Acne: Frequently Asked Questions About Acne
July 29, 2008
Acne is a common skin problem for most adolescents as well as for some adults. People of all ages and backgrounds have had to deal with acne at some point. Fortunately, there is a lot of information that is important to know, especially if you are dealing with an acne problem. We will look at some of the causes of acne as well as some of the ways in which people treated.
Who is most likely to get acne? This question is one that you have probably heard before, and it is usually asked out of fear more than anything else. Due to the negative reaction to acne, people of all ages are concerned that they may end up with the skin problem, or, if they have had acne in the past, that the problem will return. The truth is that while acne can happen to people of nearly all ages, it common in those who are going through puberty. Most teenagers experience some form of acne. It can begin as early as age eleven or as late as age sixteen. The extremely volatile and changing hormone levels of prepubescent life and the body’s response to those changes are the main reasons why teens experience acne more often than people of different ages. People who have had acne at an earlier stage in their life are also susceptible to a return.
What is the most common type of acne? One might think that all is acne is the same, but it is not. As with all skin irritations, there are several forms. Some are considered more serious and more difficult to eliminate than others. The most common type is acne vulgaris, which simply means “common acne,” usually indicated by a red swelling of the skin. Soon, the white or yellow pus that people associate with acne becomes apparent. Tis is the type of acne that most teenagers get, caused when extraordinary amounts of oil from the sebaceous gland combine with dead skin cells to help clog the skin’s pores. Because the skin’s pores are blocked, oil continues to build up, thus allowing bacteria and yeast to spread. This excess of bacteria and yeast is what eventually does tons of damage to one’s skin.
What are the mental effects of acne? Acne may show a body’s failure to properly deal with hormonal changes. Acne can indicate that a person is not dealing with stress effectively. It may be evidence of a potentially serious allergic reaction to a medication or other element. It is not these effects of acne that tend to do the most damage, though. More than a health issue, acne is known causing people (mainly teens) a sense of shame and embarrassment. Acne is falsely associated with being unclean. Clear, healthy skin is associated with cleanliness, while severe forms of acne are often believed to be the result of sanitary neglect. Not only that, acne can be ugly and turn people away. Most people who experience severe acne are emotionally scarred by the social rejection, leading to adolescent emotional insecurity and a sense of self-doubt. Because of this, acne should be treated as quickly and as thoroughly as possible.
Isn’t it true that staying clean helps prevent acne? It is always better to rid your skin of toxins and dirt that accumulate during your normal routine. So yes, to some extent, it is true that washing skin can help prevent or decrease acne. Acne is a chemical matter, and it is something that occurs beneath the surface of the skin more so than on the skin itself. Both daily cleansing and care of one’s skin will help reduce the bacteria that rests on the skin, but they cannot lessen the testosterone levels beneath the surface of the skin that help produce acne. Understanding this basic fact should help reduce some of the stigma attached to acne. It should also allow people who suffer from acne to take some comfort in knowing that they are not necessarily less clean than others. The truth is that they have very little control over what is going on beneath their skin.
How important is a healthy diet to preventing acne? It is no coincidence that people who eat healthy food tend to have skin that shines and glows. In contrast, think of someone you know who eats nothing but junk food. It is likely that they have some issues with acne. Experts agree that a good, healthy diet can go a long way towards either preventing acne or helping diminish it. The Chinese believe, and have been widely accepted in their belief, that acne is solely attributed to a poor diet. They claim that too much sugar or grease leads to the potential for acne. Thus, they discourage the consumption of excessive amounts of chocolate and fried foods. Fruits and vegetables are generally considered better for the skin and a deterrent to acne. Another factor known to eliminate acne is continual drinking of water. Drinking plenty of it is your best bet to avoid acne.
Comments
