by: Lori Stryker

Controlling Acne

Acne...it affects a majority of teenagers and many adults well into
middle age. It is dreaded and despaired over by many who suffer from
this common skin condition. Clearing acne begins by understanding
what acne really is and what triggers it. Then we will consider how
it can be controlled by lifestyle choices, skin care choices and
wise use of make-up.

Who suffers from it?

Teenagers struggle with acne, but so do many adults. Acne breakouts
can result from fluctuating hormone levels at various stages of
life, such as puberty, pregnancy or menopause. Outwardly, acne can
reveal internal signs, such as poor elimination or buildup of
toxins, a lack of exercise or high stress levels. Both men and women
contend with acne, and as good health and beauty are intertwined,
the causes of acne can reveal the solutions to managing and reducing
skin breakouts.

What is it?

Acne occurs when the oil glands produce excess sebum, the skin's own
oil, which accumulates with dead skin cells to form a plug which
results in a clogged skin pore. Bacteria trapped inside the pore
feed of the sebum mixture, multiplying and producing agents which
irritate the walls of the pore. As the immune system works to attack
the bacteria, pus is formed leading to an inflamed pimple, blackhead
or whitehead. Picking or squeezing a pimple can cause the pore to
rupture, releasing the bacteria into the surrounding area, and can
cause more pimples, cysts or scars. For many, certain areas of the
skin have overactive sebaceous, or oil glands which produce excess
sebum. These areas are typically the forehead, nose, cheeks and/or
chin. Comedones, or blackheads, are not caused by dirt, but rather
by sebum which has clogged a pore, oxidized and discoloured by
melanin.

What triggers it?

Often a spotty complexion denotes a diet high in sugar or saturated
fats found in fried foods, refined or processed foods. Conversely, a
diet low in fat may lack essential fatty acids, and can also affect
the appearance of the skin. Breakouts can reveal toxin buildup,
resulting from constipation, kidney or lymphatic problems. Other
triggers include a polluted, dry environment, and seasonal climate
changes. Genetics also determines whether a person will be
predisposed to acne breakouts. In general, acne is caused by a
combination of four main factors:

- Genetics
- Skin Care
- Lifestyle
- Emotional State

We cannot change our genetics, but we can change the other three
factors to help reduce the likelihood of acne breakouts.

How can acne be controlled?

Skin needs to be cleansed, fed and nurtured. Externally, the skin
benefits from a simple regimen:

- Cleansing with a mild, slightly acidic and all natural soap. Other
kinds of soaps can cause redness, soreness, irritation or tightness
because of the harsh chemicals, colorants detergents and fragrances
they are made with. Avoid any products which contain ingredients
which may irritate or dry out the skin. Most often culpable
ingredients are petroleum derived, synthetic or animal based.
- Tone with an alcohol-free, all natural toner, since alcohol is
drying to the skin and will cause the oil glands to produce more
sebum. Toner also helps reduce the bacterial population on the skin,
decreasing the number of bacteria which will migrate into the pores.
- Moisturize with a petroleum free cream. Petroleum is comedogenic
and can clog pores unnecessarily. Creams which contain natural waxes
such as beeswax do not have a comedogenic effect on the pores. At
night, massage a facial oil into the skin as this helps increase
circulation to the surface of the skin and suppresses the oil glands
from producing excess oil.
- Once per week, use a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells
which accumulate at the surface of the pores and lead to blackheads.
A mud mask used once every couple of weeks also helps draw out sebum
in the pores as the clays present in the mask are highly absorbent.

Internally, the skin is fed and cleansed by a diet rich in fresh
fruits, whole grains and vegetables. These foods provide more water,
nutrients and fibre into the diet and can make a remarkable
difference in the appearance of the skin. Relaxation, adequate
sleep, exercise and stress reduction also play an important role in
keeping the skin clear and healthy as they assist the body to repair
and detoxify itself.

Seasonal or climate changes, such as winter and humid summers in
addition to dry, polluted environments also contribute to acne
breakouts by drying out or irritating the skin. As the skin is
exposed to dry temperatures moisture is lost through the skin,
triggering the oil glands to produce more sebum. Keeping the skin
clean and moisturized is essential to preventing the pores from
becoming clogged with excess sebum. In humid conditions, the skin
loses moisture through sweat and evaporation, triggering the same
process which can lead to breakouts. Moisturizing and regular
cleansing in dry, humid or polluted conditions can reduce the onset
of acne.

Makeup can also trigger breakouts. If they contain comedogenic
ingredients, such as those derived from petroleum, they may
contribute to acne despite a clean and healthy skin regimen or
lifestyle. Choose all natural makeup which is in harmony with the
rest of your skin care regimen and less likely to contribute to
breakouts.

Acne treatments which contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide
worsen acne, as these are skin irritants and very drying. Tea tree
essential oil is a natural alternative, and works by sterilizing the
infected area upon contact without damaging the surrounding skin
cells. It can also prevent microbial growth in that area for hours.
Other treatments for acne include hydrocortisone which thins the
skin over time, or antibiotics which can contribute to microbial
resistance in the long term. Hormone treatments work by decreasing
testosterone levels in the body, since this is the hormone
responsible for sebum production. There are natural alternatives to
aid in controlling acne, such as tea tree, lemon and juniper berry
essential oils. These are effective and much safer to use for
treating acne.

Acne can be a source of frustration for many. Much can be done,
however to minimize the occurrence of breakouts thereby reducing the
impact of acne on our lives. Making healthy adjustments to our diet,
lifestyle and skin care product choices can lead to clearer, more
radiant and healthy skin, free at last from acne.

References:
- Erikson, K, (2002). Drop Dead Gorgeous
- Marsden, K, (1993). Super Skin
- Purvis, D, (1989). The Business of Beauty
- The Organic Makeup Company can be located at
http://www.organicmakeupcompany.com

About the Author
Lori Stryker has been researching and developing all natural skin
care and make-up for the purpose of offering men and women safe
natural cosmetics for everyday use. She brings to her research a
specialist in human biology from the University of Toronto, coupled
with a professional home economics degree and an education degree
from the University of British Columbia, fusing chemical and
biological knowledge with food family and textile sciences.