Acne Vulgaris
Acne vulgaris is a pretty common condition in teenagers and adults alike. It carries mild, moderate and severe forms, sometimes causing scarring depending on how serious the skin problem is. Although generally associated with bacteria and hormonal imbalances, acne could have other causes as well. Both men and women are affected by acne, yet, certain forms of acne are more serious in men than in women, as it happens with cystic acne for instance.
Lots of myths have been circulating about the causes of acne. Some say that certain foods such as chocolate, junk food and coffee could cause acne, yet there is no scientific evidence to support such claims. Although these myths are easy to debunk, there still remains an indirect link between bad eating habits and acne. It seems that highly processed food causes a slow intoxication of the body. Skin is one of the organs in charge of toxin excretion, and when there is too much pressure on it, the pores tend to clog, and thus become more prone to getting infected. Hence, the acne!
There is also a genetic predisposition to acne. This skin condition is more common in those who have a family history of acne. If one of your parents suffered from it, there are more chances in kids developing it as well when they go through puberty or grow into adulthood. A deficient immune function could also take the blame for frequent acne flare ups. The truth is that without strong body defenses to fight the bacterial infections at the skin level, germs proliferate, and pimples flourish.
It is important to see a dermatologists and have a good acne treatment recommended. Getting started with the anti-acne creams, lotions or toners on the shelves of the hypermarkets could take you no where when it comes to clearing your skin. Commercial products are usually a big waste of money. Moreover, the popular saying that you can kill any germs with soap and water, does not hold true for acne. For oily skin, soap favors the appearance of acne because it dries the skin excessively and thus causes the pores to produce more oil to compensate.
Do a bit of reading on acne and don’t just take any word of advice you get. Unfortunately, most people only deal with acne when it’s turned into a serious problem, taking severe forms and ruining self-esteem and personal looks. Be more careful from the beginning, and learn about preventive care as well!
