Beautiful skin can be marred by acne, which affects about 85% of teenagers, but can be seen in 60% of adults. It is most likely to be seen during periods of hormonal changes such as puberty and menopause (or in women starting or stopping birth control pills), as well as times of stress, which directly affects our hormones.
The imbalanced hormone levels can cause the sebaceous (oil producing) glands to form greater amounts of oil. Most of the time the oil glands produce the right amount and our pores are fine. When excess oil production is triggered, the pores can get clogged and bacteria begin to multiply, which leads to acne. Sometimes the pore is so blocked that it ruptures underneath. This causes inflammation, irritation and results in the deep pimple we know as an acne cyst or nodule.
One recent study has shown that the typical Western diet contributes greatly to the incidence and severity of acne. Our diets are rich in processed food, refined carbohydrates and sugars. These inflammation-causing foods triggers our bodies to produce a surge in insulin. This causes an excess of testosterone, which encourages the skin to excrete more oil resulting in bacterial growth. Deep fried foods trigger an inflammatory response as well. Studies have shown that populations who eat whole food and whole grain diets with minimal processing are virtually acne-free. Yet when they move to the big cities and change their diet, they begin to experience acne for the first time ever.
If your acne is not responding to over the counter remedies, you might need the help of prescription therapies. These often include a combination of creams to help kill the bacteria and clear out the blockages in the pores. While many people respond to these measures, some require oral treatment in addition. Various fruit acid peels and more recently, laser treatment can be utilized to diminish acne breakouts and scarring.
Tips for Clear, Beautiful Skin:
Cleanse twice daily. It is not necessary to wash your face more frequently as this can trigger an over-production of oil.
Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet and drink plenty of purified water between meals.
Eat organic whenever possible. Your body does not need the extra hormones and antibiotics found in typical meats, chicken or even farm-raised fish.
Refrain from touching, picking, rubbing and squeezing.
Take care to keep hair sprays and gels on your hair but off your face.
Use a moisturizer if you need one. You don’t have to dry out your skin to treat acne.
Try an over-the-counter homeopathic remedy.
Beautiful skin is pleasurable to behold. Following these steps you can help create and maintain beautiful skin throughout your life.
Dr Lisa Benest has been practicing general and cosmetic dermatology in Burbank, California for over 9 years. She can be reached at:
1624 W. Olive Ave #B
Burbank, CA 91506
818-729-9149
www.lisabenestmd.com
For permission to reprint this article in full or in part, contact info2006@lisabenestmd.com
Acne Treatment Products available online.
Additional Articles About Acne
ACNE SKIN CARE TREATMENTS by Jerrick Foo
ADULT ACNE: IT'S A LOT MORE COMMON THAN YOU THINK by Patricia Tyler
LASER YOUR WAY TO BEAUTIFUL, by Lisa Benest M.D.
