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic pills or cream. Retin A has been used in severe cases, but never used Retin A If you are or are planning to become pregnant as it is known to cause serious birth defects of the fetus develops. Retin A can clear up your acne in just 2-7 weeks, but really should be considered for severe cases. Natural Remedies There are many natural remedies that can help fight acne. First, keep your skin clean but not over wash as this can backfire and make your body responds by producing more sebum, thereby creating a vicious cycle (you will have drier, broke the skin) Salicylic acid can help treat minor acne, however overuse of it can make your skin become too dry while underneath the pus and sebum are still accumulating. Pure filtered sesame seed oil with calendula and rosemary can help the Calendula is well known for helping to repair skin damage, the sesame oil will absorb into your skin without acne worse, as it has antimicrobial properties. Potassium (100mg) per day may help people who are on diuretics and a potassium deficiency have been known to develop severe acne. Acidophilus (Probiata by Wakunaga) helps restore the good bacteria to help eliminate break outs. Garlic (Kyolic) 3 times a day will help destroy bacteria and help build immune function. As for the herbs go, you have several options. You can try to clean the liver and acne tends to worsen when the liver and kidneys are overloaded with toxins, making the skin has to handle the overload. Milk thistle and burdock root cleanses the blood and help to detoxify the liver and take the burden off the skin. Lavender essential oil is a very good antiseptic and can be applied to problem areas, also make sure your diet has enough vitamins A, C and E and essential fatty acids to help heal the skin. Make sure you do not take more than the recommended daily dose of vitamin A, as they may be harmful, especially if you are pregnant.