Understanding Acne ...Part 1
FACT: Acne and pimples is one of a teenagers worst nightmares, affecting more than 85% of the teenage population.
What is acne? In a simple explanation, "Acne" is the result of hair follicles and pores that become clogged with debris comprised of dead skin cells and oil. The most common form of acne is known as "acne vulgaris" . More common to teens this type of acne can also affect adults. The most common area affected is the face followed by the back, shoulders and chest.
Why do some people get acne and some do not? Although, much research and studies have been conducted in this field, no one knows for sure why one person gets acne and another person doesn't. There are many reasons that have been passed down through the years from types of foods that people eat to hereditery conditions such as hormonal imbalances. Id like to outline the most commons ones seen in my office over the past 10 years. But first let me give you a little background:
P-Acne Bacteria
Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is the bacteria found in pores that causes acne. When the "sebaceous" or oil glands start to over produce oil, the p.acne invades the hair follicles and starts to multiply by feeding themselves of the oil using enzymes. Acne bacteria then produces acids that inflame the skin. Both Red & white blood cells start to defend the body of this inflammation and causes an inflammatory response, that results in things known as "pimples", "whiteheads", "zits", "swelling" and "pus".
Here are a few other examples of what might be considered links to Acne
Hormonal Imbalances: Acne may be caused by an over production of "Androgen", the male hormones that are present in both women and men. These androgen hormones have long been faulted for acne. They stimulate the sebaceous glands, producing more oil, which leads to clogged pores and provides a breeding ground for the acne bacteria.
Dead Skin Cells: "Acne" begins when the natural oil in or skin (sebum) mixes with dead skin cells. This combination plugs up the skin's pores and becomes infected with bacteria that oozes into nearby tissues, resulting in swelling, nodules, pimples or whiteheads. The best way to prevent the build up of dead skin cells is by exfoliation.
Using Incorrect Products: The majority of clients I work with continuously strip their skin with products that contain retinols, salicylic acids and benzoyl peroxide. I NEVER fault the client because these are what mainstream consumers are taught by the companies who market these ingredients as solutions to their "acne problem" or the need for "clear skin". When the body's Natural Moisture Factor has been reduced by the over use of over the counter remedies, acne occurs. Or should I say an inflammatory response occurs. All too often this is categoried by consumers as acne and is home treated as such.
Diet: I can feel the naysayers out there right now shaking their heads at me. But it is true, there are different foods and different chemical ingredients that can cause acne and hormonal imbalances in the skin. These include, but are NEVER limited to, dairy, nuts and certain grains, diets low in fats and greens and high in processed or microwavable foods. The ingestions of phosphates (soda) and chemical sweetners like saccharine and aspartame to name a few. As far as chocolate goes, a few years ago I did an experiment with chocolate. It seems my subject was more affected by milk chocolate ( a dairy derived product) than dark chocolate....the Jury is still out!
Smoking: I am not here to wag my finger at anyone. But let me just give you the facts. The chemicals in cigarettes nowadays leach the oxygen out of the body. Oxygen kills bacteria, hence why I use a High Frequency tool in my studio post extraction of black/white heads and pustules. Think of people that you know who smoke? What does their skin look like?
The Solution? Exfoliation, Comprehensive Skincare, Hormonal balancing and a Clean Diet. Sounds simple, right? Well it really is. Stay Tuned for my next Blog where we dig into the importance of Exfoliation.....
Exfoliation....Enzymes to Eggshells and Everything in Between!
In the meantime, if you have comments you would like to share or questions that you would like to ask, please message me via email or my website. If you are in the Greater Phoenix area and would like to message me directly, all of my contact information is on the website!
