Acne Diet: How Is Acne Caused?

Many people look to an acne diet as a solution to their acne problems. However, before anything else, what exactly is acne and how is it caused?

Acne is a condition of the skin that causes the formation of the blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed red growths such as cysts, papules and pustules in the skin. These are more commonly known as pimples or zits.

Causes

The occurrence of acne can be attributed to the clogging of one’s pores or the tiny holes found on the surface of the skin. In every pore there is an opening to a follicle and these follicles contain an oil gland and a hair. These oil glands assist in lubrication of the skin and the removal of dead or old skin cells. When there is an overproduction of oil by the glands, blockage occurs in the pores. This causes a build up of bacteria, debris, dirt and inflammatory cells.

The build up or blockage is called a comedone or a plug. The top of the plug may turn out to be either white or black. If it is the former, it turns into a whitehead. If it is the latter, it is a blackhead. Should the plug break open, red bumps will form as a result of the swelling of the material inside. If the inflammation runs deep into the skin, the pimples may enlarge to form cysts that may be painful.

Contrary to popular belief, acne is not a problem caused by bacteria but by inflammation and swelling. It occurs most commonly amongst teenagers but can occur at any age, even in an infant. Statistics show that three out of four teenagers have some form of acne. Changes in one’s hormones also cause increased oil production in the skin but again, even people in their 30’s and 40’s are not exempt from being afflicted with acne. Your acne diet can have a big influence too.

The acne problem tends to be a hereditary problem and can be triggered by:

• High levels of sweating and humidity
• Certain types of drugs (e.g. oestrogen, phenytoin, testosterone and steroids)
• Hormonal changes from pregnancy, stress, menstrual periods or the use of birth control pills
• Greasy hair products and pore-clogging cosmetic products

Symptoms

While it is more common for acne to appear on a person’s face and shoulders, it is also possible for it occur on the arms, back, legs and buttocks.

• Scarring of the skin
• Blackheads
• Whiteheads
• Crusting of skin bumps
• Redness around skin eruption
• Cysts

• Pustules
• Papules

Signs and Tests

While a qualified physician or medical practitioner can perform the job of diagnosing acne, testing is not usually required as acne is normally distinguishable at face value, so to speak.

Treatment

Get in the habit of cleansing your face with a gentle, non-drying soap such as Cetaphil, Dove or any other unscented mild soap or facial cleanser. Thoroughly remove all make-up and dirt on your face. While it is important to wash your face at least twice a day (especially after sweating profusely), be sure not to scrub too roughly or wash your face more often than that as this may do more harm than good for your face.

Wash your hair with a mild shampoo daily. This is especially important if your hair tends to become oily. If your hair is long, make sure to pull it back to keep it out of your face.

Consider a decent acne diet that inlude a good blend of the right foods proven to reduce the breakouts associated with acne.

Do not:

Attempt to pick, squeeze, rub or scratch your pimples. While it may seem like the quicker solution, it can eventually lead to scarring and skin infections, leaving you with a bigger problem than what you started out with.

Wear tight-fitting headbands, hats or other caps.

Touch your face with your hands or fingers especially if you know they are dirty.

Use greasy hair products and oily cosmetic products. Be sure to horoughly remove all make-up on your face before going to bed. Purchase water-based or noncomedogenic facial products. Noncomedogenic products have been tested over time and proven not to clog pores and cause acne.

Should these measures prove to be futile in clearing up the blemishes, try using over-the-counter acne medications. These may be applied directly to one’s skin.

Over-the-counter acne medications typically contain resorcinol, sulphur, salicylic acid or benzyl peroxide.

They work by causing peeling on the top layer of skin, drying up skin oils and killing bacteria.

It is normal for redness to occur as a result of using these medications.

Expectations (Prognosis)

While acne usually disappears after the adolescent stage, it is possible for it to remain through middle age. The condition normally responds to treatment after six to eight weeks but it may recur or flare up once in awhile.

Acne Diet:

While there is no solid evidence confirming the popular beliefs that chocolate, nuts and other greasy foods cause acne, research shows that diets that are high in refined sugars may be a probable culprit for people who are experiencing acne problems. Therefore, it is necessary to thoroughly research into a good acne diet rather than leaving things to chance. In any case, it is advisable that one do proper and sufficient research before embarking on just any  so-called acne diet.

Good Luck With Your Acne Diet!

Incoming search terms:

• how is it caused
• what is acne and how is it caused