Hormones:
For most people with acne, it begins at puberty. This is when the body starts to produce hormones called androgens. Androgens cause the enlargement and overstimulation of the sebaceous glands in people with acne. Sensitivity to these androgens also cause acne to appear during the menstrual cycle and sometimes in pregnancy. The extra sebum (oil) that the sebaceous glands produce mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria on the skin's surface and this blocks pores. Inside the blocked pore, bacteria multiply and cause inflammation leading to the spots and pustules associated with acne.
Harsh skin care products:
People with acne are often advised to use harsh, drying products on the skin. These dry the skin out too much, causing the sebaceous glands to excrete more oil to compensate. Dry skin also leads to excess dead skin cells. More oil + excess dead skin cells = blocked pores and more acne!
* Ingredients to avoid:
o Alcohol, isopropyl myristate, lanolin, sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium laureth sulphate, propylene glycol, mineral oil and parabens
o Benzoyl peroxide
* Don't be afraid of using oil in products. This can be the best thing for those wanting to get rid of acne -- using oils that mimic the skin's natural oils (coconut and jojoba) will rebalance the oil production of your skin. These oils won't block your pores. Use more of the following (these can be found in natural products in health food stores):
o Tea tree oil -- antiseptic and antibacterial, great for existing infections
o Lavender oil -- soothing and healing, great for accelerating healing of scars
o Coconut oil -- look out for products that use this as a base. Can also be used on its own.
o Jojoba oil -- look out for products that use this as a base
* Exfoliate twice a week to get rid of dead skin cells
Stress:
Stress can also cause the production of hormones, such as cortisol, which can aggravate acne.
what doesn't cause acne
* Dirt/lack of hygiene, unless you get your face dirty on a daily basis (e.g. a mechanic)
* Catching it from someone else - it is not contagious
why is diet important?
Refined carbs/sugar = more insulin = more hormones = more sebum (oil) = more bacteria = more acne.
How you can help yourself:
Skin needs to be cleansed from the inside out, there is no quick fix. If you really want to help your skin, you'll follow a healthy eating plan and exercise regularly. If you're healthy on the inside it will show on the outside.
For more information on Acne and reviews on what works and what doesn't, Please visit:
Acne Product Reviews and Recommendations
Source: www.articlesphere.com
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