Acne Skin Care

Acne Effects Almost 35% Of Men In The UK

A common skin condition which affects almost 35% men in the UK alone is that of acne. Acne is a disease of the skin that affects the tiny skin pores found on the:

• Face
• Back
• Arms, and
• Chest

Acne Explained

Acne itself is caused by an abnormal response to the hormone Testosterone. Both men and women have Testosterone in their blood stream and this can sometimes have a profound effect on the skin causing acne. The symptons of acne predominantly start in early puberty and last until hormone activity settles down in the late teens or early twenties. However more severe cases of acne can continue well into adulthood leaving both physical and emotional scars on the unfortunate sufferer.

Acne pimples form when the skins sebacous glands are overreactive and produce too much of the protective skin oil, sebum. A spot then forms when a pore thorugh which a hair emerges is blocked by dead skin cells and the sebacous glands begin to produce too much oil. Skin cells normally shed themselves naturally about every 28 days, however in acned skin these cells shed a great deal faster and so increase the risk of pore blockages phenomonly.

This usually protective oil gets trapped in the hair channel itself, also known as 'keratinisation', and begins to solidify forming a 'blackhead'. Over time the sebum here gradually builds up around the hair folicle and its root and becomes especially vunerable to bacteria. The presence of such bacteria then produces puss which turns these 'blackheads' into 'whiteheads'. In turn the bacteria then begins to form and break down the sebum into very irritating chemicals which in turn cause:

• Redness
• Pain
• Swelling
• Puss build up, and
• Inflamation

In some severe cases cysts and painful swellings can then develop. These cysts can then rupture and cause deep scars and pitting of the skin.

Dr Shaves Top 10 Tips On How To Fight Acne

1. Identify the cause
Examine your lifestyle to identify any changes that occurred when the acne started.

2. Keep clean
Because acne is an infection caused by the skins pores getting clogged with excessive oil, washing with hot water and soap should prevent the infection from spreading and annihilate the problem altogether. However only wash twice a day, once when you first wake up in the morning and then, right before you go to bed at night. Be extremely gentle to your skin when washing - do not scrub or use any sort of rough cloth. Overwashing your skin will actually stimulate your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, thus increasing your acne.

3. Don't pick at it
Almost all Dermatologists will agree picking, squeezing, and popping will aggravate the acne, spread the bacteria and worsen the scarring. Trying to squeeze the puss out on your own might send it to deeper layers of your skin creating a larger, more serious infection.

4. Apply a honey mask to your face once or twice a week
Honey has antibacterial properties so it is great for disinfecting and healing minor blemishes. It is also gentle on sensitive skin.

5. Keep your hair off your face
If you have long hair or bangs, pull your hair off your face. Your hair contains oils as well, and will contribute to your breakouts. You'll also want to wash your hair everyday and after workouts.

6. Take a potent multi-vitamin
Acne can be a sign that something is wrong on the inside. Your skin depends on nutrition. It is a vital organ that is usually neglected. If your body is not receiving the right nutrition, it will fight back. One common way it will rebel is to produce excessive sebum, clogging pores, and reducing the ability for your skin to heal and fight bacteria.

7. Avoid wearing makeup
Leaving makeup products on your skin only contributes to clogging your pores, causing more pimples and blackheads. If you feel you must wear makeup, be sure it is water-based.

8. Wash your pillow case every other day
Your face lays on your pillow case every day. Your pillow case absorbs the oils from your skin and reapplies the dirt and oil. Thus causing breakouts. Keep your sheets and pillow cases clean.

9. Drink 8 glasses of water a day
Drinking water is essential for clean skin and your overall health. Water is essential for carrying waste material out of your body.

10. Include chromium in your diet
Chromium is well known for weight loss diets. But it is also excellent for healing infections on the skin. Taking a chromium supplement once a day will help heal your pimples quickly and prevent future breakouts.

And remember folks, take good care of your skin and it'll take good care of YOU!

Dr Shave