Acne is a skin condition that occurs due to the overproduction of oil by the oil glands of the skin. The oil that normally lubricates the skin gets trapped in blocked oil ducts and results in what we know as pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads on the surface of skin. Sometimes it also includes deeper skin lesions that are called cysts.
Pimples are small skin swellings that sometimes contain pus.
Blackheads are dark formations on the skin due to an accumulated mixture of oil and cells in a blocked skin pore.
Whiteheads are small flesh-or white-colored bumps due to skin pore blockage.
Cysts are closed sacs beneath the skin or deeper that contain fluid or semisolid substances.
The areas of the skin that are most susceptible to acne are those areas that contain the largest number of oil glands. For example, it is estimated that there are 2,000 oil glands per square inch on the forehead alone. The face, chest, shoulders, and back are the areas with the highest population of oil glands.
Acne commonly occurs in people between their teenage years and their 20s. However, it is not restricted to this age. Older adults and children can also have acne.
Facts About Acne
· In most people, acne will last for about three to four years and in 15% of the cases, acne can continue for eight -12 years.
· In a smaller percentage (5%), acne will last beyond age 25 and can continue up to age 40.
· In women particularly, acne may not occur until age 25.
· In 70% of the cases, women will notice a flare-up in the acne condition prior their menstrual period, perhaps due to an increase of androgens. Androgens are steroid hormones responsible for the development and maintenance of male physical characteristics.
· The more severe cases of acne tend to occur most often in men, because they produce more of the male hormones that stimulate acne formation.
· Women with a lot of body or facial hair, and those who have irregular periods, may be at increased risk of acne. These women may want to have their hormone levels evaluated by a physician.
What Causes Acne?
There are four major factors responsible for causing acne. They act together to cause the characteristic pimples, whiteheads and blackheads associated with acne. They are:
There are four major factors responsible for causing acne. They act together to cause the characteristic pimples, whiteheads and blackheads associated with acne. They are:
Overactive Oil Glands
Oil glands are located deep in the skin. They are also known as sebaceous glands.
· Each oil gland is connected to a tiny canal that contains a hair. The canal with its contained hair is called a follicle.
· The glands produce oil (also known as sebum) that flows to the surface of the skin through these canals to lubricate the hair follicles and the surrounding skin.
· The opening of the canal with the attached hair (follicle) onto the skin is the skin pore.
Oil glands are located deep in the skin. They are also known as sebaceous glands.
· Each oil gland is connected to a tiny canal that contains a hair. The canal with its contained hair is called a follicle.
· The glands produce oil (also known as sebum) that flows to the surface of the skin through these canals to lubricate the hair follicles and the surrounding skin.
· The opening of the canal with the attached hair (follicle) onto the skin is the skin pore.
The oil glands vary in size, and the larger ones are associated with visible skin pores.
The oil glands are stimulated to produce oil by hormones, specifically the male hormones called androgens (women also have these hormones, but much less of them). These hormones are produced by the testes in men and by the ovaries in women. In both sexes, androgens are also produced by the adrenal glands.
During times of stress, the adrenal glands produce increased levels of these hormones, causing even greater enlargement of the oil glands.
During puberty, the oil glands become overactive in response to hormonal changes.
During puberty, the oil glands become overactive in response to hormonal changes.
Blockage Of The Skin Pores
Oily skin occurs when an overactive oil gland enlarges and overproduces oil. Acne develops when some of the pores (through which oil normally flows from the oil gland to reach the skin surface) become blocked, resulting in trapping of oil within the skin pores.
Oily skin occurs when an overactive oil gland enlarges and overproduces oil. Acne develops when some of the pores (through which oil normally flows from the oil gland to reach the skin surface) become blocked, resulting in trapping of oil within the skin pores.
The pores are blocked by skin cells that have been shed from the lining of the skin pore and have bunched together. The cause for this clogging is not known, but it is not due to poor hygiene. A blackhead or whitehead will develop from this skin pore blockage
Activity Of Normal Skin Bacteria
Although acne is not caused by a bacterial infection, bacteria do play a role in making the situation worse. The bacterium Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), is a normal part of the skin surface. It keeps the skin from being invaded by harmful bacteria.
Although acne is not caused by a bacterial infection, bacteria do play a role in making the situation worse. The bacterium Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), is a normal part of the skin surface. It keeps the skin from being invaded by harmful bacteria.
When oil is trapped in the hair follicles, the normal skin bacteria P. acnes will grow in the blocked pore. The bacteria produce chemicals that alter the composition of the oil, which makes it more irritating to the skin and causes inflammation.
The bacterium Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes)
Inflammation
Inflamed skin is characterized by redness, swelling, warmth and discomfort. Inflammation of the skin occurs because the body's immune system is acting to rid itself of a foreign substance. In the case of acne, this substance is either bacteria or the irritating compounds they have produced.
Inflamed skin is characterized by redness, swelling, warmth and discomfort. Inflammation of the skin occurs because the body's immune system is acting to rid itself of a foreign substance. In the case of acne, this substance is either bacteria or the irritating compounds they have produced.
These four factors contribute to blocked skin pores, which bulge outward to form:
Blackheads. These form when the pores are clogged close to the surface of the skin. Because they are exposed to the skin surface, blackheads don't usually become inflamed. Blackheads are dark due to the presence of a dark pigment. This color is not the result of dirt in the pores.
Whiteheads. These develop from a blockage deeper in a pore. Lacking a drainage path, the oil accumulates in the skin, causing small flesh-colored or white-colored bumps. Unlike blackheads, whiteheads are more likely to lead to the red inflammations known as pimples or zits.
Pustules (also known as pimples or zits) occur when the walls of the blocked follicle ruptures.
Oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria normally found on the skin surface get into the skin and irritate it, forming small areas of inflammation. Cysts are larger, red, inflamed areas deep in the skin that indicate a more extensive infection
Who Gets Acne?
Adolescents are the most commonly affected. Because of the high hormonal activity during puberty, acne affects many teenagers. Those individuals whose oil glands produce more oil tend to be affected by acne more often than those whose glands don't produce excess oil.
Heredity Can Play A Role
Statistics suggest that heredity is a strong contributing factor for acne. A family history of acne means that there probably is a genetic basis for the condition.
Does stress cause acne?
Stress can be partially responsible for acne. Hormonal changes are associated with stress, and hormones stimulate the oil glands. People who are anxious may also change their behavior towards their appearance, leading to inappropriate treatment of the acne that can worsen the condition.
Adolescents are the most commonly affected. Because of the high hormonal activity during puberty, acne affects many teenagers. Those individuals whose oil glands produce more oil tend to be affected by acne more often than those whose glands don't produce excess oil.
Heredity Can Play A Role
Statistics suggest that heredity is a strong contributing factor for acne. A family history of acne means that there probably is a genetic basis for the condition.
Does stress cause acne?
Stress can be partially responsible for acne. Hormonal changes are associated with stress, and hormones stimulate the oil glands. People who are anxious may also change their behavior towards their appearance, leading to inappropriate treatment of the acne that can worsen the condition.
Consult your family physician on methods to reduce stress. These may include:
· Exercise
· Recreational breaks
· Good sleeping habits
· Meditation
· Laughter
· Social support network
· Reduced consumption of stimulants (such as caffeine)
· Exercise
· Recreational breaks
· Good sleeping habits
· Meditation
· Laughter
· Social support network
· Reduced consumption of stimulants (such as caffeine)
Does a greasy diet make acne worse?
It was long thought that fatty foods, chocolate and sugar aggravated acne. But dietary causes for acne have never been proven scientifically. So although a well-balanced healthy diet that includes plenty of water is recommended for overall good health, no special restrictions on food are imposed for preventing acne.
It was long thought that fatty foods, chocolate and sugar aggravated acne. But dietary causes for acne have never been proven scientifically. So although a well-balanced healthy diet that includes plenty of water is recommended for overall good health, no special restrictions on food are imposed for preventing acne.
Detoxify your acne by eating the right food
How Is Acne Treated?
Acne responds well to treatment, especially if treated early, at the onset of the condition.
Acne responds well to treatment, especially if treated early, at the onset of the condition.
Treatment is offered to:
· Prevent possible scarring
· Deal with inflamed and painful areas
· Limit the formation of new blackheads and whiteheads
· Lessen any stress or embarrassment associated with the acne
· Prevent possible scarring
· Deal with inflamed and painful areas
· Limit the formation of new blackheads and whiteheads
· Lessen any stress or embarrassment associated with the acne
Mild acne can be treated with over-the-counter medications. More serious acne requires treatment by a dermatologist
Mild to moderately severe acne
Very severe acne
Very severe acne
Mild acne is managed well by over-the-counter preparations such as:
· Benzoyl peroxide
· Resorcinol
· Salicylic acid
· Sulfur
· Resorcinol
· Salicylic acid
· Sulfur
Most people with mild acne will see results from treatment within several months.
Topical preparation. Topical creams, gels, and lotions are medications applied directly to the skin. They may contain benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, or retinoids, which are vitamin A acids (Retin A).
Benzoyl peroxide dries up the oil; it works by killing the bacteria P acnes.
Salicylic acid helps stop the shedding of the skin cells lining the oil glands.
Rercinol and sulfur work by breaking up the pimples.
Salicylic acid helps stop the shedding of the skin cells lining the oil glands.
Rercinol and sulfur work by breaking up the pimples.
In some people, these medications may initially irritate the face, causing some redness or burning, but this soon settles. However, if it occurs with continued use, the doctor should be seen and other medications considered.
Oral antibiotics. Antibiotics taken by mouth may be prescribed by a physician for moderate to severe acne. The most commonly prescribed oral antibiotics are tetracycline and erythromycin. Antibiotics reduces the population of P. acnes, the skin bacterium responsible for making chemicals that cause inflammation. For this reason, antibiotics will reduce the number of red and yellow pimples.
Need To Know:
Tetracycline can cause permanent discoloration of teeth that are still forming in children. It should not be taken by children who do not yet have all their permanent teeth.
Low-dose contraceptive. In 1992, a low-dose contraceptive, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, became available for the treatment of moderate acne in women 15 years or older.
This contraceptive acts by lowering hormonal activity. This results in reducing the overactivity of the oil glands.
Tetracycline can cause permanent discoloration of teeth that are still forming in children. It should not be taken by children who do not yet have all their permanent teeth.
Low-dose contraceptive. In 1992, a low-dose contraceptive, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, became available for the treatment of moderate acne in women 15 years or older.
This contraceptive acts by lowering hormonal activity. This results in reducing the overactivity of the oil glands.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen is used in low doses to treat acne, with a combination of synthetic female hormones.
In clinical studies, Ortho Tri-Cyclen showed improvement of acne in more than 80% of the participants in the study who were treated with it.
In clinical studies, Ortho Tri-Cyclen showed improvement of acne in more than 80% of the participants in the study who were treated with it.
Very Severe Acne
In cases where severe acne does not respond to long-term antibiotic and topical therapy, another oral medication is available. This is called isotretinoin (Accutane®) and is a synthetic derivative (made from chemicals) of vitamin A, which is essential for growth of healthy skin. It is the most effective treatment for severe acne.
In cases where severe acne does not respond to long-term antibiotic and topical therapy, another oral medication is available. This is called isotretinoin (Accutane®) and is a synthetic derivative (made from chemicals) of vitamin A, which is essential for growth of healthy skin. It is the most effective treatment for severe acne.
After four to six months on the treatment, the acne had disappeared in up to 90% of those treated. But the acne may recur in some people, and another course of the treatment may be required.
Accutane is the most effective acne treatment because it reduces the four major factors that predispose a person to acne:
. Oil production
. Blockage of the skin pores
. The role of the skin bacteria P. acnes
. Skin inflammation
. Blockage of the skin pores
. The role of the skin bacteria P. acnes
. Skin inflammation
The course of treatment is four to six months of daily treatment.
Side Effects Of Acne Treatment
Topical creams can cause a mild irritation or drying of the skin.
In 95% of individuals who take oral antibiotics, there have been no reported side effects. A small percentage of people, however, will experience:
Topical creams can cause a mild irritation or drying of the skin.
In 95% of individuals who take oral antibiotics, there have been no reported side effects. A small percentage of people, however, will experience:
. Mild abdominal pain
. Nausea
. Diarrhea, in rare cases
. Some women may develop a yeast infection
. Tetracycline antibiotics, especially doxycycline, sometimes causes sun sensitivity, which means the individual may sunburn more easily
. Nausea
. Diarrhea, in rare cases
. Some women may develop a yeast infection
. Tetracycline antibiotics, especially doxycycline, sometimes causes sun sensitivity, which means the individual may sunburn more easily
Should I use Accutaine?
Accutane can be extremely effective in treating acne. But it is only recommended for severe cases, because it is expensive and does have possible side effects, some of which can be serious. Therefore, one must balance carefully the advantages of its use against the disadvantages of the possible side effects. Fortunately, the side effects do go away once the medication is stopped.
Side effects include:
Accutane can be extremely effective in treating acne. But it is only recommended for severe cases, because it is expensive and does have possible side effects, some of which can be serious. Therefore, one must balance carefully the advantages of its use against the disadvantages of the possible side effects. Fortunately, the side effects do go away once the medication is stopped.
Side effects include:
. Headaches
. Chapped lips
. Drying of the mucous membranes such as the eyes and nose
. Nose bleeds
. Joint pains
. Muscle aches
. Damage to an unborn baby (if the woman is pregnant)
. Elevation in the blood lipids cholesterol and triglycerides
What Will Happen If Acne Is Not Treated?
Mild acne usually resolves over time and may or may not leave some scarring.
When moderate to severe acne is not treated early enough, acne may scar the skin.
Mild acne usually resolves over time and may or may not leave some scarring.
When moderate to severe acne is not treated early enough, acne may scar the skin.
There are two types of scars that result from acne:
Hypertrophic scars are hard upraised areas of the skin surface.
Pits, or "pock marks," are depressed at various depths into the surface of the skin.
Once the scars have formed, there are options for their removal at a later time.
Pits are sometimes treated with collagen injections or removed by excision.
Dermabrasion, a "scrub brush" type of operation, is used to smooth out pit scars.
These methods are imperfect, however. Prevention with early and appropriate treatment is far more preferable.
Pits are sometimes treated with collagen injections or removed by excision.
Dermabrasion, a "scrub brush" type of operation, is used to smooth out pit scars.
These methods are imperfect, however. Prevention with early and appropriate treatment is far more preferable.
Living With Acne
While undergoing treatment for acne, it is important to take precautions in caring for the affected skin.
. If you are a man who shaves, you should try to avoid nicking your pimples by softening your beard before shaving with soap and warm water. You may also want to try a safety razor and electric razor to decide which is most comfortable. A sharp blade and as little shaving as possible is also recommended.
. If you are a woman who wears makeup, clean the face carefully every night - with mild soap and water-to remove all traces of makeup. Be especially aware of the appearance or flare-up of acne after using a particular cosmetic, as some cosmetics have been known to aggravate acne. . Wash the skin gently with a mild cleanser (ask your doctor to recommend one) in the morning and evening and after exercise. Rinse the skin thoroughly after washing.
. Shampoo the hair daily, especially if you have oily hair.
. Using moist warm compresses on the skin may help open blocked pores.
. Some astringents work well on the pimples for reducing inflammation. They may be recommended for very oily skin, to be placed directly on the oily areas only.
. Using moist warm compresses on the skin may help open blocked pores.
. Some astringents work well on the pimples for reducing inflammation. They may be recommended for very oily skin, to be placed directly on the oily areas only.
In some women taking birth control pills, acne may sometimes gets worse. Tell the physician prescribing the contraceptive about this so that another type of birth control pill can be suggested. Sometimes, however, oral contraceptives can improve the acne condition.
Need To Know:
Popping pimples makes things worse. Avoid picking or squeezing a pimple. Although it might be tempting to do this, it can make things worse by leaving a scar or causing more inflammation.
Popping pimples makes things worse. Avoid picking or squeezing a pimple. Although it might be tempting to do this, it can make things worse by leaving a scar or causing more inflammation.
Sunlight is known to help, but has limits. You may notice that sunlight seems to help reduce acne. This might be true because the UV light in the sun's rays may reduce the P. acnes bacteria and their by-products that cause the inflammation. But sunlight can also increase the number of whiteheads in some people. Also, overexposure to the sun may increase your risk of skin cancer.
Excessive washing isn't the answer. Acne cannot be removed by repeatedly washing the skin. Although it is good hygiene to keep the face clean, excessive washing can dry your skin.
What Is The Long-Term Outlook For Acne?
Most people with mild, moderate, or severe acne show improvement within six months with the appropriate treatment. However, if no improvement is observed after three months, then the treatment should be changed.
For example, a common recommendation made by doctors for oral antibiotic treatments are two doses of tablets for six months. But if no improvement is observed after three months of an oral antibiotic regimen, then the doctor may suggest switching to a different antibiotic for the remaining three months.
New procedure for Acne treatment using Blue light
What is Blue Light Acne Therapy?
The FDA has approved the use of high-intensity, narrow-band blue light to treat mild to moderate acne. This pain-free light is safe and uses no ultraviolet (UV) light or lasers. When blue light is used as a treatment for acne, it kills p. acnes, the acne-causing bacteria that can form within the sebaceous glands and cause break outs. Blue light therapy can be administered alone through several systems that are available or in combination with a topical photosensitizing solution in blue light photodynamic therapy for acne treatment.
Risks and Benefits of Blue Light Acne Treatment
In general, blue light acne treatment is a safe and non-invasive method of treating acne. Blue light therapy targets the sebaceous glands, and not the surrounding tissues, killing the bacteria that cause acne. Many patients see significant improvement in their acne after two to four weekly treatment sessions of blue light therapy.
In general, blue light acne treatment is a safe and non-invasive method of treating acne. Blue light therapy targets the sebaceous glands, and not the surrounding tissues, killing the bacteria that cause acne. Many patients see significant improvement in their acne after two to four weekly treatment sessions of blue light therapy.
Patients who undergo blue light photodynamic therapy typically experience better results than with blue light therapy alone. Some patients may experience swelling, redness, stinging, and burning following treatment, and rarely, some patients may be allergic to the Levulan® photosensitizing solution. It is important to keep in mind that since photodynamic therapy is a relatively new acne treatment method, long-term results and side effects have not been determined.
OUR line of Medication is Acne-Dandruff Formula
ACNE-Dandruff Formula for Acne-prone skin, is recommended by highly distinguish dermatological centers around the world. It provides effective yet gentle cleansing for skin with acne.
It is very effective, save, rapid in action, with no any side effect.
The good result start to appear immediately after using the medication, best result would take only one month of continuing medication.
It is very effective, save, rapid in action, with no any side effect.
The good result start to appear immediately after using the medication, best result would take only one month of continuing medication.
MAIN INGREDIENTS. 100% PURE ORGANIC HERBS, fortified with a unique blend of:
· Neem Extract. To cure skin diseases such as boils, ulcers, eczema, and ring worm including acne and black heads affecting the face area.·
· Andrographis paniculata extract. An effective blood purifier, antibacterial, antiviral and works as antibiotic·
· Curcuma longa extract. Possesses antioxidant, tonic, blood purifying, digestive and anti-inflammatory property
SUGGESTED USE:
FOR Acne: Wash or cleanse face before use and than apply ACNE-Dandruff Formula On the affected area by using a small piece of cotton socked with the formula, Apply twice daily or once at night time, then wash it in the morning.
FOR Dandruff: apply the lotion on the scalp and let it wet, keep there to dry over night. Next morning, rinse the hair with water and dry. Repeat every night until you feel improvement, then apply 2 times every week later.
Shack will before use. Be careful when applied around eye area.
Package: 250 ML bottle
Price: only 7 USA dollars + shipping accordingly
· Neem Extract. To cure skin diseases such as boils, ulcers, eczema, and ring worm including acne and black heads affecting the face area.·
· Andrographis paniculata extract. An effective blood purifier, antibacterial, antiviral and works as antibiotic·
· Curcuma longa extract. Possesses antioxidant, tonic, blood purifying, digestive and anti-inflammatory property
SUGGESTED USE:
FOR Acne: Wash or cleanse face before use and than apply ACNE-Dandruff Formula On the affected area by using a small piece of cotton socked with the formula, Apply twice daily or once at night time, then wash it in the morning.
FOR Dandruff: apply the lotion on the scalp and let it wet, keep there to dry over night. Next morning, rinse the hair with water and dry. Repeat every night until you feel improvement, then apply 2 times every week later.
Shack will before use. Be careful when applied around eye area.
Package: 250 ML bottle
Price: only 7 USA dollars + shipping accordingly
Only 2 weeks after our local herbal medication Acne-Dandruff application, most of the acne already resolved
Putting It All Together
Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to acne.
· Using herbal product to cure your acne is more saver and efficient way to eradicate the whiteheads, blackheads and stop any growing bacteria from doing harm to your skin. In addition, it is cheap, convenient, efficient, and end result is very promising
· Acne is a skin condition caused by overactive oil glands.
· Acne usually occurs in people during their teen and young adult years.
· High production of male hormones stimulate overproduction of oil.
· Skin bacteria can contribute to the problem by reacting with the oil.
· Whiteheads, blackheads and cysts will occur from pore blockage.
· Early treatment of acne has a high success rate.
· Topical creams of benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, or retinoids are effective treatments for acne. But always having some side effect
· More severe acne cases require oral antibiotics or a synthetic (made from chemicals) vitamin A (essential for growth of healthy skin).
Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to acne.
· Using herbal product to cure your acne is more saver and efficient way to eradicate the whiteheads, blackheads and stop any growing bacteria from doing harm to your skin. In addition, it is cheap, convenient, efficient, and end result is very promising
· Acne is a skin condition caused by overactive oil glands.
· Acne usually occurs in people during their teen and young adult years.
· High production of male hormones stimulate overproduction of oil.
· Skin bacteria can contribute to the problem by reacting with the oil.
· Whiteheads, blackheads and cysts will occur from pore blockage.
· Early treatment of acne has a high success rate.
· Topical creams of benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, or retinoids are effective treatments for acne. But always having some side effect
· More severe acne cases require oral antibiotics or a synthetic (made from chemicals) vitamin A (essential for growth of healthy skin).
Before and after 2 month of herbal medication
Posts
