Acne Anatomy - How Pimples Form

Acne. Pimples. Zits. Blemishes. No matter what they're called, acne has affected many people- adults and teenagers alike. Acne typically affects anyone, of any race, and at any age, be it 10 or 40. Although acne is a very common problem many people face (pun intended), its highly visible nature is what makes it such a universal complaint. So much so, that for some people, acne can have a deep psychological impact regarding a person's appearance and self-esteem. Science and technology has made it possible to keep acne at bay, but without an understanding of how acne forms, many people just end up relenting to trial and error when it comes to treating acne.

How acne forms

While reading labels on various lotions and makeup, the word comedogenic (or non-comedogenic) probably pops up. Comedogenesis is simply the clogging of a follicle or pore and usually precedes acnegenesis, or acne formation. Pore clogging typically happens when sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin produce too much oil, and surface skin cells (known as keratinocytes) start to stick together. The amount of oil produced can be due to hormones, such as the case in adolescent acne or acne that is related to the pre-menstrual cycle. The bottom line is that when the pore clogs up, this becomes a rich nutritional source for Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), which is the bacterium thought to be responsible for acne formation. Because of this source, P. acnes will start to collect in a specific area. When enough P. acnes gathers together in one spot, say the nose for example, the body kickstarts an immune response to try to purge the bacteria. This results in redness, pus, inflammation, and the resulting mound that many people love to pick at. But don't be a picker!! The nails harbor lots of bacteria, and introduction of such to an area that's already inflamed will only cause more inflammation. Sharp nails also risk irreversible pick scars that will look deep and depressed.

So what can be done to prevent P. acnes from wreaking havoc in the skin? There are various ways of killing P. acnes.

Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) kills P. acnes due tp oxygenation of the affected pore/follicle. Treatments such as cleansers and lotions that contain a concentration of BPO are effective in reducing P. acnes, but it is important to note that because oxidation causes free radicals, prolonged use of higher concentrations of benzoyl peroxide may eventually lead to accelerated aging of the skin.

Sulfur
Who knew the smelly pink stuff that looks like Calamine would work to dry up acne? Sulfur has a dual action because not only does it have antibacterial properties that kills P. acnes, it's also a good keratolytic that causes the top layers of the skin to loosen and slough off. However, it's important to make sure to do a patch test first to ensure you are not allergic to sulfur, because it's known to cause reactions in some people. Also, using sulfur too often will cause overdrying.

Antibiotics
Antibiotics such as topical erythromycin and clindamycin also target and kill P. acnes. But caution should be used because there may be a likelihood that the bacteria may form a resistance to the antibiotic over time.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

In a previous article, I wrote that various light systems today are used to improve skin conditions such as acne. Specifically, blue light with a wavelength of about 420 nanometers is absorbed by P.acnes, which leads to the excitation of particles called porphyrins that live in P. acnes. As porphyrins are excited, they break down the bacterial walls of P. acnes and destroys them.

Although blue light alone was clinically shown to improve mild to moderate acne, severe cystic acne needs more power punch. A more powerful form of PDT combines LED light with 5-aminolevulinic acid (Levulan). A Levulan swabstick is first applied on the skin, and left on to "incubate" for about 1-2 hours. A patient is then exposed to LED light (with safety eyeshields on) for a few minutes to activate the Levulan. In addition to killing P. acnes through the use of wavelength-specific lights (the photodynamic part), Levulan acts to shut down sebaceous glands that produce excess sebum (oil).

It is extremely important to note that although Levulan has a high efficacy rate in severe acne lesions, it is not for everyone, especially darker-skinned individuals because it has a greater chance of hyperpigmenation (skin darkening) from the treatment. It should also be noted that some may feel a burning sensation after photoactivation, which also has subsequent redness, followed by severe peeling of the skin. This lasts a few days, up to about a week of downtime.

Whatever the degree of acne, these different treatment modalities help to control its effects. So even though acne is not curable, it is manageable. Consulting with a skincare professional will help ensure you look and feel your best so you can put your best face forward!

For more articles like these, please visit http://blog.beauty-goodies.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Cristal_Orpilla/641762



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4281828

Find Out About Acne - Acne Causes, Problems And Ways To Cure Acne!

Acne is a skin disorder that can range from mild forms to severe cases which can scar the sufferer for life. Although usually connected with adolescents, acne can afflict anyone at any time, from infants to mature adults. Millions of people throughout the world suffer from acne and there is continual research trying to find the best acne cure.

For those people who suffer from acne, it is not only the physical symptoms that is the problem. Having acne can reduce most acne sufferers self-esteem and confidence especially when it comes to interacting with the opposite sex. In some cases it can bring about deep depression which can negatively impact on all aspects of the acne victims life.

What have the researchers learned so far in terms of finding a realistic acne cure?

Sadly despite the claims of some product manufacturers there is no proven acne cure that can totally cure acne for everyone. However, there are a large number of good products on the market that are effective acne remedies and can help decrease the symptoms and damage done by acne. The ideal cure for each person will depend on the seriousness of the acne condition and the skin type of the acne victim.

If your acne is relatively mild than you could be able to treat it with a non-prescription acne product such as skin cleaners, astringents, moisturizer or even acne cream. Which you use will depend on your skin type. Some of these cures are intended to sanitize the skin, unblocking the blackheads and even Whitehead's. Others will actually remove the upper layer of skin, exposing a new healthy layer of skin.

For those of you with a mild case of acne finding an effective acne cure for you will be moderately easy by just trying out many non-prescription produces and finding what works best for you. Then again, if you are unlucky to have more acute acne you will need to seek professional assistance and could even be subscribed antibiotics by your doctor. As there is no proven acne cure, you should appreciate that antibiotics will not always work. For those of you that they do work for, antibiotics will deal with the acne bacteria that infects your skins pores. Even if you do find this an efficient cure, you should bear in mind any possible side effects, especially if you are using this as a long-term acne treatment.

There are two types of antibiotics you may be prescribed. The first is one that you effectively use to treat the area which is infected with acne and the other is one that you take orally. You should be more cautious when taking an oral antibiotic as an acne cure as these can effect the whole body, not just the acne effected area. Some of the most common side effects with oral acne antibiotics are nausea and dizziness. If you do suffer either of these than it is right to confer with your doctor who can change your acne prescription.

Now I do know that some of you do favor a more holistic or natural approach to finding an acne cure that works for you. In this case you can try something that uses a vitamin A derivative as this will block cells clumping as it encourages the skin to shed. However, even here you might experience unwanted effects such as redness, irritation or even dryness of your skin.

To conclude, there is no single effective acne cure for all and maybe there never will be as acne effects so many individual skin types in so many different ways. Hopefully though with so much research being done to find an acne cure, one day it will be much easier to find the best acne cure for each of us.

Acne can hit any of us at any time and it can be difficult to find what will work best for you.

Go here to find out more about acne and the best acne cure [http://ance.bestcure4.com/]

If you are into more natural acne cures you can watch this quick video on how to cure acne [http://www.bestcure4.com/cure-acne-cure-acne-naturally-learn-how-to-cure-your-acne] naturally.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ray_Caffrey/145789



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5819017

Acne- Can You Stop Acne Formation?

Acne- How It Troubles Most Of Us?

Acne troubles most of us. Either when we are teenagers or when we grow up. Those who have acne on face are shy of meeting friends and those have acne on the back are shy of removing their shirt in public. Teenagers ask if acne will spoil their relationships. Acne has been taken as a way of life. We have all come to believe that cane cannot be prevented. it can be only treated once you get it. Can acne formation be stopped?

Acne- How It Forms?

Acne is associated with our sebaceous glands with hair. When the gland produces more sebum, and dead skin cells accumulate, they block the pore of the gland. This increases the pressure in the gland and forms acne. If we want to stop acne, we have to address these two main issues along with getting rid of excess P.acnes bacteria that produces inflammation.

Acne- How To Stop Its Formation?

Suppose I am prone to acne. I can surely try all the measures to control the oil. i can consult my doctor about drugs that will bring my hormones in order and not activate sebum production. I will ask my doctor about how to make my skin shed the dead skin cells regularly so that they don't block the pores. I will try methods such microdermabrasion and AHA treatments to remove the dead skin layer. I will find out which antibacterial will take care of the P.acnes and don't allow it to grow. The issue is that most of us never ask our doctor in detail about the prevention but are happy to clear whatever acne we get.

Please talk to your doctor in detail about you can address these three issues and prevent acne. Don't allow it to form. Take help of science and make every effort to stop it forming.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.