cure for acne

Copyright 2006 Tony Buel

Acne can often be considered the worst thing to happen to a teenager. Where in the world does it come from and how do you get rid it once you have it? They are a source of endless embarrassment and inconvenience! And while everyone has suffered from them to some extent
no one likes them. Major culprits in causing acne can be simple hormones.

Specifically
the male hormone 'testosterone' can cause acne. During puberty the teenagers' body is changing. During this time
most teenagers produce abnormal levels of the male hormone testosterone. Most people outgrow this condition by their early twenties
but with some people it lasts longer.

Women also produce additional hormones during the menstrual cycle
and for many women this can lead to more problems with acne. If this occurs
visiting with a doctor or other medical professional can provide a cure or remedy.

There is also a medical theory that stress contributes to acne because it causes an increased output of hormones from the adrenal glands. Additionally
hyperactive sebaceous glands are secondary to other hormone sources
menstrual cycle
stress and testosterone.

Some people's bodies also over produce something called sebum
which is a contributing factor to acne. While this is not the only cause
it certainly contributes. Add to this the accumulation of bacteria in the pores of the skin
dead skin cells accumulation
and irritation caused by scratching or rubbing.

Acne can also be caused
or made much worse by the use of anabolic steroids
used by some athletes. Also some medications contain halogens
including iodides
chlorides
and bromides. These medications can contribute to acne
as can lithium
barbiturates and androgens. Chlorine exposure can also cause a type of acne known as chloracne
which is especially severe and can be long lasting.

With the knowledge that hormones play a major role in causing acne
many of the misconceptions about acne can be addresses and discounted. One of these is diet. For many years people thought that fried foods and chocolate caused acne. There are a couple of reasons for this. People associated fried foods with oily skin
and assumed that consuming oil or grease had to make the skin greasy and more prone to acne. This is not the case. Also
teenagers are food-consuming machines. In fact
many dieticians have said that the fact that teenagers consumer so much food is the main reason their diets usually include nutritious foods - the fact that they eat everything. However
pizza
hamburgers
French fries
chocolate shakes
candy bars
and other foods that are often favorites of teenagers
have been erroneously blamed for acne for years.

While eating good
nutritious foods and making sure that you include vegetables
fruits
lean meats and whole grains in your diet will certainly improve your health
and therefore might improve acne
there is no direct link of diet and acne. French fries are not to blame
and neither are pizza or candy bars. There is just no real connection.

Also
bad personal hygiene has been blamed for acne and caused many teenagers embarrassment. No matter how clean they kept their faces they still had zits. In addition
excessive cleaning can actually make acne worse. If the skin is damaged by rough washing
or becomes dried out
then chances are acne will be worse. Also many over the counter products sold to make acne better can actually clog pores and make acne worse as well.

There are many good treatments available for acne. Of course
seeing your doctor is best. Many good prescription drugs are available. Many of these drugs can control the output of testosterone
and some can help women with menstrual cycle difficulties. If that is not an option
visit a pharmacy and consult with the pharmacist on over the counter remedies that are beneficial. Also moderate washing
good nutrition
protection of the skin when out in the sun
and time seem to be the best cures. Be encouraged that with the passage of time
everyone recovers from acne
the bane of the teenager's existence!