Acne is a common battle that millions of people struggle every day.
It really has a way of getting under our skin and appear at the wrong time.
Most of us probably just a quick wash our face with some kind of soap and water and hope for the best,
but there is more to it.
What is Acne?
By definition Acne is a skin condition that occurs due to the hair follicles have become plugged with oil,
dead skin cells or bacteria.
When bacteria have nowhere to go under the skin, they work their way out of the skin.
That is when we get the red stains on the surface of our skin.
Causes of Acne
There are three main factors that contribute to the cause of acne.
They include over-production of oil, irregular shedding of dead skin cells
(which produce irritation of the hair follicle) and the bacteria buildup.
On top of this cause, there are some things that can aggravate acne,
such as hormones, certain medications and diet.
Do not let the word "diet" confuse you too much.
Things like fried foods and chocolate has been shown to not affect acne. However,
things like high portion of milk has been shown to cause acne in some people.
Different Types of Acne
There are a number of ways that acne can present itself. The most common type of acne is the papule :,
raised small red bumps that can be tender. It is caused by inflammation or infection of the hair follicles.
The second type of acne called pustules or pimples. They are also red, tender bumps,
but they have a white pus on top of them. It is also a very common type . It is called nodules.
Nodules are large, solid-like lumps that stay below the skin surface.
They are caused by a buildup of secretions deep within hair follicles.
And the fourth type of acne cysts. It's very painful, cat-filled lumps under the skin's surface.
Treatment
The most common ingredient in over-the counter-treatment benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
The main difference between the two materials is that salicylic acid prevents clogged pores and benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria that cause acne.
Do not worry if your skin starts to get dry or flakey if you are the existing stain. It will even treat acne hard-to-kill, such as nodules.
However, if your skin gets too dry because of the products you use,
can cause even more breakouts. So if you see an increase in peeling or dryness,
you should reduce or locate acne-fighting moisturizer to help balance it.
Salicylic acid has its own side effects that you should consider when you are using a product with this ingredient.
Common side effects tend to be mild stinging when the product is applied to the skin, and can also increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight.