In addition to the cures for acne, it’s great to know how to prevent it.
While its exact cause is unknown, doctors think its related to several factors especially androgen (or the male sex hormone). Androgen is amped up in the teen years and causes the sebaceous glands to get larger and make more sebum. Changes related to pregnancy and starting or stopping birth control can also lead to acne.
Another big factor is heredity or genetics. Certain drugs may also contribute to acne as well as oily cosmetic products.
Factors that can make acne worse are:
* Changing hormone levels in adolescent girls and adult women 2 to 7 days before their menstrual period starts
* Oil from skin products (moisturizers or cosmetics) or grease encountered in the work environment (for example, a kitchen with fry vats)
* Pressure from sports helmets or equipment, backpacks, tight collars, or tight sports uniforms
* Environmental irritants, such as pollution and high humidity
* Squeezing or picking at blemishes
* Hard scrubbing of the skin
* Stress.
OTC treatments can be used for mild acne. Each works a little differently. Following are the most common ones:
* Benzoyl peroxide – destroys P. acnes, and may also reduce oil production
* Resorcinol – can help break down blackheads and whiteheads
* Salicylic acid – helps break down blackheads and whiteheads. Also helps cut down the shedding of cells lining the hair follicles
* Sulfur – helps break down blackheads and whiteheads.
Here’s the rundown on topical treatments.
* Antibiotics – help stop or slow the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation
* Vitamin A derivatives (retinoids) – unplug existing comedones (plural of comedo), allowing other topical medicines, such as antibiotics, to enter the follicles. Some may also help decrease the formation of comedones. These drugs contain an altered form of vitamin A. Some examples are tretinoin (Retin-A2), adapalene (Differin), and tazarotene (Tazorac)
* Others – may destroy P. acnes and reduce oil production or help stop or slow the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation. Some examples are prescription strength Benzoyl peroxide, sodium sulfacetamide/sulfur-containing products, or Azelaic acid (Azelex).
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In addition to the cures for acne, it’s great to know how to prevent it.
While its exact cause is unknown, doctors think its related to several factors especially androgen (or the male sex hormone). Androgen is amped up in the teen years and causes the sebaceous glands to get larger and make more sebum. Changes related to pregnancy and starting or stopping birth control can also lead to acne.
Another big factor is heredity or genetics. Certain drugs may also contribute to acne as well as oily cosmetic products.
Factors that can make acne worse are:
* Changing hormone levels in adolescent girls and adult women 2 to 7 days before their menstrual period starts
* Oil from skin products (moisturizers or cosmetics) or grease encountered in the work environment (for example, a kitchen with fry vats)
* Pressure from sports helmets or equipment, backpacks, tight collars, or tight sports uniforms
* Environmental irritants, such as pollution and high humidity
* Squeezing or picking at blemishes
* Hard scrubbing of the skin
* Stress.
OTC treatments can be used for mild acne. Each works a little differently. Following are the most common ones:
* Benzoyl peroxide – destroys P. acnes, and may also reduce oil production
* Resorcinol – can help break down blackheads and whiteheads
* Salicylic acid – helps break down blackheads and whiteheads. Also helps cut down the shedding of cells lining the hair follicles
* Sulfur – helps break down blackheads and whiteheads.
Here’s the rundown on topical treatments.
* Antibiotics – help stop or slow the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation
* Vitamin A derivatives (retinoids) – unplug existing comedones (plural of comedo), allowing other topical medicines, such as antibiotics, to enter the follicles. Some may also help decrease the formation of comedones. These drugs contain an altered form of vitamin A. Some examples are tretinoin (Retin-A2), adapalene (Differin), and tazarotene (Tazorac)
* Others – may destroy P. acnes and reduce oil production or help stop or slow the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation. Some examples are prescription strength Benzoyl peroxide, sodium sulfacetamide/sulfur-containing products, or Azelaic acid (Azelex).
(Source: National Institutes of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
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August 19, 2008 - 8:05amThis Comment
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