Acne occurs when hair follicles are clogged by dead skin cells. Hair follicles produce an oil called sebum. If this oil builds up in the clogged pore it becomes infected, and the hair follicle becomes inflamed. If the follicle bursts, the infected matter inside the pores spreads across the skin, infecting the surrounding area and creating new pimples.
Acne Vulgaris and Other Types of Acne
Acne vulgaris is the most common form of the condition. %26quot;Vulgaris%26quot; does not mean %26quot;vulgar;%26quot; it means %26quot;common.%26quot; It affects approximately 90% of all adolescents, and 50% of adult women. Acne vulgaris is what most people think of when they think of spots and zits. It is a clogging of the hair follicles that leads to unsightly, and sometimes painful, skin lesions and pimples. It ranges in degree from mild to severe and, at its most severe, it can cause scarring.
Many other types of acne exist, however. They%26#039;re listed below, along with definitions of the different types of pimples and skin lesions they cause:
Acne conglobata : A rare form that usually affects males, acne conglobata covers the back,chest, and buttocks with pustules and nodules, which often connect under the skin. Because of this tendency to connect, severe bacterial infection is possible, as well as extensive scarring. Medical attention is required.
Acne cosmetica : As the name implies, it is triggered by topical make-up. Characterized by small pink bumps, acne cosmetica is usually quite mild, with little chance of scarring.
Acne fulminans : A rare and extreme form of acne conglobata, acne fulminans almost always infects males. Symptoms include a sudden onset of pustules and nodules, infected nodules, fever, joint pain, and possible loss of weight or appetite. Acne fulminans is a serious condition and requires prompt medical attention.
Acne medicamentosa : It is caused by reactions to medicine or drugs. Women often experience acne medicamentosa when starting or ending birth control pills. Steroids and testosterone have also been implicated.
Acne rosacea : It is not true acne, but rather an inflammation of the face, neck or chest that results in red, bumpy, oily skin. Acne rosacea usually appears in people aged 30 to 60. It often begins as a short-term condition that can become chronic and cause facial scarring if not treated. Acne rosacea is often accompanied by acne vulgaris
Comedonal acne : Acne characterized by whiteheads and blackheads, without other forms of skin lesions.
Comedones : Enlarged, plugged hair follicles. If the comedone is under the skin, it%26#039;s a whitehead. If it breaks the surface of the skin, it%26#039;s a blackhead.
Cyst : Similar to a pustule, a cyst is an inflamed, pus-filled lesion that goes deep into the skin, and can cause pain and scarring.
Cystic acne : One of the most severe forms of acne, cystic acne occurs when the infected contents of a pustule or pimple erupts beneath the skin, rather than on the surface. The body%26#039;s natural defenses then try to fight the infection, leading to swelling and pain. Cystic acne often causes facial scarring. While it usually occurs spontaneously, cystic acne can be caused by scratching and picking at pimples. Often accutane comes to rescue in this case.
Macule : A temporary red area that is the result of a healing lesions. When macules are massed in an area they make the skin look an angry red.
Nodule : These are large, solid and often painful skin lesions that are buried deep in the skin layers.
Papules : Small, tender pink bumps on the skin.
Pustules : Also called pimples, pustules are inflamed, pus-filled comedones, often red around their edges.
Prevention and Remedies for Acne
Acne prevention is a bit of a misnomer if it implies there%26#039;s a cure. There isn%26#039;t. Acne prevention actually means preventing outbreaks, and there%26#039;s plenty you can do to avoid the recurring pimple. Outbreak prevention covers a wide range: from the day-to-day preventive measures you can take to the acne products and remedies on the market.
Follow a gentle approach. Wash gently, and dab your skin clean. You%26#039;re trying to remove excess oil produced by your skin pores; scrubbing hard will actually force the oil and dead skin cells back into the pores. You can use the assorted acne products that clean the skin, but avoid those products that claim to dry out your skin. Your skin needs moisture and, without it, your pores just produce even more oil.
Avoid Hand-to-Hand Combat
It%26#039;s so tempting to roll up your sleeves and take the battle to the pimple, squeezing it into submission. Trouble is, picking and squeezing zits often leads to more problems: you spread the infection over the surrounding area when the zit bursts, and you can even wind up with scarring. Best to avoid mixing it up with your little pustular foes (even if they are asking for it).
Acne Cure Products
All manner of products are on the market, some of them better than others. You should avoid anything too harsh or invasive (cheap blackhead extractors, for instance). Some treatments claim to work directly on the pimple, but the best products are the ones that treat the entire face. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for their recommendations.
How to get rid of blackheads?
Step 1 - Cleanse the face thoroughly with a good cleanser meant for oily skin. Preferrably use a salicylic acid cleanser such as this one, Joey NY Pure Pores Cleansing Gel to get rid of blackheads
Step 2 - Apply an astringent. It helps reduce oiliness. If its a bit harsh mix a bit of rose water in it.
Step 3 - Apply a good quality medicated cream or gel containing resorcinol, salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. This helps is soaking the oil and helps in peeling away the blackheads. You can get creams or gels of Benzoyl Peroxide treating blackheads If benzoyl peroxide leaves your skin dry, apply an oil-free moisturizer after 10 mins of applying benzoyl peroxide.
A drug named %26quot; adapalene %26quot; does wonder in reducing the blackhead formation by stimulation of skin growth through modulation of cellular differentiation and keratinization of follicular epithelial cells, i.e. it encourages skin peeling. (However, adapalene is mainly used to treat acne vulgaris by assisting in keeping skin pores clear.)
Apply a thin film of adapalene gel once daily before bedtime. Its mainly available in the form of %26quot;Differin%26quot;. You can get differin here Its highly recommended! A word of caution though, adapalene can increase the sensitivity of skin to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, so prolonged exposure should be avoided by judicious use of sunscreens and protective clothing.
Following this routine, in a matter of days you will be getting rid of blackheads.
Effective Tips to get rid of blackheads
Exfoliate the blackhead prone area 3-4 times a week using facial exfoliators and scrubs. Here is a good SCRUB for you to help you to get rid of blackheads
Use creams containing AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Fruit acids) like glyco-creams that will clear away any dead skin cells and %26quot;expose%26quot; the blackhead. Use the AHA%26#039;s every 3 days or so.
Keep your hair away from your face. Greasy hair and skin go together, and hair can spread infection.
Sunshine or ultra-violet light encourages skin peeling, and so helps to clear blocked pores. So sunbathing or use of sun-beds in moderation can be helpful.
Avoid washing the face with soaps more than twice a day.
Instead wash your face often with plain water splashes.
Often use a mask with a clay base such as ZIRH%26#039;s Clay Mask
If blackheads look ready to pop out, you could try removing them gently by using a blackhead extractor. This is a neat little instrument with a hole at one end, available from chemists. Pressure around the blackhead helps it to pop out through the hole. Also, Pore cleanser strips (blackhead extractor) for removal of blackheads. are highly recommended for the treatment/removal of blackheads. Using them once per week will leave your pores cleaner and smaller.
Otherwise use your fingers. Steam your face first to soften both the skin and the material blocking the pores. Then wrap the fingers in tissues and gently roll against either side of the blackhead. If it won%26#039;t budge easily, leave well alone, as too much pressure will bruise and break the skin, making your face red and blotchy for days to come, and possibly leaving tiny broken veins. Finish by applying a medicated cream to the empty pore.
Only ever squeeze a spot with a definite head that looks about to burst - pressure on an unready infected spot spreads bacteria below the skin%26#039;s surface, infecting the surrounding tissue. Bad spots need a doctor%26#039;s advice, and he may suggest antibiotic or even hormone therapy.|||I found these tips for u . Follow them and do let me know if they worked on your skin. i%26#039;m sure they will!
AND THATS THE NTH TIME IM ANSWERING THIS . HE HE
1. Put toothpaste on your pimple before you go to bed, should help reduce swelling overnight. Make sure it is the paste not the gel. One of the most popular acne home remedies.
2. Wash your face twice a day in warm salty water. This should leave your face oil free without aggravating the acne.
3. Apply a paste of fresh methi (fenugreek) leaves over the face every night for 10-15 minutes and washed with warm water. This will prevent acne, pimples, blackheads, and wrinkles.
4. Place strawberry leaves on the acne, the alkalinity helps to reduce the swelling.
5. Extract juice of one lemon and mix with equal quantity of rose water. Apply this mixture on the face and let it stay for about half an hour. Wash the face with fresh water. About 15 days application helps cure acne, pimples and reduces blemishes and scars.
6. Another method is to massage the face with the skin of lemon before washing with lukewarm water.
7. Apply fresh mint juice over the face every night for the treatment of acne, pimples, insect stings, eczema, scabies, %26amp; other skin infections.
8. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. At least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables should be included in your diet. All acne home remedies should include a healthy diet.
9. A couple of garlic cloves, crushed and dabbed on the face 1-2 times a day. One of the smellier acne home remedies!
10. Home face wash for acne: Mix together 1 or 2mls each of the following: witch hazel, tea-tree and sweet fennel essential oils, adding essential oil of geranium for women and essential oil of rosewood for men. Mix with 300mls of water. Shake before use, as the oils will float on top of the water during storage. Dab affected areas with cotton wool two or three times a day. The oils will clean and unclog giving antibiotic-like protection to the skin.
11. Apply fresh lemon juice on the affected area overnight. Wash off with warm water next morning.
12. Use 2-3 tsp. dried basil leaves to 1 cup boiling water. Steep 10-20 minutes. Cool, and apply with cotton ball.
13. Grind orange peel with some water to a paste and apply on affected parts. One of the best acne home remedies.
14. Clean face with cotton wool dipped in rose water 2-3 times a day.
15. Mix 1 teaspoon lemon juice in 1 teaspoon finely ground cinnamon powder and apply on affected areas frequently.
16. Nettle Tea is another solution, this tea has a herb that has some curing power and really helps work wonders on skin problems. Drink four cups a day to get the full benefit of one of the most powerful acne home remedies. Get nettle products here.
17. Aloe Vera juice applied twice a day can greatly speed up the healing of acne lesions. You can buy Aloe Vera at vitacost.com
18. Another lotion that uses bee propolis extract may also be effective. Mix eight ounces of water and 11 drops of bee propolis extract. One of the acne home remedies which has been proven effective with many people.
19. Some herbal acne home remedies...
Burdock leaf tea.
Lavender essential oil (mix 1:10 with water)
Tincture of calendula flowers.
Tea tree essential oil (mix 1:10 with water)
Liquefy cabbage leaves with witch hazel, strain and add two drops of lemon oil. Use as a lotion.
20. Ice down the acne before bed, by morning it should be noticeably less swollen. Works best on larger pimples that have not yet formed a head.
21. Take vitamin B5 and zinc supplements daily to strengthen the skin%26#039;s resistance to acne.
22. Mix mint juice with turmeric powder and apply on affected area. Leave for 15-30 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.
23. Mix some vinegar and salt in a bowl. Pour a little bit in your hand and rub it on the pimples. Soak a face towel in it and dab it on the bumps. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and rinse it off.
24. Blend cucumber and make a paste. Apply this as a mask on your face and leave it for 1/2 hour and then rinse. This refreshes your skin and prevents acne.
25. Mix corn flour with egg white and apply on your face. Let is dry completely for 1/2 hour. Dip your hands in warm water and massage your face and wash off. This when repeated regularly gives you a smooth skin.
26. Mix sandalwood paste with rosewater and apply on the face. Rinse off after 30 minutes.
27. Essential oil face mask for acne: Use a mask base powder, such as fuller%26#039;s earth or kaolin powder. Use distilled or filtered water to make a paste. Mix 1 heaped teaspoon of base powder to 3 drops of essential oil. Add approximately 2 tablespoons of the water in, to make a fluid yet balanced paste. Essential oils to add in the mask either separately or try smaller amounts together; cypress oil 1 drop, lemon oil 2 drops, sage oil 1 drop.
28. Mix the paste of tender neem leaves with turmeric and apply of affected area. An eastern approach to acne home remedies.
29. Grind some nutmeg with milk and apply on affected area. Pimples disappear like magic without leaving a mark.
30. Make a mixture of lime juice and rose water. Apply on face and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.
31. Make a paste by mixing 3 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. Repeat for two weeks, pimples will disappear forever.
32. Rub fresh garlic on and around pimples. Pimples will disappear without a mark with regular applications.
33. Mix 1 tsps groundnut oil with 1 tspn fresh lime juice to prevent formation of blackheads and pimples .
34. Ground drumstick pods and leaves and mix mixed with fresh lime juice, and apply on pimples. This is also good for blackheads and dark spots.
35. First wash face and then dab acne with cotton balls soaked in vinegar.
36. Mix groundnut oil with an equal amtount of fresh lime juice and apply on face. leave for 10-15 minutes and wash. It may be applied daily to prevent formation of blackheads, acne and pimples.
37. Apply juice of raw papaya (including the skin and seed) on swelling acne, pimples.
38. Apply fresh lime juice mixed to a glass of boiled milk as a face wash for acne, pimples, blackheads, and cracked skin.
39. Apply ripe Tomatoes pulp on acne, pimples and kept upto 1 hour, then wash.
40. Make a paste of roasted %26amp; powdered pomgranate skin with fresh lime juice and apply over acne, boils, pimple, blackheads and whiteheads.
41. Apply grated potatoes as poultice to treat skin blemishes, wrinkles, boils, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads , etc.
42. Make a paste of ground radish seeds with water and apply on face to remove blackheads.
43. Apply a paste of ground seasame seeds with water as poultice for inflammation of the skin due to allergies, skin rashes, and pimples.
44. Large pores on facial skin can be treated with paste of sandalwood powder with masoor dal.
45. Use an oatmeal or almond mask throughly to cleanse your face. Mix either oatmeal or almond powder with enough rose water to make a soft paste that spreads easily on the skin. Rub it on your skin with your fingertips, paying special attention the problem areas. Leave to dry for about 15 minutes and then rinse off with cold water. This is very good in getting rid of blackheads.
46. A solution made out of one and a half cups of hot water and half a tablespoon of boric powder is an ideal remedy for blackheads, Saturate a face napkin in this hot solution and press on to the skin, repeat twice. Extract blackheads carefully with a blackhead remover and sterilized cottonwool. Pat on an astrigent.
47. Honey is a great remedy for skin blemishes and acne because the honey kills bacteria.
These are some effective home remedies for the treatment of acne and blackheads.|||I%26#039;ve tried so many products in my life and finally found something that works for me. My doctor prescribed Clindamycin and it works for me-maybe it would for you.|||Hey lots of ppl will say Proactiv - it%26#039;s worked pretty well for me but i know half the battle is what you eat too. Here%26#039;s some more things that are tried and true to help your skin stay clear: Try taking zinc supplements, beta-carotene, and vitamin B-100 supplements, especially with B-2. they%26#039;ll help clear you up, so will the book %26quot;the Acne Solution%26quot; by Nicholas Perricone M.D., he recommends all the foods that will help clear you up, you can find his books at the library..good luck. :)|||use clean towel and hot boiling water. squeez the towel and put it on ur face or apricot scrub
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