Acne and Acne Skin Care
Many of us, as teenagers, have suffered the complications of acne. Blackheads, whiteheads and the swollen, red, pus-containing blemishes we know as pimples is a disease common in adolescents known as acne vulgaris. Eighty percent of adolescents experience it. Mild acne is believed to be a ‘normal’ phase of adolescence, continuing throughout the teen years.
When acne is severe, it can be highly traumatic to a teenager, leaving life-long physical and emotional scars. Severe acne has significant impact on the manner teenagers view themselves. Effects can include anger, poor body image, social withdrawal, embarrassment, low self-esteem and self-confidence, depression and discouragement. Unless it receives a holistic treatment, entering adulthood will most likely not imply the end of severe acne. It is a sign that there is something happening within the adolescent that requires to be treated on a physical as well as an emotional level.
During adolescence (about age 11 to 14) and throughout the teen years, augmented levels of androgen hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum. When there is excessive sebum secretion, the follicle can become blocked. Also during puberty, the follicle lining’s skin cells shed more rapidly and can produce sticky clumps. Bacteria and dead skin cells can combine with the sebum in the blocked pore.
One type of bacteria specifically involved in acne is Proprionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). P. acnes lives in the skin of every person; even individuals who don’t suffer acne. P. acnes ingests the sebum that is discharged to the skin. However, when sebum clogs the sebaceous glands, the P. acnes multiply rapidly and break the sebum down into irritating fatty acids that cause an immune reaction. Inflammation is the result, with redness, swelling, and pain.
To cleanse an acne-prone face, wash it gently twice a day. Rinse carefully using warm water and use a clean soft towel to pat dry. Do not scrub with a washcloth or use high pH, harsh soaps or abrasive cleansers. Acne can be worsened by too much friction. You can obtain good results using mild calendula soap. Don’t over wash your face since this can make it dry and irritated. Skin must keep the proper pH levels to ensure a smooth complexion.
Beware of skin care solutions that include artificial preservatives, fragrance or coloring agents. These chemicals can worsen the problem. If using cosmetics, use oil-free, water-based foundations sparingly and carefully wash them off every night. Check for biological products elaborated with components that are not likely to aggravate or cause acne. Finally, use a nonscented moisturizer. When skin is dry, it produces more oil and the oil is more likely to become accumulated in pores.
A new acne skin care product is the latest answer for all your dermal ailments, including scars and blemishes. Its natural ingredients ensure a safe and promising skin regeneration effect.
- Angelique Jodein
:: Jul.18.2008 :: Health :: No Comments »
