What is Acne?
Acne (also known as comedonal acne or acne vulgaris) is a skin condition that is directly caused by excess clogging in skin pores. These clogged pores trigger the production of excess skin oil or sebum which then collects bacteria which irritates the skin and creates what are known as blackheads and whiteheads.
Acne most often occurs in younger people in their teens but adult acne is also common. Though not a life threatening condition, it can lead to permanent scarring when severe symptoms occur (cystic acne or acne vulgaris).
The Four Main Causes of Acne
1. Excess oil (sebum) in the skin. This occurs with overactive sebaceous glands, the structures near the root of hair follicles that are responsible for keeping the skin from drying out. These glands produce sebum and secrete it through the pores in the skin. When there is a clogged pore, skin issues such as acne can appear (also known as pimples or acne breakouts).
2. Excess shedding of skin cells. Also known as exfoliation, shedding of dead skin cells is a natural occurrence in the body. However, some skin and environmental conditions can cause this process to accelerate. These cells, if not removed properly can accumulate, clog pores and invite the presence of acne bacteria.
3. Hormone Levels. The group of hormones known as androgens (testosterone, DHEA). These hormones stimulate the production of sebum in the skin. When levels of these androgens in the body are elevated, more oil is produced and combined with dead skin cells resulting in blocked pores. Many women may notice and increase in breakouts during their period. This is usually caused by high levels of the hormone testosterone.
4. Bacteria. Acne bacteria (staphylococcus) thrives around clogged pores where the skin is moist and weakened by irritation. This bacteria is present on most people's skin living off of fatty acids in the skin's sebaceous glands. This bacteria produces chemicals that can break down the pores in the skin and result in lesions.
Cystic Acne (nodulocystic acne)
This is a form of inflammatory acne that creates nodules on the skin. cystic acne is rarer than other forms of the disease and can occur anywhere on the body but usually appears on the face, back, shoulders and chest. The first signs of cystic acne include painful pimples that become more irritated over time. If not treated effectively, cystic acne lesions can result in scarring of the skin. These scars can be quite pronounced and require advanced acne treatment such as skin resurfacing or peeling to correct.
A natural astringent can be made using water, yarrow and teat tree essential oil. Simply mix about 2 tsp of dried yarrow with hot water and 1 tsp of tea tree oil. Use a cotton ball to apply.