Adult acne is a condition that plagues thousands of people across the globe. It is a great beauty concern and causes quite a lot of pain and distress, both physical and otherwise. Acne is the result of dirt and dead cell accumulation in the pores of the skin.
Dirt and oil, along with dead cells accumulate in pores or hair follicles and form small blackheads, which go on to become white heads and pustules when inflamed, and eventually turn into pimples. Severe acne can be very painful as it completely reddens skin, causes severe itching, cracked skin, and scars.
The exact causes have not been identified yet that lead to adult acne, but stress, unhealthy lifestyle, usage of bad cosmetics, hormonal imbalance etc have been linked to adult acne. About 25% of all adult men and 50% of all adult women reportedly suffer from adult acne. Many over the counter medications are available for treating acne.
Did you know that more than 25% of the adult population worldwide suffers from acne? If we leave the pages of statistical data and look at people with plain eyes it will be hard to find a man or a woman who did not suffer the gnawing problem of zits. However, even though this problem is “skin deep”, its effects germinate into bouts of despair and social angst, which jeopardizes quality of life.
Digging into The Roots of Adult Acne
Sebum secreted from the hair follicles moves to the skin pores and lubricates the skin. But sometimes the oil glands expand, producing an excess of sebum, which ultimately gets trapped in the hair follicle and clogs the pores. These clogged pores permit bacteria and growth of Propionibacterium acnes. This bacteria causes inflammation of the hair follicle and the surrounding skin and thus acne emerges.
Though till now the exact causes of adult acne are not known, most of the theories suggest hormonal imbalances as the root cause. Some other causes proposed are evolutionary biology, diet, stress, vitamin deficiency and the list goes on.
Some Effective Treatments To Get Rid Of Adult Acne
Studies reveal that Vitamin A plays an important role in the reduction of serum and keratin production and thus minimizes their growth in follicle comedos. So, nourish your system with Vitamin A and take at least five servings of vegetables and fresh fruits daily. However, always consult a doctor before starting up with any kind of regime.
Zinc is an important element in treating acne too. Zinc enhances the functions of Vitamin A and lends a helping hand in the healing and regeneration of tissues. Zinc also reduces the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which shrinks sebum production.
Most acne sufferers lack Selenium, which plays a crucial role in the action of the enzyme Gluthathione Peroxidase that prevents the inflammation of the hair follicle. Vitamin E minimizes this process and plays a vital part in the action of Vitamin A and Selenium.
Friendly bacteria, Acidophilus, can check injurious intestinal bacteria including yeasts such as Candida albicans. You can take in Acidophilus either in gel capsule form or as yogurt with live culture.
Benozyl peroxide reduces pimples and is effective for acne. You can have it in cream or lotion form.
Creams containing sulphur are also useful in treating acne
Medications containing iodide and bromide can worsen your acne condition so stay away from such products.
All these things are medicines, all of which may have side effects and should not be taken without a prescription and the guidance of a doctor.
Good News For Foodies
You will be glad to know that chocolate or fried foods do not cause acne. These foods are often seen as unhealthy food habits and therefore “must be” related to skin breakouts, but this theory has no scientific backing.
However, foods which are high in refined sugar, trans-fatty acid (milk products) oxidized fatty acids (fried oils) and synthetically hydrogenated vegetable oil contents may not cause acne but are definitely not very good for your health, and so an excess of these foods should be avoided. You can be infected with intestinal toxemia if your diet is low on fiber and essential vitamins and high on these contents. The result of glut of toxins may show on your skin.
Some Natural Remedies Of Adult Acne
The good news about the use of natural things is that they come without the risk of side effects.
Name And Fame Of Some Natural Ingredients
Azelaic acid
This acid makes the keratin production stable and you will get almost same results as using Benzoyl- Peroxide or oral antibiotics.
Tea Tree Oil
Reduces acne with its antibacterial and antifungal qualities.
Green Tea
A renowned antioxidant, which trims down inflammation and infection
Topical Vitamin C And E
Both are strong antioxidants, which improve skin condition by diminishing inflammation and infection.
Fruit Acids (AHAs And BHAs)
These acids gently exfoliate your skin, leaving it smooth.
Some Tips To Control Outbursts Of Adult Acne
Cleanse your face with a mild soap or sulphur soap but do not rub your face with a towel.
Never ever pick or squeeze the zits, it will only worsen your skin condition.
Some acne treatment products will hike up your skin’s photosensitivity so when you are using these products, use a sunscreen and wear a hat when you are out. Avoid the tanning booths while using these products as well.
Try to avoid the use of oil-based products on your skin. To prevent the clogging of pores use only “noncomdomedogenic” skin products
Try to avoid friction from sports equipment and airborne grease from fast food places; these can make your acne worse.
Along with a good diet include at least 8 to ten glasses of water in your daily regimen to keep your system clean and the skin glowing
Choosing the right path will help your skin get rid of adult acne scars. Make your skin dazzle with a smooth glow by following the tips in this article.
