Those dreaded spots - Acne

Acne will unfortunately affect around three-quarters of teenagers at some point, and the sad news is it doesn't always stop once you turn twenty.

The good news is that there has been a lot of research carried out on this topic, which has helped doctors to understand how to reduce the severity of acne.

The condition is actually called 'acne vulgaris', which seems to be an appropriate name for the appearance of these horrible little things.

So what causes acne?
Acne occurs when the natural oil in the skin blocks the hair follicles. This oil is called sebum, which is produced by the sebaceous gland in the hair follicles. This oil is not bad; in fact we definitely need it, as it keeps our skin moisturised and supple. Sebaceous glands are most dense on the face, neck and chest; this is why these areas are most affected by acne.

The problem of acne arises when the skin's normal bacterium gets caught in the hair follicles and rapidly multiples. Pimples can also arise from the over production of sebum, clogging the hair follicle; this then forms a whitehead below the surface. If the sebum is close to the surface then a blackhead will form. There is a misconception about blackheads. Most people think that it is a result of dirt clogged in the skin's pores, however this is not true. Blackheads are formed when the plug of sebum in the hair follicle is exposed to air.

Why do only some people get it?
Some people have over active sebaceous glands that can cause the problem. The most common reason for overactive sebaceous glands is the onset of puberty. However for some it is just how their skin works.

Common Misconceptions
Greasy foods, chocolate or sweets cause acne.
Truth: it is still a hormonal imbalance that produces the excess oil.

Greasy hair will cause acne.
Truth: only true if hair along the fringe line prevents the normal escape of skin oils.

Washing your face as often as possible will help clear acne up.
Truth: this will actually cause your face to produce larger quantities of oil to compensate the loss of oil through washing.

Squeezing will make pimples go faster as it gets rid of 'the gunk'.
Truth: This will only cause infection, and longer healing time. It can also cause scaring.

Using moisturiser will only make acne worse
Truth: If you are using harsh cleansers or drying treatment creams, then you will need to use a good moisturiser, as the drier your skin is, the more unnecessary oil will be produced.

Sexual activity or lack of it will effect acne
Truth: I'm sorry, but that's just ridiculous. If anyone tries that line on you realise it's just a weird kind of blackmail.

So what's the best treatment?
If you are suffering from mild acne, the use of creams and lotions that remove the oil sebum are the most effective. It is best if these products contain benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide helps by reducing any infection within the skin; it also causes the top layer of the skin to be removed which is helpful in unblocking the pores.

There are other creams containing antibiotics that help to combat infection, these help by reducing the severity of the infection.

Other helpful creams are those that contain synthetic vitamin A, these are useful for those who suffer from blackhead type acne.

If topical treatment is ineffective such as those suggested above, oral antibiotics might need to be considered. Antibiotics should be used with caution, as they can effect the body's natural immunity to fight infection. Antibiotics for acne related skin infections can be used for up to six months. They help to kill the bacteria in the skin, as well as reducing the production of sebum, and prevent further inflammation within the skin's follicles. If your doctor believes this is the most appropriate treatment, it is important to know that you should not stop taking the antibiotics unless your doctor advises this. Stopping them before the required time can cause your acne to flare up again. It is important to reduce the dose slowly to avoid this from occurring.

For women there is the option of using the contraceptive pill. This helps to counteract the levels testosterone (yes woman do naturally produce testosterone), and as a result the use of the pill can reduce the severity of acne due to the oestrogen contained in it. The pill can in some women, can do the opposite, and in fact increase the severity of their acne, so it is important that the therapeutic response is closely evaluated.

In the most extreme cases, retinoid drugs may be used. These work by reducing the production of oil in your skin, as well as drying the skin. Retinoid drugs should only be used as a last resort, as they can have unwanted side effects that can be damaging to the liver.

Scaring
It is much easier to avoid scaring these days, as treatments are usually pretty effective, and with so many available, you should be able to find one that will work for you. If it's already too late, and you have some degree of scaring from acne, there are various treatments that can lessen the damage.

Improvements can be made through the use of 'demabrasion' therapy, in which the top layer of the skin is removed. Speak to your doctor or beauty therapist for other available treatments.

Tips for healthy skin
Wash skin twice a day. Dermatologists normally recommend a gentle non-scented cleaning bar. Remember, don't go overboard, as the more you wash your skin the more your sebaceous glands will try and compensate for the loss of oil by producing more sebum.

Treat an outbreak of acne as soon as possible to avoid permanent skin damage (try benzoyl peroxide first before other treatments).

Use a non-scented moisturiser regularly to avoid your skin from drying too much.

Drink plenty of water, this will keep your skin hydrated.

Eat lots of fruit and vegies, as they contain anti-oxidants, which help to promote healthy skin.

Avoid oily cosmetics, and regular contact with cooking oils, as these will add to the oil already present on the skin.