Acne Skin
Condition
Blackheads, whiteheads, pimples that are inflamed and pus-filled nodules and cysts, and sometimes deep, infected, crater like lesions of the skin
Cause
The bane of adolescents and many adults too. Acne occurs most frequently with hormonal changes, but may also be tied to genetic predisposition, nutrition, stress and environmental pollutants. Acne occurs when oil glands within the skin become plugged. The most active sebaceous glands are most acne-prone and are located on the face, chest and back areas. Sebaceous glands are attached to every hair follicle on the body. Normal sebum flow continues out of the sebaceous gland, up through the follicle and out of a pore to the skins surface. Acne occurs when this path gets blocked and sebum cannot reach the skins surface. The main contributors to blockages are sticky follicle skin scales and a thickened sebum. Normally found in follicles, a bacterium called P. acnes grows excessively in acne-prone skin and alters follicle skin scales and sebum, thus contributing to follicle blockage and pimple formation. It has long been thought by Dermatologists that diet does not play a significant factor in the onset of acne, however, Nutritionists and other alternative practitioners disagree, as their findings and experience are showing otherwise. The use of all natural skincare products, combined with a low fat, vegetarian diet, rich in salads, vegetables, whole grains, quark (a curd cheese), yoghurt and sour milk. Cutting back on alcohol, nicotine, caffeine and avoiding meat, processed meat pulses, processed sugar, margarine and juice concentrates - resulted in a marked improvement to the skin just after a week of changing the diet. Stress does and can make acne worse - so take stress management seriously. Although some adult men suffer from acne, adult women are much more likely to develop adult acne. Conditions such as pregnancy, hormonal irregularities in the menstrual cycle and ovarian cysts may all contribute to a woman developing this skin condition, which in many cases can be devastating to people of all ages. Never be tempted to pick spots, or, squeeze them, it may cause cross infection and can leave scars.
Additional Information
Rosacea: This condition generally affects the area of the face where people blush. There are varying degrees of this condition as listed below. Totally refrain from scrubbing, or, exfoliating and if possible, also avoid extreme heat, or, cold, spicy food, coffee and red wine which may irritate it. Check with your Doctor, or, Nutritionist to see if you can take supplements of Vitamin B1 and B2.
Redness: can look nothing more than a blush. It is caused by flushing (when a large amount of blood rushes to the blood vessels just under the skin and vessels expand to handle the flow). If this is allowed to continue over a period of time, the redness becomes more noticeable and does not go away. The facial skin can also become somewhat dry.
Red spots: are a result of continual flushing and the skin eventually becomes irritated and inflamed causing pimples to appear on the face. Thus rosacea has often been described to as "adult acne" or "acne rosacea".
Enlarged or broken capillaries: caused by constant flushing. When people with rosacea flush, the small blood vessels of the face get larger - eventually showing through the surface of the skin. They can appear as thin curly lines or spots.
Bumpy red nose: is present in the more advanced stages of rosacea - particularly in men. When rosacea is not treated in the early stages, small bumps can appear on the nose giving it a slightly swollen appearance. The emotional side effects of this condition are experienced by many people.
A disturbed skin barrier may trigger acne
It is equally important to maintain a natural pH no greater than 5.5 for anyone who is prone to acne or other skin problems.
Propionibacterium acnes is a bacteria that normally lives on the skin and is found in all persons regardless of the presence or absence of acne. However, in individuals prone to acne, the number of P. acnes bacteria will be slightly greater. Since the growth of this bacteria is very much dependent on the pH value of the skin, it is of utmost importance that your skin’s pH does not exceed 5.5 as a slight shift towards the alkaline pH would provide a better environment in which it can thrive.
Seek professional advice at all times: If you notice an irregularity in your complexion contact a Dermatologist immediately, who will be able to determine exactly what the problem is before it worsens. Also seek advice from am Integrative Doctor with regards to any internal health issues which often are the main underlying cause of most skin conditions.
Helpful web sites: www.acne-resource.org, www.aad.org and www.bad.org.uk
Recommended products
- Daily Care: Cleanse skin with Deep Pore Foaming Cleanser, use Purify & Energise Super Bioactive in place of water when rinsing skin. Dampen a disposable cleansing pad and gently wipe skin clean. Apply Polyphenol Skin Drops followed by Skin Energising High Potency Concentrate.
- Nightly care: Cleanse with Ultra Mild Silken Cleanser, (if removing make up) use Purify & Energise Super Bioactive in place of water when rinsing skin, then apply Polyphenol Skin Drops and feather in Skin Energising High Potency Concentrate.
- Weekly care: apply Refining Peel Active Mask and rinse with Purify & Energise Super Bioactive. Follow Step 1 or 2 depending on whether you are using day or night.
- You can alternate your masks by also using Purifying Active Mask.