Acne
Acne is a
common skin condition in which the skin pores become clogged, leading to
pimples and inflamed, infected abscesses. Acne can develop in people
of all ages although it is more common among teenagers.
Acne forms
when dried skin oil, flaked skin and bacteria block the skin pores. Excess
keratin (a protein produced by skin cells) can also block the oil ducts
within hair follicles. If the blockage is incomplete, a blackhead
appears; if the blockage is complete, a white head appears. This
type of acne is called superficial acne. When bacterial growth in
the plugged pores further irritates the skin, the pimples may develop into
the underlying skin, forming larger abscesses. This type of acne is called
deep acne.
Superficial
acne often appears as pimples with or without pus-filled blisters. Deep
acne produces large red, raised inflamed pus-filled cysts and abscesses.
These may rupture and leave scars. Squeezing pimples can make superficial
acne worse leading to deep acne with further inflammation and scarring.
Acne is
often treated with topical retinoids, keratolytics (salicyclic acid,
sulfur), benzoyl peroxide, topical and oral antibiotics. These
topical treatments can cause dryness, itching, chapping and peeling,
pigment change in treated area. Oral antibiotics may cause stomach
upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness. Severe acne can be treated
with Isotretinoin (Accutane). Accutane is an effective drug to
reduce oil gland size but it also comes with more severe side effects,
such as dry, itchy, peeling skin, dry mouth, eye inflammation, bone and
joint pain, loss of bone density, depression and birth defects.
Vitamins and Supplements for Acne:
Multivitamin and mineral
complex
Vitamin A strengthens the epithelial tissue of
the skin; vitamin B complex
is the anti-stress vitamin, it improves blood circulation to skin surface;
vitamin C
improves immune function, reduces inflammation and helps the repair of
skin tissue; vitamins D3 and E helps healing and repair of skin tissues; zinc
helps healing and prevents scar; selenium improves skin elasticity.
Essential fatty acids
(flaxseed
oil, primrose oil)
EFAs improve skin tone and texture, they are
essential for healthy skin.
Burdock, red clover, dandelion
These are blood cleansing herbs, they help
cleanse the liver which eliminates toxins and excess hormones from the
body. The herbs can also reduce inflammation. Burdock tea can
be used as a face wash, simmer 1 tablespoon of dried herb in 2 cups of
water for 15 min, let the tea cool and apply it to the skin, rinse with
cool water.
Topical essential oils
(lavender oil, tea tree oil)
Tea tree oil is a natural antibiotic and
antiseptic. A 5% tea tree oil preparation works as well as 5% benzoyl peroxide with fewer side effects. Lavender essential oil is
antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and somewhat astringent. These
essential oils can be applied on acnes directly.
herbal
supplements and topical essential oils for acne
(use code "WAN045" - get $5 off your first order)
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