Causes of Acne

Increasing or changing hormone levels are one of the main causes of acne (hence the prevalence in puberty). Changing hormone levels can also lead to acne during pregnancy. Acne can be hereditary. Certain drugs like lithium and barbiturates are known to cause acne. Other causes/triggers could be stress, greasy cosmetics, high humidity or pollution. Acne is not a food related problem and is therefore not caused by eating chocolate or greasy foods. Acne is not caused by dirty skin either. Squeezing, picking or hard friction of the affected skin can make acne worse and spread the infection. For the same reason, people with acne should not scrub their skin, exfoliate or use strong detergent soaps. 

Acne Treatments

There are many over the counter acne treatment medications available. For more severe cases of acne, medical assistance should be sought from a dermatologist. Drug therapy is normally used to reduce painful lesions, inflammation and prevent scarring. Drug therapy can be in the form of oral medication or a cream/ointment, or sometimes both together. Creams/ lotions tend to moisturize the skin, whereas gels and solutions, being alcohol based, may dry the skin.

Medications commonly used as acne treatments are benzoyl peroxide cream/gel/lotion/soap, salicylic acid, sulfur, antibiotics and resorcinol. Some medications are made up of a combination of these drugs, although each drug may treat a different symptom of the acne. For example, benzoyl peroxide treats the acne lesions and resorcinol/salicylic acid/sulfur treats the blackheads and whiteheads. Occasionally, acne is treatment-resistant because of an excessive production of androgens (male hormones). In these cases, the androgens have to be suppressed by low estrogen drugs or low dose corticosteroid drugs.

Non drug therapy treatments include injections, peeling agents and/or minor surgical/medical procedures, or laser treatments. All of these treatments are for the acne itself and to reduce scarring.

As alternative acne treatments people use vitamins (zinc, vitamin A/E/B and chromium supplements), black currant seed oil or evening primrose oil. Bioherbaceutical medicines, which are compounds designed with homeopathic and traditional Chinese medicine principals in mind i.e. aimed at treating the cause of Acne, as opposed to the symptoms, are also used. As these products have not been clinically proven as safe, it is better to do plenty of research before starting treatment. Homeopathic treatments include the use of kali bromatum, sulfur or Antimonium tartaricum. There are also herbal teas available for acne treatment. Some alternative treatments recommend diets high in beta carotene like carrots, pumpkin and yellow/orange fruits and vegetables. Other alternative therapies like aromatherapy, acupressure, juice therapy, reflexology and yoga, all have special components aimed at acne treatment. There are even Ayurvedic treatments for Acne, with a special diet, teas, cleansing techniques and facial masks. Ingredients range from chick pea paste to turmeric-sandalwood cream.

With some of the acne treatments, side effects can occur, but may go away after a period of time, with continued usage. However, if not, a doctor should be consulted. Some acne treatments are dangerous for pregnant women. Be sure to check with your doctor before usage. Acne Treatment is long term and sometimes results cannot be seen until after a month or two.

Some other tips for acne sufferers;

• Avoid frequent handling of the skin
• Shave carefully
• Avoid sun tanning
• Choose cosmetics/body products carefully. Choose oil free products and do not apply excessively to acne areas.
• Keep hair clean and oil free.
• Keep long hair off the affected area (face and shoulders)
• Gently cleanse the skin at least twice a day and especially after exercise.