What is Acne?
Acne is a common skin complaint that affects young people in early puberty. It is characterised by areas of skin with red botches, pimples and scarring. The areas most affected by Acne are the face, chest and back, as these have the highest levels of sebaceous follicles.
Although Acne is most common in puberty and tends to disappear as the sufferer gets to their early-twenties, it can continue well into adult life in some cases.
What causes Acne?
The cause of Acne is actually quite a complex chain of actions that begins with the increase of testosterone produced by girls and boys during puberty. This in turn stimulates an increased production of an oily substance called sebum by the sebaceous glands on the face, chest and back. The actual red blotches, spots, pimples and scars associated with Acne are caused by the inflammation of these small sebaceous glands as the bacteria Propionebacterium releases certain enzymes as it feeds on the increased sebum. These enzymes bring on the inflammatory reaction.
The severity of Acne tends to gradually increase throughout the teenage years before typically peaking around the ages of 17-19 - when the testosterone, and therefore sebum, levels are at their highest. In majority of cases the Acne tends to clear after this and is usually gone by the time the patient reaches their mid-twenties. However, severe cases have been known to affect the sufferer well into their forties.
Making Acne worse
Before we discuss the various treatments that can help to limit the Acne, it is important to highlight a few things that can actually make Acne worse. Sufferers may be tempted to squeeze, pick or scratch at the spots and pimples caused by Acne, but this is not a good idea as it can spread the enzyme causing the inflammation further.
Also, Acne sufferers are encouraged to avoid wearing a lot of make-up and/or foundation. While it may be tempting to cover up affected areas with make-up, this may block the pores of the glands and result in a higher level of inflammation.
Recent research has found that certain foods can also increase the level of Acne in sufferers. Generally food with a high glycemic level can worsen Acne - so it can be helpful to limit the amount of carbohydrates you consume.
Common Acne Treatments
While there is nothing that can absolutely clear Acne, there are treatments that can lessen its effects. First of all, washing the affected area regularly (at least twice a day) with a cleanser can help to open up the pores and limit the level of inflammation. It is important to resist the urge to scrub too hard though. Also, a healthy diet along with drinking an adequate amount of water and exercising regularly can also help with limiting the symptoms of Acne.
Acne is a common skin complaint that affects young people in early puberty. It is characterised by areas of skin with red botches, pimples and scarring. The areas most affected by Acne are the face, chest and back, as these have the highest levels of sebaceous follicles.
Although Acne is most common in puberty and tends to disappear as the sufferer gets to their early-twenties, it can continue well into adult life in some cases.
What causes Acne?
The cause of Acne is actually quite a complex chain of actions that begins with the increase of testosterone produced by girls and boys during puberty. This in turn stimulates an increased production of an oily substance called sebum by the sebaceous glands on the face, chest and back. The actual red blotches, spots, pimples and scars associated with Acne are caused by the inflammation of these small sebaceous glands as the bacteria Propionebacterium releases certain enzymes as it feeds on the increased sebum. These enzymes bring on the inflammatory reaction.
The severity of Acne tends to gradually increase throughout the teenage years before typically peaking around the ages of 17-19 - when the testosterone, and therefore sebum, levels are at their highest. In majority of cases the Acne tends to clear after this and is usually gone by the time the patient reaches their mid-twenties. However, severe cases have been known to affect the sufferer well into their forties.
Making Acne worse
Before we discuss the various treatments that can help to limit the Acne, it is important to highlight a few things that can actually make Acne worse. Sufferers may be tempted to squeeze, pick or scratch at the spots and pimples caused by Acne, but this is not a good idea as it can spread the enzyme causing the inflammation further.
Also, Acne sufferers are encouraged to avoid wearing a lot of make-up and/or foundation. While it may be tempting to cover up affected areas with make-up, this may block the pores of the glands and result in a higher level of inflammation.
Recent research has found that certain foods can also increase the level of Acne in sufferers. Generally food with a high glycemic level can worsen Acne - so it can be helpful to limit the amount of carbohydrates you consume.
Common Acne Treatments
While there is nothing that can absolutely clear Acne, there are treatments that can lessen its effects. First of all, washing the affected area regularly (at least twice a day) with a cleanser can help to open up the pores and limit the level of inflammation. It is important to resist the urge to scrub too hard though. Also, a healthy diet along with drinking an adequate amount of water and exercising regularly can also help with limiting the symptoms of Acne.
