ACNE
Acne is a chronic disorder of the skin’s sebaceous glands (oil glands), leading to the development of comedones, also known as pimples, or more commonly “zits.”
Almost every teenager will have an occasional acne outbreak, and approximately 40 percent of teens have severe cystic acne. Even those 30 and older are affected. Acne is not life threatening, but it can leave physical and emotional scars.
During puberty hormones called androgens trigger the sebaceous glands to grow and produce more sebum (oil). Irregular shedding of skin cells lining the hair follicle can lead to clumping and cause the pores to clog. A type of bacteria called Propioni bacterium acnes, which normally lives in the skin, invades the clogged pore and begins to grow, creating inflammation and irritation. The result is a plugged, inflamed follicle that develops into a pimple.
There are many myths surrounding acne. It is not contagious; you can’t catch it from someone else. Acne is also not caused by eating chocolate—unless you are allergic.
• Cystic acne is marked by clusters of deep, painful, fluid-filled cysts; areas of the skin appear red or purple and are inflamed.
• Pitting, pockmarks, and scarring can occur with severe forms of acne, or if the lesions are picked or squeezed and become infected.
• Whiteheads, blackheads, red spots, and white, pus-filled pimples appear primarily on the face, but also on the shoulders, neck, back, chest, and buttocks.
• Allergies: Reactions to foods, medications, or environmental chemicals
• Cosmetics or exposure to airborne grease (working in a fast-food restaurant)
• Exposure to extreme temperatures
• Family history: Having a parent with acne
• Friction and sweating caused by wearing headbands, helmets, or tight collars
• Hormonal changes in teenagers, premenstrual women, and during pregnancy
• Medications: Use of hormones such as testosterone or cortisone
• Race: Caucasians are more affected than African Americans or Asians
• Stress
Drugs used for acne work by inhibiting sebum and keratin production, reducing bacterial growth, or encouraging shedding of skin cells to unclog the pores. Most over-the-counter products contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or sulphur. Benzoyl peroxide is the most effective. All of these products may cause redness, burning, stinging, and scaling of the skin.
Creams and gels containing tretinoin (vitamin A derivative) or tazarotene (synthetic vitamin A) are used to slough off dead skin, clear pores, and dry acne. Accutane is an oral medication derived from vitamin A; it reduces sebum production and swelling, and minimizes acne-causing bacteria. It is effective, but must be taken for several months and may cause dry mucous membranes, muscle aches, and liver problems.
It must be avoided by women who are pregnant or trying to conceive as it can cause severe birth defects.
Antibiotics (tetracycline, erythromycin, or minocycline) are sometimes prescribed for mild to moderate acne. They work for some people, but their use is limited by side effects such as upset stomach, diarrhea, sun sensitivity, and yeast infections.
Birth control pills are prescribed for women with menstrual-related acne. They reduce androgen levels and sebum production. Side effects include blood clots, bloating, cramps, spotting, liver and gallbladder disease, and increased risk of breast cancer.
• Drink eight to 10 glasses of water daily.
• Wash your face morning and evening with warm water and a gentle cleanser.
• Do not scrub hard or use abrasive cleaners as this can irritate acne.
• Go for regular facials as estheticians can cleanse, exfoliate, and extract pores.
• Sauna or steam help to clear pores and aid in detoxification.
• Resist the temptation to pick or squeeze, which can cause tissue damage, infection, and scars.
• Minimize wearing cosmetics. Use only water-based and hypoallergenic skin care products. Products containing lavender, chamomile, and tea tree are beneficial.
• For severe cases, where there are multiple lesions or cysts, consult a dermatologist.
Tea tree oil: A natural antibiotic and antiseptic; try a lotion or cream with 5–15 percent tea tree oil. Studies have found it just as effective as benzoyl peroxide, but it is better tolerated.
Vitamin A: Essential for skin health; regulates sebum and keratin production. Dosage:5,000–10,000 IU daily. Higher doses should be taken only under medical supervision. Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should not exceed 5,000 IU daily.
Zinc: Promotes tissue healing, balances hormones, and reduces inflammation. Dosage: 25–50 mg daily. Choose a supplement that also contains copper (3–5 mg) because chronic use of zinc can reduce copper absorption.
B-vitamins: Deficiencies are associated with acne, so supplementing may reduce breakouts. Try a B-complex that provides 50–100 mg of the B-vitamins.
Chasteberry (Vitex): May help premenstrual acne in women. There is limited research, but this herb is well known to help balance hormones. Try 60 mg or 40 drops of tincture daily.
Essential fatty acids: Reduce inflammation and repair damaged skin cells. Try 1–3 g of fish oil daily.
Vitamin C: Aids skin repair and improves collagen production. Take 500–2,000 mg daily.
Vitamin E: Essential for skin health, and may help prevent scarring. Dosage: 400 IU daily.
To improve acne and overall skin health, consider the following:
1. Nourish your body and skin with a healthy diet, including lots of fiber, good fats, and water.
2. Keep your skin clean and avoid picking blemishes.
3. Skin products containing tea tree can improve acne.
4. Supplements of vitamin A and zinc are helpful.
5. Those with severe acne should consult a dermatologist.
