How To Get Rid Of Acne

How To Get Rid Of Acne Easily

To actually get rid of acne, we must first understand exactly what it is and how it is caused. It is this simple step that is often overlooked by many people.

Acne is a name that is used to describe the appearance of multiple spots, pimples and other unsightly blemishes that can appear around the face, chin, neck, back and chest of sufferers.Although older people can get it, acne is most common in teenagers who are just reaching adolesence.

It is caused when the skin's sebacious glands get blocked by either producing too much sebum (the natural oil/wax that protects the skin & hair) or when an increase in androgens (a male sex hormone) irritates these glands, causing them to swell and narrow. This results in the glands getting clogged up with sebum and other pollution (such as skin flakes, dirt and bacteria). When the glands clog up, they swell, and a small infection occurs, which we commonly know as spots or pimples.

The Main Contributor

Now that we know how acne is actually formed, we can now discuss how to avoid it.

The main contributor towards acne is a male sex hormone called Androgens. During puberty, the production of androgens is increased in both males and females. It is a natural process that cannot be avoided. These hormones can sometimes irritate the sebacious glands on the skin, and cause them to narrow. The hormone also increases the natural production of sebum, the oily/waxy moisturiser that is used to protect the skin and hair. The combined effect this has is that the narrowing of the glands and the increased amount of sebum causes the glands to swell up into a spot.

How to combat it

There is no way of stopping the production of androgens. However, you can use these simple but effective methods to either reduce the appearance of acne or stop it from getting any worse.

Wash effectively, twice a day. There is no need to wash any more than that. Once in the morning, and once at night. Use a normal soap, and do not scrub. Scrubbing excessivly will simply irritate the skin and either cause it to spread, or it will break the skin and cause scarring which will never go away. Many people also believe that oily skin can cause acne. This is not true. The skin needs to be oiled/moisturised in order to stay healthy and protected. In fact, dry skin is more likely to cause acne. The skin will register the fact it is dry, and will produce more sebum, which will only clog up the pores.

Do not pop or squeeze the spots. As above, this will either irritate it and cause it to spread, or it will cause scarring.

Other Contributors

Chemicals used in various soaps, make up and other cosmetics are also absorbed by the skin. These chemicals are usually flushed out of the system through the pores on the skin (sebacious glands). When someone is suffering from acne, these glands are obviously blocked, which means these chemicals have no way of getting out. These chemicals build up inside the skin and also contribute to the blockages.

How to avoid this

Avoid using make up or other oily substances. If this cannot be avoided, use only water-based products. Also, make sure your hair doesn't stay in contact with your face.

Can My Diet Affect My Condition?

In a word, yes.

It has been proven that people suffering with acne usually have very low levels of Vitamin A in their blood. Vitamin B6 is also a vital link that is usually weak/broken. A diet high in Zinc is also said to contribute to the recovery of acne.

A quick search on Google will uncover a whole list of foods that include Vitamin A, but as a guideline, eat plenty of green, leafy vegetables, such as broccoli or spinach.

For Vitamin B6, choose fruits that are orange or yellow. Great examples are peaches, mangoes and apricots. Who says diets are bad?

Eat plenty of brazil nuts as a snack, too. They contain huge amounts of Zinc that will help keep your skin healthy.