Latest Update on What Causes Acne Breakouts and How to Treat It

What causes acne breakouts? If you suffer from acne, you have likely asked yourself this question time and again. While there are many causes of acne, there is also a lot of misinformation concerning how breakouts happen and what you can do to treat them. Luckily, this article will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information available to help you banish your acne once and for all.

What is Acne?

As one of the most common skin problems affecting teenagers and young adults, you are not alone in your suffering. While scientists are not clear on the exact causes of acne, it is thought to be a combination of several different factors.

Essentially, acne begins when a pore in your skin becomes plugged. When this happens, whiteheads and blackheads can form. Whiteheads are the beginning of a pimple, and squeezing or picking them can make things worse. Additionally, using harsh and abrasive scrubs can also lead to more pimples as time goes by.

There are also several different types of acne. Some of these types range from mild to severe, and acne sufferers may have more than one type at a given time. However, what causes acne breakouts remains the same no matter what type of acne you have. The types of acne include:

1. Whiteheads

These are the beginning of a pimple, but remain under the skin are not always visible. Picking and scratching at these small spots, however, can cause further irritation.

2. Blackheads

Blackheads result when oil becomes trapped in a pore, causing the pore to become plugged.

3. Papules

These small, pink bumps are a mild form of acne. While they are not normally painful, popping or picking it can further inflame the area and spread bacteria to other areas of your face.

4. Pustules

These red and inflamed bumps are very visible on the skin, and typically have pus at the top of the bump. They can also be quite painful.

5. Nobules

These large, solid pimples are inflamed and very painful and are embedded deep within the skin. This is a more severe form of acne.

6. Cysts

Cysts are the most painful type of acne breakouts and are what typically leads to pock marks and acne scarring.

While the occasional pimple happens to nearly everyone, acne is a persistent and reoccurring condition where several pimples appear on the face, back, neck and/or chest regularly. It is an unsightly and embarrassing skin condition, but there are a number of things that may contribute to acne production. Knowing what can cause acne can also help you find the best treatment to fight acne breakouts.

Direct Causes of Acne

While scientists do not know for sure what causes acne breakouts, there are several direct causes of acne that have been identified. One of the direct causes of acne is the overproduction of oil.

Everyone's skin is covered in an oily substance called sebum, which functions normally in those with clear skin. However, when too much sebum is released and becomes blocked in the pores, those clogged pores become the perfect site for pimples.

While clogged pores can become inflamed and irritated quite easily, they can also form whiteheads or blackheads. A more severe form of acne, known as acne vulgaris, can result if the clogged pore becomes inflamed.

Over-productive oil glands are one of the direct causes of acne, but there are also indirect causes of acne that should also be addressed.

Indirect Causes of Acne

In addition to the direct causes of acne, indirect causes can also lead to acne breakouts. These can include:

1. Hormonal Imbalances

It is widely known that fluctuating hormones and hormonal imbalances can contribute to acne. One of the best ways to treat these hormonal fluctuations is to eat a diet rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids while reducing your sugar intake. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also cause acne, even if you have never had acne in the past. Fortunately, your acne tends to disappear after giving birth.

2. Food Allergies

While it's not entirely known why certain food allergies can trigger acne symptoms, it's argued that gluten, dairy, yeast and eggs can trigger flare ups in people who are sensitive to these types of food. If you suspect your acne is triggered by one of these foods, remove that food from your diet and see if symptoms improve.

3. Nutrient Deficiencies

If you are deficient in any nutrients your body needs to thrive, you are going to experience a variety of issues - including acne. If you suffer from moderate or severe acne and are deficient in certain vitamins and minerals your body needs, taking a supplement or increasing your intake of these vitamins through food can help alleviate symptoms.

4. Poor Diet

While the long-held belief that greasy food and chocolate are a direct cause of acne has been dispelled, it is true that a poor diet can indirectly contribute to skin problems. If you eat a diet high in processed foods and saturated fats, you are not doing any favors for your skin. By cutting out these highly processed foods and incorporating plenty of healthy fruits and vegetables, lean protein and healthy fats, the condition of your skin is likely to improve dramatically.

5. Genetics

While it's unclear how much of a role genetics play in causing acne, many doctors are convinced genetics can be what causes acne breakouts. If you have a family history of acne sufferers, doctors believe you are much more likely to suffer from acne yourself.

Simple Solution to Treat Acne

Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all treatment for acne. Even though we know what causes acne breakouts, the treatments available work differently for everyone.

Even though you will likely have to try several different remedies before your skin is cured, there are several ingredients that have proven to be effective at treating and reducing acne. One such ingredient, benzoyl peroxide, is effective at targeting the bacteria below the skin follicle. By killing the bacteria at its source, benzoyl peroxide reduces inflammation and leads to better skin overall.

Another common ingredient found in over-the-counter acne products, salicylic acid, works in a similar way. This ingredient targets the layers of dirt and debris that have become trapped over the plugged skin follicle and removes them to get at the acne-causing bacteria to eradicate it.

These are two of the most effective over-the-counter ingredients proven to help reduce and treat acne, but you will likely need to try a number of products before you are able to find one that works for you.

There are a number of direct and indirect causes of acne breakouts, but knowing what causes acne breakouts and how to effectively treat them is the key to getting beautiful skin back. With all of the misinformation out there, however, it can be difficult to find the right treatment options for your acne. Fortunately, these tips and tricks should help you obtain the clear skin you've always wanted.

For more information on What Causes Acne Breakouts, you can visit ebestacnetreatment.com, a popular website that offers the latest information on "how to treat acne" and the "top acne products".

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Acne Myths: Discover 9 Ugly Lies About Acne Causes and Treatments

It's unbelievable ... What if I told you that most of the popular beliefs about acne, are in fact myths?

Let’s take a look at some popular beliefs about acne to dispel any other rumors ...

Myth #1: Is it true that increased stress spreads acne?

Not exactly. What is true is that ultimately stress can have a very minimal or minor influence all by itself. It cannot actually cause acne, but it can influence reoccurrences of acne as stress increases the body’s creation of a substance called cortisol that in turn causes your sebaceous glands to produce increased amounts of sebum oil that can be blocked in pores. Note, however, that some medications people take when trying to deal with or treat stress can have a large influence on acne as the result of medication side effects.

Myth #2: Acne is contagious, true or false?

Not! No one can "catch" acne; it is non-communicable.

Myth #3:You’ll outgrow acne, so just leave it alone - myth or truth?

This is false. Acne strikes all ages and is treatable, but shouldn’t be left alone to possibly worsen.

Myth #4: Being out in the sun helps acne, right?

In the long run, no. The sun may appear to help clear up your blemishes and redden your skin, thus lessening the overall reddish effect of the targeted acne area when it was outstanding. However, rays from the sun can cause skin damage and actually irritate skin more, worsening any existing acne problems in the process and clogging more pores as skin cells dry up and slough off quicker than normal. So use caution (and sunscreen) here!

Myth #5: Sweating helps clean out your hair follicle areas, myth or reality?

Another myth. In reality, strenuous activity can temporarily increase your body’s oil production that can actually worsen acne problem areas, causing recurrence or intensification.

Myth #6: Acne problems are directly proportionate to sexual activity, or lack thereof; true or false?

False, another myth. Just because teenagers are going through hormonal changes, does not mean that this has anything to do with acne. Both are separate issues. Same with adult acne and sex; two entirely different issues.

Myth #7: People with acne are dirty and don’t wash enough.

Not! This is another myth. Acne is the result of a build up of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria in a closed pore. Period. Dirt is not even a factor in the equation.

Myth #8: Acne is only on external issue or surface deep; i.e. people shouldn’t make such a big thing out of it, myth or reality?

Myth. In reality, yes, it basically is only on your skin (and underneath the surface a little bit). However, the effects run much more deeper than that in many instances. More than 50 percent of those suffering acne problems reported negative comments and other feedback from members of society, regardless of whether or not there was any scarring left for others to see afterwards. And resulting internal depression and low self-esteem can be harmful emotionally not only short-term but over a person’s lifetime.  So acne can indeed be a very big issue requiring healthcare treatment and support.

Myth #9: OK, myth or reality: there is a cure for acne?

Myth. Although there is no cure at this time, there are many treatments available that do a great job. As the saying goes, "Prevention is the best medicine;" however, there is no need to suffer in silence with all the options available on the market today for all price ranges.

So there you have it ... now that you are armed with this information you can do something to treat your acne condition. Why not visit Emily Clark's website at http://www.faqon.com/acne.html now to get more helpful information and subscribe to her free newsletter.

Acne Advice For People Wanting Blemish Free Skin

Acne is a disorder of the skin that affects adults as well as teens. It occurs when follicles, or pores, become blocked. Oils, naturally present in skin, are unable to drain and become blocked inside the follicles. Before long bacteria begins to grow.

Skin blemishes referred to as blackheads and whiteheads then begin to appear. When the oil and bacteria that is trapped remain below the skin, the blemish is referred to as a whitehead. A blackhead occurs when the oil and bacteria are partially exposed. The color of the blemish turns black due to pigmentation within the skin. Blackheads usually last far longer than whiteheads due to the fact that it takes longer to drain.

It is believed that hormones, diet, stress and vitamin deficiency may play a role in the development of acne. While acne includes both whiteheads and blackheads, there are a variety of types of acne that range in severity.

Acne Vulgaris is the most common form of acne and includes everything from whiteheads and blackheads to cysts. Acne Vulgaris may be either mild or moderate as well as severe. The mild and moderate forms of Acne Vulgaris include common pimples with inflammation apparent below the surface of the skin as well as blackheads. Small red bumps that have no ‘head’ may also be present and are known as papules.

Acne Vulgaris in its most severe form includes lesions that are known as nodules and cysts. These are normally much larger than mild or moderate acne and may be more painful. Nodules are usually small and hard, below the skin and do not contain pus while cysts do. Scars can appear if Acne Vulgaris is not treated correctly.

A gentle cleanser and a benzoyl peroxide cream can be effective in treating mild to moderate forms of Acne Vulgaris. Avoid overwashing; gently cleansing the face in the morning and at night should be sufficient. Taking care not to touch your face during the day and using oil free cosmetics may also help. Extreme caution should be used in trying to ‘pop’ pimples, as this can result in scarring. Papules (small red bumps with no head) should never be popped or squeezed.

Acne Rosacea can easily be confused with Acne Vulgaris and often appears to be quite similar. Most people who suffer from Acne Rosacea are adults over the age of 30. A red rash along with bumps and pimples signal the presence of Acne Rosacea, which normally appears on cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. Blackheads are normally not present with Acne Rosacea. This type of acne can be quite serious because when it is left untreated it can actually cause excessive tissue to begin growing.

There are three types of extremely severe acne; all of which can be disfiguring. Acne Conglobata usually appears in men instead of women. It is commonly found on the trunk and limbs of the body instead of the face. Individuals normally develop this form of acne at some point between the ages of 18 and 30. It can remain active for several years and can be extremely difficult to treat. Dermatologists normally use Accutane as a treatment.

Young men sometimes experience what is known as Acne Fulminans. Typical acne may be accompanied by fever and aching joints with the onset of Acne Fulminans. Oral steroids as well as Accutane may be used to treat this form of acne.

Women between the ages of 20 and 40 may experience what is known as Pyoderma Faciale. This type of acne is generally confined to the face. Unlike other forms of acne, this form does not last for years; instead its presence is normally restricted to a year or less. It can, however; be very painful as well as disfiguring.

An excellent source for quality articles on acne treatments is http://www.acne.lifestyle-health-news.com

Severe and extremely severe acne should be treated by a dermatologist.