Acne breakouts are very distressing especially if the breakout is totally visible and covers the whole area of the face as opposed to a localised area. The T-Zone area of the face in other words the forehead nose and chin are typically the areas most affected. Visible imperfections are hard to deal with especially for impressionable and easily influenced adolescents trying to impress the opposite gender.


What are the signs of acne?

Acne Vulgaris is the medical name for acne. Acne is seen as small pink coloured bumps under the surface of the skin. White heads and black heads on the nose and chin are very common. Acne is more common in adolescents because of the increase in hormonal levels and reoccurring fluctuation’s the body over produces sebum which is basically oil on to the skin clogging pores and blocking the hair follicle which leads in turn to bacteria in conjunction with dead skin cells.


Sebum is necessary for naturally oiling the skin the problems occur when the oil is in excessive and over oils the skin. Follicle cells act as the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. 1 in 20 people at some time in their lives will be affected by an acne breakout. The typical age for acne breakouts is between the ages of 13 and 23. Teenage boys are more prone to severe acne breakouts because of the high levels of androgen or (male hormones). The T-Zone is the most common are of the face and indeed the body to be effected unfortunately.


For the majority of people acne is a fleeting nuisance and will disappear with age, however for some it is a constant battle because of heredity or hormonal imbalances. Adult acne is quite common and as our mums would say it is all down to environmental factors and dietary choices. How often have you heard your mum say” I was never over weight” or” I never had acne problems” this could have something to do with their healthier diet lack of processed foods, and lack of caffeine and alcohol drinks we consume today.


Dead skin cells will die away as this is the natural process for most but for some this process doesn’t happen quite as frequently. When dead skin cells are clogging up the pores this is where the bacteria builds up. Bacteria build up lasts for about 2 weeks and the body’s way of getting rid of the bacteria is to push the bacteria through the skin. The body’s natural immune system fights the build up of bacteria unless the body’s immune system is lowered for dietary reasons or because of illness or medication. People who have had abdominal surgical procedures can develop gastrointestinal infections which in turn can affect the skin



The Social Reclusiveness of Acne

For adolescents especially the social stigma of acne is very distressing. Severe acne and inflamed acne especially on the face is upsetting for both teenage girls and boys alike. The social awareness of the perception of the perfect body and the perfect skin and hair etc, is what makes it more difficult for teenagers to accept the fact that no body is perfect. The media and magazines are full of air brushed perfect teenage pop idols and actors and actresses from the latest high school T.V programme.


The aspiration for the perfect image is all but impossible when you realise most of these pictures are air brushed and falsified. The majority of teenagers will have breakout at some point no matter how famous they are or how popular or how well they look after themselves. The problem with severe acne is than scarring of the skin because of “Pockmarks” “Icepick marks “these are holes or dents in the skin where the acne has left an indentation and usually hyper pigmentation marks as well.


Acne is not a serious illness by any means but it can have severe physiological effects and lead to social exclusion and reclusive feelings where the person effected doesn’t want to be seen in public or mix socially. Teenagers can be cruel without realising it and as a teenager with acne you’re not always equipped to deal with the emotional stress or hurtful remarks. As an adult with acne you will probably have formed a relationship and be emotionally equipped to deal with the emotional effects of severe acne. Teenagers are just starting their lives and their relationships and cruelly acne strikes at this time.



Acne and Facial Skin Care

1) It is important not to strip the skin of the natural oils which in turn will encourage excess sebum to be excreted onto the skin. Over drying the skin with astringent cleansers toners and scrubs will dry irritate and dry the skin. It is important not to wash the face with hot water as apposed to tepid as this will upset the capillaries and redden the skin. Soap that is not specially medicated or is not sensitive will dry and tighten the skin especially the normal areas of the skin if the skin is combination. OTC products with Benzyl Peroxide or Salicylic acid will help to diminish oil kill bacteria and buff dead skin cells.



2) Squeezing or popping can spread inflamed cystic or nodular acne will push the bacteria further into the lower layers of the skin causing deeper damage as well as damaging the surface layers of the skin. Squeezing or popping Zits or spots will unleash the bacteria to other areas of the skin that otherwise would not be affected. Also bacteria on the finger tips will spread the bacteria to other areas of the face or body will be detrimental. Cystic or nodular acne is very painful and squeezing or popping the sore will not ease the problem as the bacteria tend to be deep in the layers of the skin. The bacterial spread of the
breakout will be larger and the infection time will be prolonged further by squeezing. Infected or inflamed acne is more likely to cause permanent scarring to the skin.


3) Covering the effected area with waterproof plasters especially the inflamed sores will stop scratching and lessen the spread of the infection. Also when showering and scrubbing or rubbing with a towel the infected areas of the skin will be protected. Touching the infected areas of the skin is less likely if the area is covered. Of course if the face is affected you cannot apply plasters but you can try not to touch or scratch the area.


4) Keeping accessories like phones touches and MP3players away from the infected areas of the face is important. Hats earmuffs scarves hair accessories can come in contact with affected areas of the skin. The face is not just the typical areas of the body to be effected so it is important to keep the skin aerated and breathable so tight fitting clothes are not good for infected skin as the rubbing will spread the infection. The pores will need to breath and not become sweaty which in itself can cause acne.


5) It is important to keep the skin protected by a high sunscreen to protect against dangerous UV rays and keep infected skin safe. A tan may slightly disguise or dry up a skin problem but it is not recommended as the Vitamin C derived from the sun rays can be introduced through a health diet of vegetables and fruit or with supplements. Keeping your face of out of the sun will prevent premature ageing and will limit the build up of pigmentation marks and freckles. Sun exposure will dry up the skin and cause wrinkles and roughness and an uneven skin tone.


6) It is important to keep up your cleansing regime until after the acne problem has diminished. OTC, medical and herbal remedies for acne will take some time to take effect so be patient and open minded. It is important to get good advice and not self diagnose your self. The correct treatment for your type of acne is very important so get the advice of a dermatologist. Don’t use harsh products or over scrub wash or dry the skin with products that are detrimental to your skin. If you have sensitive skin it is important to get non irritant and non perfumed products.


7) Eating a healthy balanced diet of fresh fruit, vegetables poultry and fish will benefit the skin. Antioxidants that flush out toxins from the body are important. Finding out if you have a nutrient or vitamin deficiency is important as most of skin related problem can be directly linked to the liver and vitamin and mineral deficiencies that are vital for immunity proper functioning of the liver and the detoxification of the body.


8) Drinking plenty of water will flush the body of toxins and keep the ph balance right. Getting at least6 to 7 hours sleep at night and learning relaxing therapies will keep the body distressed and able to fight against infection. Blood deficiencies will result in skin abscesses and parasitic infection so it is important to keep Iron levels replenished.


9) It is important to discover that type of skin you have whether combination to normal normal to oily etc. sometimes the areas of the face effected are the chin and the forehead so it is important not to use the product on the whole of the face. Sensitive products that won’t irritate the skin that won’t cost the earth are important for cleansing the pores skin deep. Combination cleansers toners and moisturizers are important for combination skin.


10) The forehead can be affected by using hair products like conditioner gels and hairsprays. The good thing about those with oily skin is that they will age well and have fewer wrinkles. Blotting the oily parts of the faces as well as cleansing twice daily will prevent excess oil build up. Touching the areas of the face like the chin mouth forehead will spread the bacteria so make a conscious decision not to do it. Keeping nails short will prevent scratching and the spreading of the bacteria.



Hormonal fluctuation in women during menstruation, pregnancy Or menopause so it is important to get to know the trigger factors before they take hold of your skin. Eat foods plentiful in Iron and Vitamin C before the onset of hormonal imbalances. Eat a health low salt, fat low saturated as well as low in sugar by eating complex carbohydrates with a low Glycemic index that release the energy slowly to keep insulin levels at a level and keep hunger at bay preventing snacking on high sugar or fatty foods.


It is important to keep to a level of hygiene that will not exacerbate the problem washing the face and hands keeping the hair off the face and not allowing greasy hair to touch the face. Applying makeup to the face without the fingers and using non comedegenic or (non- pore clogging) products are important. Oil free makes up and non greasy lotions or topical creams are important. It is important to keep your hands clean with an antibacterial lotion is very important. Simple cleansing and hygiene regimes are very important.


It is good to do your research and get to be the expert in term of what works for your type of acne whether hormonal, environmental, hereditary or dietary. Don’t risk using products that might make the problem worse. Find a skin specialist that is trained in the skin primarily. Cosmetic products and procedures can be expensive and not all are effective so it is important to get the best advice for your problems as well as subsequent scarring.


The main problem with acne generally is the aftermath in terms of skin scarring this is quite difficult to solve as the skin damage can be deep in the skin tissue. Skin discoloration or pigmentaaation is often a common problem that goes hand in hand with scarring. Get several opinions from trained professionals and choose the best one for you. Shop around for the best websites that offer discounted prices on acne products and procedures. Be careful with the skin especially the face as procedures that promise to rejuvenate the skin. It is important to be realistic about the end results. Dealing with the inner and outer body is important.