Acne Facts and Helpful Tips

 

It's a fact; acne affects all of us at one time or another. Whether a single blemish or a full face of multiple lesions, it's all classified as acne. Acne is a chronic condition that affects people of all ages and skin types. Though incurable, it can be managed and controlled with a commitment to proper topical skincare, good nutritional habits and lifestyle modifications.

 

~ FACT: Acne is Caused by Three Primary Factors:
1. Excess Stratum Corneum-dead surface skin cells build up, clump together, and clog the pores.
2. Sebum (oil)-increased sebum production is influenced by androgen hormones.
3. Propionibacterium or P-Acnes Bacteria-interaction with sebum causes the pore walls to become irritated and inflammation results.

Look for products with these Acne fighting ingredients:
1. Salicylic and Glycolic Acid, and Retinol to exfoliate and remove surface skin cells.
2. Professional facial exfoliation treatments with fruit enzymes.
3. Hydrogen peroxide to reduce bacteria without drying out the skin.

 

~ FACT: Acne Can Affect All Ages:
1. Teenage Acne: occurs through puberty as hormone levels surge.
2. Adult Acne: commonly seen in the mid-20's and 30's and can be caused by stress. When stress occurs, adrenaline in the body stimulates the sebaceous glands, resulting in increased oil production.
3. Hormonal Acne: occurs from the mid-30's and beyond as hormonal levels in the body start to decline.

 

~ FACT: Eat Healthy and Take Nutritional Supplements:
- Vitamin A to support normal cell production
- Lecithin to strengthen cell walls
- Essential Fatty Acids to promote cellular water
- Yellow Dock and Burdock Root to support clear skin
- Zinc helps to reduce redness and irritation associated with acne

Topical skincare addresses approximately 20% of the skin, the outermost layer. The remaining 80%, the inner layer, is best treated with an internal approach utilizing foods and/or dietary supplements.

An appropriate topical regimen and nutritional program are two key elements for clear skin. The final step is to reduce stress. Having a professional facial or a relaxing spa service nurtures the body and the mind, which is necessary for achieving truly healthy skin.