Find Charge Of Your Bad Skin
There are many varieties of acne and many different treatment plans. Technically called acne vulgaris, this skin disease affects millions of Americans annually. Nearly 85% of people develop acne at some time between the ages of 12-25 years.Almost everyone suffers from outbreaks of pimples at some point in life, making acne one of the most common skin disorders. Understanding the facts about acne may be the first step towards finding a successful acne treatment and controlling your acne.Many teenagers outgrow their acne, but it is common for some women to need treatment into their late thirties.What Causes Acne?No one knows for sure exactly what causes acne, or why it usually begins in adolescence. Since the medical knowledge about acne is still relatively small, many misconceptions and rumors about what causes acne exists. No one factor causes acne.Acne lesions develop in the oil-producing structures of the skin called pilosebaceous follicles. Oil secretions build up beneath the blocked pore, providing a perfect environment for the skin bacteria Propionibacterium acnes to multiply uncontrolled. For unknown reasons skin cells of acne patients stick together in the pore (this may be made worse by grease, pomades, makeup, etc.).Deeper still acne causes cysts which are the worst form of acne and carry the possibility of permanent scarring. Genetics also play a role in the development of acne and thus there is a tendency for the skin disease to run in families.There are other skin disorders that may resemble acne, but are unrelated.Acne and BacteriaPimples are often caused by Propionebacterium acnes, a common bacterium on the skin that feeds on sebum. The bacteria cause the surrounding tissues to become inflamed and acne is formed. The acne bacteria feeds off this mixture which leads to inflamed conditions.Acne-causing bacteria are anaerobic, meaning they cannot survive in an oxygenated environment. Bacteria called Corynebacterium acnes, which cause skin fats to break down into irritating chemicals, can also directly contribute to an outbreak.Acne in TeenagersDue to the hormonal changes they experience, teenagers are more likely to develop acne. Most teens who develop acne have the milder form, called non- inflammatory acne. Hormonal disorders can complicate acne in girls.If are a teenager and you have acne, you have a lot of company. About 80 percent of all teenagers develop acne, but the disease may also start as late as age 25 or 30, particularly in women.Acne in AdultsJust when you thought your “bad skin” days were over, adult acne strikes. Just when you’ve successfully navigated the ravages of adolescence on your skin, you wake up and find acne.There are various causes of adult acne. The new trend in medical circles is to discuss acne as a hormonal imbalance. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy or menstrual periods can cause or contribute to acne. Also, hormonal changes related to starting or stopping birth control pills can also cause acne. Excess emotional strain on the body can contribute to hormonal changes that have been known to cause acne as well.Adult acne is different from teenage acne and therefore your treatment approach should be different.Severe AcneBoys have more severe acne and develop it more often than girls. Severe acne can cause scars which will never disappear. All but the most severe grades of acne are controllable although not