Acne Information 101 - what you should know
The aim of our website and editorial forum is to provide a comprehensive impartial guide to dealing with Acne. We will look at treatment options, varying types of acne, supply information about skin disorders and point you to other sites and studies that may help you in dealing with or understanding the causes and effects of acne.
What is Acne?
Acne is a skin disorder that occurs when excess oil (sebum)
production combined with dead skin cells clog pores. Bacteria
forms in the pores resulting in red inflamed pimples, pus
filled whiteheads, or blackheads. There are many different
forms of acne, however, vulgaris is the most common form.
Some people estimate that as many as 80% of teens have some
form of acne at one point. Sometimes people will have perfect
skin in their teen years and will not develop acne until their
adult years.
What Causes Acne?
The causes of acne can be classified into bacteria, genetics,
hormones, and clogged pores. Bacteria is the single culprit required for acne. Genetics
is also important. If one of your parents had acne sometime
in their life chances are you will too. Hormones(specifically
testosterone) can cause increased oil(sebum) production clogging
the pores with dead skin cells.
Myths (just a few of the many)
Acne is curable
There is no cure, however, through the consistent
use of treatment and remedies acne can be controlled or
prevented.
Sun is good for acne
Sun may temporarily mask the symptoms, tighten up pores, or
dry up the oil glands. However, the sun will also damage
your follicular walls clogging your pores. Resulting in
more blemishes that may not surface for 3-4 weeks after your
sun exposure.
Pizza, chocolate, and other junk food make me break
out
A small population of individuals(perhaps less than 2%)
may have food allergies that bring on acne. However, for
the most part a balanced diet is important for a healthy
body and therefore promote healthy skin. Iodine is one ingredient
though that some individuals may experience breakouts. So
just be safe and check if iodine in your diet causes you
problems.
Washing your face more often will help clear up
acne
This condition is not caused by dirt. The most aggressive scrubbing
does nothing to affect the oil deep in your pores.* Frequent washing can actually irritate
your skin. Excess irritation will make the condition worse. Use bare hands to
wash and only wash twice a day. Sweat from exercise itself, however,
does not aggravate blemishes and should not be met with excess
washing
Benzoyl Peroxide is the best treatment
While the FDA eventually reversed its decision
and classified benzoyl peroxide as ‘safety unknown’
as began insisting that products containing benzoyl peroxide
carry safety warnings, there was still no concrete evidence
to point consumers toward the fact that this product might
very well be dangerous. Side effects that were generally
reported for this product included generalized crusting
and blistering of the skin along with some reports that
individuals with sensitive skin might experience a more
severe skin allergy when larger doses of benzoyl peroxide
were used in treatment. In most instances, patients were
recommended to either reduce the dose of the product or
space out the doses in an attempt to alleviate bothersome
side effects.
Benzoyl peroxide is known to only be able to control acne
when it is used on a consistent, and even long term, basis.
Due to the fact that long term use of benzoyl peroxide is
now theorized to lead to the development of skin cancer;
this causes some grave concerns.
At the current time, research only indicates that benzoyl
peroxide has led to the rapid development of carcinoma in
studies conducted on lab mice and in some instances, hamsters.
As a result of these studies, warnings have been issued
stating that consumers should be aware that there is a concern
and should take this into consideration when selecting acne
treatment products. Consumers should note that the FDA has
now classified benzoyl peroxide with a safety warning as
‘unknown.’
Science. 1981 Aug 28;213(4511):1023-5. PubMed
Skin tumor-promoting activity of benzoyl peroxide, a widely
used free radical-generating compound.
Slaga TJ, Klein-Szanto AJ, Triplett LL, Yotti LP, Trosko
KE
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