ACNE: FACTS, MYTHS AND TREATMENT
What is Acne?
Acne is a skin disorder. It is the result of over activity of oil glands at the base of hair follicles. Hormone changes during teenage years cause oil glands to become overactive. Family background (heredity) plays a role in oily skin, and in increasing sensitivity of the skin to hormonal changes.
Acne occurs when excess oil (sebum) production combined with dead skin cells clog pores. Bacteria forms in the pores resulting in red inflamed pimples, pus filled whiteheads, or blackheads. Acne is NOT caused by eating oily foods, soft drinks, or chocolate.
Although there is no true "cure" for acne, proper skin care, skin gel, oral antibiotics, and other oral medications are available to control the more severe forms of acne.
There are many different forms of acne, however, acne vulgaris is the most common form. Some people estimate that as many as 80% of teens have some form of acne at one point. Sometimes people will have perfect skin in their teen years and will not develop acne until their adult years.
Take a closer look at how pimples form
Acne Vulgaris is the most common skin disorder in North America, involving 85 percent of the population at some point in their lives. Usually beginning at puberty, the disorder generally abates in the patient's 20s, but lesions persist in many patients even into their 40s and 50s. In women, it is sometimes related to their menstrual cycles or other hormonal changes. In men or women, some of the possible factors include certain medications, job related exposure to grease, oils, or chemicals, and unusual stress.
We see acne as blemishes on the skin but actually trouble starts long before - below the surface - in the hair follicles and their sebaceous (oil producing) glands.
Acne is the result of blocked oil ducts that cause pores in the skin to become clogged. During adolescence, your body starts producing testosterone (a male hormone made by both sexes in varying amounts), which signals the glands in your body to start producing more oil. As a result, some of your skin cells that are shed into follicles can become sticky and clump together. These sticky cells mix with the oil to form a plug that blocks the follicles within the skin and causes them to swell. These plugged follicles become overpopulated with bacteria and that can cause inflammation. This can occur in the follicles found on your face, back and chest. When a follicle is plugged with enough oil and skin cells, you will develop what is known as a whitehead. It is visible as a small white bump under the surface of the skin. When this plug of oil and skin cells reaches the surface of the skin, it appears black, and a blackhead develops. The dark color is not from dirt. It is from melanin pigments (which give color to hair and skin) and other materials.
If the wall of the follicle breaks, inflammation develops and the result is a red bump called a papule (pimple). If the follicle wall breaks further below the skin surface, acne nodules or cysts can form and you get what is called cystic acne. These are much larger, deeper, inflamed lesions in the skin. It is important to treat acne nodules because they usually lead to permanent scars.
Heredity plays a significant role in the development of acne. It is not uncommon to see brothers and sisters with acne. You may have inherited the tendency to get acne from your mother or father or both.
What Causes Acne?
The causes of acne can be classified into bacteria, genetics, hormones, and clogged pores. All these work together to cause acne. Bacteria is the single culprit required for acne. Genetics is also important. If one of your parents had acne sometime in their life chances are you will too. Hormones (specifically testosterone) can cause increased oil (sebum) production clogging the pores with dead skin cells.
Acne Myths
Acne is curable?
There is no cure for acne. However, through the consistent use of treatment and remedies acne can be controlled or prevented.
Sun is great for acne
Sun may temporarily mask your acne, tighten up pores, or dry up the oil glands. However, the sun will also damage your follicular walls clogging your pores. Resulting in more acne that may not surface for 3-4 weeks after your sun exposure.
Acne - What is It
Acne - Basics Facts
Acne is the most common skin disorder seen by doctors. In fact, it will affect almost every one of us at some time in our lives. It can happen at any time, but teenagers are the ones who get it most often. Acne can cause a great deal of embarrassment and anxiety. If it’s really bad it can cause people to become depressed which can lead to withdrawing from friends, and perform poorly at school or work.
Aggravating Factors
Certain things can aggravate, or worsen your acne. You will want to avoid these things while treating your acne, to ensure that you get the best results possible. Click the link above to catch up on the most common things that make acne worse such as Food, Cosmetics, Over Washing, Sweating, Stress and other factors.
What Causes Acne?
The exact cause of acne is not known, but the following factors are considered important: When the skin surface and its pores are blocked, the pores are described as being occluded. Factors that may cause occlusion include certain cosmetics, oils, greases, and hairsprays. Hats, helmets and pads used in sports may also contribute to this problem as can humidity, sweating and the prolonged effect of contact with damp clothing...
Acne Myths And Misconceptions - Answers
What do you really know about acne? Do you know what contributes to the cause of acne? Do you know what you can do to treat it? Here are answers to some FAQ’s, which will dismiss some of the more common myths and misconceptions about acne...
Visible Signs Of Acne
The following are visible signs of acne:
Comedones
An early acne blemish is caused by blocked pores, and at first the skin does not look red and inflamed. These early blemishes are called open comedones (blackspecks/blackheads) and closed comedones (whiteheads).
Papules and pustules
As these early spots get larger and inflamed, they become papules and pustules (pimples or zits).
Oily skin:
The sebum production increases so that your skin looks and feels oily.
Hyperpigmentation:
After the inflammation subsides, the skin can be discolored by brown acne stains (called hyperpigmentation) and damaged by scars. Acne scars are common and may occur even in mild acne.
Who Gets Acne?
Acne is the most common of all skin disorders. Almost everyone will have acne, most get mild cases, some moderate and a few are severe. Teens aren’t the only ones who get it. Acne has been diagnosed in young infants as well as in the elderly, but it is most often seen in teens and young adults with 85-100% of adolescents and up to 10% of young adults getting it.
Acne seems to affect the sexes somewhat differently. Before children reach puberty, acne is more commonly seen in girls. During puberty, acne affects boys and girls almost equally, but boys generally have more severe cases and in adulthood, it tends to be seen more often in women.
Where Does Acne Develop?
You can have acne on any part of your skin where sebaceous glands are found. These are the glands that produce oil for the skin. Most, but not all people get acne on their face, but the skin on the chest and back can also be affected. Acne can also be seen on the arms and thighs, but is less common.
When Do People Get Acne?
Acne usually starts around the time you reach puberty, and usually will be mild. Often it will last for about 5 years, but can persist for as long as 10-20 years. About 25% of teens who have acne will still have it when they turn 25. The cause is not understood, but it’s becoming more common for women who are in their 20s, 30s, and 40s to develop acne often for the first time. Temporary acne is often seen on the faces of newborns.
How Does Acne Affect You?
Acne not only causes physical discomfort and damage, but it can also have a big emotional and social impact on your life. Acne (pimples or zits) can be tender and painful, and in extreme cases, the pimples can drain pus and blood, soiling pillowcases and clothing.
If you are feeling embarrassed and anxious about your appearance, this can be even more painful. Emotional effects can lead to mood changes, depression, social withdrawal and poor performance in school or at work. If acne is bad enough to leave scars, you may have to endure these emotional issues for years, because scarring is not readily correctable. While laser therapy and skin fillers certainly improve scars, it is best if you can prevent their formation in the first place.
Aggravating Factors
Certain things can aggravate, or worsen your acne. You will want to avoid these things while treating your acne, to ensure that you get the best results possible. Read below to catch up on the most common things that make acne worse.
Food:
Some individuals feel that certain foods make their acne worse. If you feel this is true for you, then avoid those foods. However, there is no clear scientific evidence that food plays a role in aggravating acne.
Cosmetics:
Some cosmetics can trigger acne by causing acne to flare without causing blackheads. They probably do this by irritating the pores which then swell and become blocked. Not everyone reacts the same to a cosmetic. Oil-free cosmetics are recommended, but some people react even to these. Non-comedogenic, or non-acnegenic cosmetics are also available for use.
Over Washing:
Avoid over washing, acne is not caused by the lack of washing or by dirty skin
Blackheads are not black because of dirt, they are black because the air oxidizes the protein called keratin Do not scrub or rub your skin excessively
Sweating:
· Sweating appears to worsen acne in 15% of acne sufferers
· Humidity may also worsen the condition, avoid tight clothing as well
Stress:
Many students have reported that their acne gets worse during times of stress, such as when taking exams. However, it has been hard for doctors to prove or disprove this in clinical studies.
Sexual Activity:
Sexual activity will not produce, cause, or influence acne, it’s the hormones that do that!
Contraceptive Pills:
· Estrogen is usually helpful for acne control
· Progesterone may make your acne worse
· It’s common for all women to have acne flare-up days before their periods
Squeezing:
Avoid doing this if possible, it could aggravate your acne and increase the risk of acne scarring.
What Causes Acne?
The exact cause of acne is not known, but the following factors are considered important:
Acne is the visible end result of hormonal, bacterial and inflammatory disturbances that take place at the level of the oil pore (pilosebaceous follicle):
Acne is the visible end result of hormonal, bacterial and inflammatory disturbances that take place at the level of the oil pore (pilosebaceous follicle):
· As the process advances, greater amounts of oil may be produced within the sebaceous glands, though the change in composition and quality of the oil may be more important than the quantity. The scale produced on the inside walls of the hair follicle becomes stickier, and it builds up and blocks the pore. This shows up as whiteheads and blackheads (comedones).
· The acne bacteria (Propionobacterium acnes) grow and multiply in the retained oil. The sebum acts as a nutrition source for the bacteria, which in turn releases chemicals within the pore. These alert and attract white cells from the blood, and that’s what leads to inflammation. On the skin, the inflammation is seen as pimples or zits (papules and pustules).
· As these inflamed hair follicles (pores) and glands enlarge, the surrounding skin also becomes inflamed and may lead to even larger lumps and cysts (also called nodules).
· Inflammation may damage the cells that make collagen. Less collagen production causes thinning of the skin, which is seen as depressed scars. Occasionally, collagen production will increase, which then causes the scars to become thickened.
What Factors May Aggravate Acne?
Acne is mostly due to the combined effects of androgenic (male) hormones (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone), the acne bacteria, and inflammation of the oil gland. Other factors that may aggravate acne do so through the same mechanisms: increasing oil production, blocking the pores, and/or causing inflammation.
Occlusive Factors:
When the skin surface and its pores are blocked, the pores are described as being occluded. Factors that may cause occlusion include certain cosmetics, oils, greases, and hairsprays. Hats, helmets and pads used in sports may also contribute to this problem as can humidity, sweating and the prolonged effect of contact with damp clothing.
Medications:
Certain hormonal medications that are androgenic in nature may aggravate acne by increasing oil production and pore blockage. Examples include anabolic steroids, and a component of the birth control pill called progestin. Other commonly used medications that may aggravate acne include lithium, and some anti-seizure medications.
Inflammation:
The most common things that can aggravate your acne are: cleansing your skin too much, squeezing, picking, or popping zits. Excessive cleansing, particularly with the overzealous use of abrasive facial scrubs can irritate your skin, and worsen inflammation.
Squeezing and picking acne spots may increase inflammation and can cause further disruption of the acne oil sac. This can lead to leakage of the sac’s contents deeper into the skin, which may also increase more inflammation.
Get the Acne Facts!
Do you start your morning by counting your pimples and inspecting your skin? Is yesterday's pimple gone? Did any new ones show up during the night? If this sounds familiar, know these facts
You're not alone. Millions of American teenagers have acne. But it is by no means a "teens only" condition. It's estimated that 20 percent of adults in their twenties through forties (particularly women) suffer from acne.
It's not your fault. Eating greasy fries, sweating, having a dirty face, or stressing about next week's exam does not cause acne. Acne is caused when glands in the skin produce excess oil, as they tend to do when hormone levels rise during puberty. The excess oil combines with dead skin cells and clogs your pores, allowing bacteria to grow. The oil and bacteria form a "plug" and push through the skin to cause a pimple. Sometimes, a tendency to develop acne can run in families - so if your mom or dad had it, you may get it too.
Bacteria is common culprit to all forms of acne.
An estimated eighty- percent of the people suffer from some form of acne in their life
There are many varieties of acne. In fact, there are over fifty types of acne. However, the most common form is acne vulgaris.
Although many individuals believe the sun makes their acne better, the reality is ultraviolet rays that penetrate the skin's surface can damage the follicles, closing them off and triggering acne two to four weeks after sun exposure.
Acne Vulgaris: A chronic inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles of the skin characterized by comedones, papules, and pustules. In severe acne, cysts and nodules may develop and scarring is common.
Closed Comedo (whitehead): A compacted mass of dead skin cells and skin oils. Visible as a small white bump under the surface of the skin.
Cutaneous: Pertaining to the skin.
Cyst: A pocket-like structure, generally filled with fluid or semisolid material.
Edema: Swelling in tissue due to accumulation of fluid.
Epidermis: Outer layer of skin.
Follicle: Indentation of epidermis containing hair shaft, sebaceous gland and adjacent muscle.
Gland: A small, sac-like cavity for secretion or excretion.
Hyperpigmentation: Abnormally increased pigmentation.
Hypopigmentation: Abnormally diminished pigmentation, resulting from diminished melanin (dark pigment) production.
Keratin: A protein which is found in hair, nails and the outermost skin layer.
Microcomedo: The buildup of sebum and other materials from your skin (cells, pigment and bacteria) under the skin's surface. This is how acne begins.
Nodule: A small knot, knob, protuberance, or swelling.
Non-comedogenic: A term used to describe any substance that will not clog pores (such as cosmetic products).
Open Comedo (blackhead): A visible enlarged pore filled with a plug of dead skin cells and skin oil. The dark color results from materials in the follicle, not dirt.
Papule: A pimple, formed from a plugged follicle due to release of its contents (cells, oils, bacteria) into the surrounding tissue. Usually reddened, tender and swollen.
Pilosebaceous Unit: Located in all skin areas except the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, pilosebaceous units consist of sebaceous glands and hair follicles, which are physically connected and usually vary inversely in size.
Pimple: A small inflamed elevation of the skin.
Pore: A tiny microscopic opening of follicles on to the surface of the skin.
Pustule: Pus-filled inflammatory acne lesion caused by the body's white cells attacking the plugged follicle.
Sebaceous Gland: Oil-producing gland.
Sebum: Oil on the skin produced by sebaceous (oil-producing) glands.
Zit: Slang for pimple (origin unknown).
Basic Acne Washing Routine
Before you attempt the other acne treatment techniques you must be sure that you are currently using the proper washing routine. Keeping your face clean requires that you wash it two times per day, three times at the most. You must be very careful to avoid overdoing it. Skin must maintain the proper pH levels to remain healthy. Over washing will make your face dry and irritated causing more breakouts. Many times individuals
will vigorously scrub their skin when they wash it. We do not recommend this because such treatment will only serve to irritate the skin causing more breakouts.
Note that acne is not caused by "dirty" skin it is the result of clogged pores infected with bacteria. Therefore, washing alone does not prevent acne. Washing is no mystery treatment, in fact washing alone will not prevent acne. It simply serves to remove dirt and oil at the surface level. Although washing alone may not prevent acne, the wrong type of washing can aggravate acne making it worse.
Follow these recommendations: wash your face by gently rotating your soap-lathered hands on your face. We do not recommend face cloths as they may irritate the skin. Use the Purifying Gel. Rinse well with warm water. Using a clean soft towel, gently pat dry your face
What makes acne worse?
It is known that squeezing or "popping" pimples tends to force the oil and bacteria into the deeper skin layers, making cysts more likely to occur. It is these cysts that are more likely to cause scarring, the most serious complication of acne. Excessive scrubbing of the skin actually irritates the skin and increases the number of loose skin cells, leading to increased pore clogging. Anything that puts pressure on, or rubs the skin excessively will aggravate acne. These include headbands, straps securing helmets, hats, hair, and even the teen's own hands, if they are used to support the cheek or chin while in class or watching television. Certain medications, especially hormones taken orally or by injection can increase acne as a side effect. Females often observe that their acne increases before or during their menstrual periods, as a result of the increased hormones present at this time. Every teen knows that stress and tension can induce acne flare-ups.
Touching
Perhaps one of the most often overlooked remedies. Stop putting your hands by your face! Usually we rest our hand on the side of our heads while reading, for example! Also rubbing or bracing your chin is another common problem when thinking. Avoid rubbing, touching, or itching your skin with your hands. Your hands contain a lot of bacteria that can cause acne flare-ups. Also be careful of the telephone. Clean them often with rubbing alcohol because they sometimes come in contact with the face causing more acne.
It is probably one of the most difficult things to avoid since much of the hand to face contact throughout the day we are unconscious of. Make it a habit to avoid hand contact and be conscious of it during the day to avoid bacteria.
Universal Acne Treatment Methods
Acne treatments, techniques, and acne tips prevent acne through one or more of the universal methods utilized for treating acne. The methods are:
Killing or avoiding bacteria responsible for acne infection
Reducing the oil (sebum) production
Removing dead skin cells to prevent clogged pores
Note that some of these treatments take time, allow 2-4 weeks before discounting any acne treatment technique.
The best treatment plans are to treat acne on multiple fronts: internal, external, and fitness (physical and mental).
Water
Water helps the body flush out toxins and transport nutrients to the body. Drinking water puts less strain on the skin organ to flush out toxins. The recommended amount of water you should drink is at least half your body weight in ounces of water (a 140lb. individual should drink 70 ounces/day). While water alone will not eliminate your acne it will greatly assist your skin in remaining healthy and that will be one portion of the pie in fighting acne.
Balanced Diet
Eating a properly balanced diet ensures that your body gets the proper nutrients and therefore promotes healthy skin. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. A high fiber, low-fat diet is excellent in promoting overall general health. Adding food complements in your diet like Zinc, Vitamins A, C & E may help in the acne treatment.
There are many things you can do right now. Follow these tips and take control.
- Be kind to your skin and treat it gently. Always keep your hands away from your skin. Avoid picking at your skin or popping pimples, as it will only take pimples longer to heal and can lead to scarring.
- Adjust your skin care regimen. Wash your face gently with ARAD black mud soap, no more than once or twice a day. Too much scrubbing can be irritating. Use gentle cleansers that will not irritate the surface of the skin but are strong enough to combat the acne.
- Avoid using creamy moisturizers and sunscreens and use "non-comedogenic" or "non-acnegenic" products instead. Non-comedogenic as ARAD Purifying Gel and Toner will not clog pores.
- Identify problems occurring around menstruation - many women break out. Be aware of when in your cycle you break out. This will help your healthcare professional adjust your treatment accordingly. Also be aware that these flare-ups are usually temporary.
- If you think your acne is beyond self-treatment, see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can help you by diagnosing your type of acne and providing you with a personalized treatment regimen that works for you, and can help to prevent future breakouts, which is the ultimate goal.
- Sporting equipment such as helmets, straps, or sweatbands that rub against the skin may cause irritation. Try to avoid tight-fitting clothing and/or equipment. Wear loose fitting, cotton clothing or moleskin underneath equipment to lessen friction.
- Unresolved emotional distress (some stress is normal) is a problem for acne. Try to avoid an unusually stressful lifestyle and/or situations that cause exceptional stress. Since tension producing events cannot be avoided, Use Arad Dead Sea bath salts and take a bath. This can help to lessen your stress and your concerns.
- Androgenic (male sex hormones) drugs, such as testosterone, anabolic steroids, and certain oral contraceptives can aggravate acne.
The Right Cosmetic use with Natural products
The ultimate goal of acne therapy is to help clear up the pimples you have and to prevent the occurrence of future breakouts. When your acne is beyond other-treatments, it's time to try our acne kit.
Purifying Gel with Maris Limus (Mud):
- allows a deep and thorough pore cleansing
- thoroughly removes excess oil and impurities
- leave complexion clean and smooth
Facial Refreshing Toner
- cleanses and refreshes the skin
- removes dead skin cells
- enriched with calming plant extracts (Aloe Vera, Chamomile and Rose Water )
- with Vitamin E
Maris Limus Facial Mask:
- removes the dead skin cells, impurities and excess of oils secretions
- the minerals energize and revive the "tired looking" skin
- increases skin's moisture retention
- promotes skin's youthful appearance
- deep cleanse the skin pores
Moisturizing Day Cream for Normal to Combination skin
- provides abundant levels of hydration
- with Vitamin A, C and E
Maris Limus Soap
- for the whole body. Apply Natural Beauty Arad Body Lotion after using the soap.
How to use:
- Wash your face with the Purifying Gel. Massage gently and remove with water.
- Apply a thick layer of Maris Limus Facial Mask. Leave it for 15-20 min.
- Wash it thoroughly with warm water
- Gently apply the Face Refreshing Toner
- Apply the Moisturizing Cream
- This is recommended 2 times a week.
- In order to dry the pimples, after the complete cycle, it is recommended to apply the Maris Limus Facial Mask only on the pimple,on each pimple separately before going to sleep. DO NOT apply the mask to the whole face. In the morning, wash your face with the Purifying Gel and apply the Moisturizing Cream.
USE OF YAFFA SKIN CARE TO HELP ACNE LIKE SKIN
DRM scientist successfully isolated Medical Yeast bio-factors and formulated active products that have the capabilities to help fight acne. Medical yeast contains: proteins, Vitamin B1, B2, and Nicotinic Acid. Recently scientists discovered that Medical Yeast also, contain Glucans and Glucopyranose.
The above listed bio factors have biological activities:
1. Anti-inflammatory action
2. Free radical scavenging
3. Reactivating of the immune system
4. Speeding up wound healing
Help ACNE LIKE SKIN Intensive to Severe Case Kit
Bio Yeast Solution Purifying Mousse
Bio Yeast Solution Active Gel
Bio Yeast Solution Teenager Stick
A. Every day Care
Morning and Evening –
Wash face genley with Bio Yeast Solution Purifying Mousse
Apply Bio Yeast Solution Active Gel after washing with mousse
and leave it on for the day, at the evening leave it for the night
Use the Teenager Stick locally on pimples 1-4 times a day.
No pimples don't use the Stick