What is Acne / Pimples?

Acne is a skin condition that causes whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red lesions (papules, pustules, and cysts) to form. These growths are commonly called pimples or "zits."

Symptoms of Acne / Pimples

• Blackheads
• Crusting of skin eruptions
• Cysts
• Pustules
• Redness around the skin eruptions
• Scarring of the skin
• Whiteheads

Complications

Possible complications include:

• Changes in skin color
• Cysts
• Damage to self-esteem, confidence, personality, and social life
• Permanent facial scars
• Side effects of Accutane (including very dry skin and mucus membranes, high triglyceride levels, liver damage, and birth defects in an unborn baby; call your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking this drug)
• Side effects of other medications

Causes of Acne / Pimples

Acne occurs when tiny holes on the surface of the skin, called pores, become clogged. Each pore is an opening to a canal called a follicle, which contains a hair and an oil gland. Normally, the oil glands help keep the skin lubricated and help remove old skin cells. When glands produce too much oil, the pores can become blocked, accumulating dirt, debris, and bacteria. The blockage is called a plug or comedone.

The top of the plug may be white (whitehead) or dark (blackhead). If it ruptures, the material inside, including oil and bacteria, can spread to the surrounding area and cause an inflammatory reaction. If the inflammation is deep in your skin, the pimples may enlarge to form firm, painful cysts.

Acne commonly appears on the face and shoulders, but may also occur on the trunk, arms, legs, and buttocks.

Acne is most common in teenagers, but it can happen at any age, even as an infant. Three out of four teenagers have acne to some extent, probably caused by hormonal changes that stimulate oil production. However, people in their 30s and 40s may also have acne.

Acne tends to run in families and can be triggered by:

• Hormonal changes related to menstrual periods, pregnancy, birth control pills, or stress
• Greasy or oily cosmetic and hair products
• Certain drugs (such as steroids, testosterone, estrogen, and phenytoin)
• High levels of humidity and sweating

Despite the popular belief that chocolate, nuts, and other foods cause acne, research does not confirm this idea.

Treatment for Acne / Pimples

Take the following self-care steps to lessen the effects of acne:

• Clean your skin gently with a mild, non-drying soap. Remove all dirt or make-up. Wash once or twice a day, including after exercising. However, avoid excessive or repeated skin washing.
• Shampoo your hair daily, especially if it's oily. Comb or pull your hair back to keep the hair out of your face. Avoid tight headbands.
• Try not to squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub the pimples. Although it might be tempting to do this, it can lead to skin infections and scarring.
• Avoid touching your face with your hands or fingers.
• Avoid greasy cosmetics or creams. Look for water-based or "non-comedogenic" formulas. Take make-up off at night. Non-comedogenic products have been tested and proven not to clog pores and cause acne.

If these steps do not clear up the blemishes to an acceptable level, try over-the-counter acne medications. These products are applied directly to the skin. They may contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid. They work by killing bacteria, drying up the oil, and causing the top layer of your skin to peel. They may cause redness or peeling of the skin.

If pimples are still a problem, a dermatologist can prescribe stronger medications and discuss other options with you.
Birth control pills can sometimes help clear up acne. (In some cases, though, they may make it worse.)

Your doctor may also suggest chemical skin peeling, removal of scars by dermabrasion, or removal, drainage, or injection of cysts.

A small amount of sun exposure may improve acne. However, excessive exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet rays is not recommended because it increases the risk of skin cancer.

Acne usually subsides after adolescence, but may last into middle age. The condition generally responds well to treatment after 6 - 8 weeks, but may flare up from time to time. Scarring may occur if severe acne is not treated. Some people, especially teenagers, can become significantly depressed if acne is not treated.

Home Remedies for Acne / Pimples

Juices and Green Tea

• Fruit juices, when freshly squeezed, are also high in antioxidants and nutrients.
• Another natural powerhouse is green tea which, unlike other teas, is steamed after being picked, preventing it from oxidizing. It retains nutrients, including polyphenols and antioxidants, better than other types of teas, making it a strong anti-bacterial remedy. Green tea also hydrates the body while flushing out the toxins that can lead to pimples.

Hydration

• Water is essential for ensuring that all body cells, including your pores, can expel waste. And because skin---particularly on your face---is exposed to the elements, it is often the first organ to lose water. Drinking enough water ensures proper hydration and helps your cells to flush wastes naturally.

Fruits and Vegetables

• Raw fruits and vegetables help your body replenish essential nutrients that can fight infections and inflammation. Cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, spinach and cabbage are all good options for an anti-acne diet. Some people also swear by wheatgrass juice, echinacea and thyme, so consider incorporating them into your diet.

Vitamins and Minerals for Acne

Multivitamins should not be taken as a substitute for eating healthy foods. Taking too much of any vitamin or mineral can be toxic and extremely dangerous. Please consult with a doctor or other trained healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplements.

• Vitamin A - Retinoids, derivatives of vitamin A, are used to treat acne and other skin disorders. Retinoids are prescribed by dermatologists both topically and orally. A common type of retinoid used in the oral treatment of acne is isotretinoin. Examples of vitamin A enriched foods include citrus fruits, carrots, tomatoes, yellow squash, and pumpkin. Vitamin A can also be applied to the skin topically with creams to promote cell growth.
• Vitamins C and E - to protect the body and for its antioxidant properties that are important for healthy skin.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, chromium, zinc, and selenium are nutrients that may have anti-acne properties.
• Zinc - Zinc protects against UV radiation, enhances wound healing, contributes to immune and neuropsychiatric functions, and decreases the relative risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease." So, in addition to the antioxidant benefits zinc offers to our skin, zinc is also important for the proper functioning of the immune system.

Natural Acne Cream (Homemade)

Use a small amount of rosewater, lemon juice, and powdered garlic.  Mix these ingredients with liquefied petroleum jelly.  The lemon contains vitamin C which works to cleanse the skin and remove oils.  You should begin to see effective results within just a few weeks.

Some people have used toothpaste as an acne cream.  Toothpaste might seem silly but it actually can help your skin feel revitalized.  If you have pimples in your skin and they feel swollen then try toothpaste.  This can reduce the swelling in your skin and make it feel fresh.

Another acne cream you can make at home that works includes cucumber juice, carrot juice, and lemon juice.  Mix these together and use this on your skin. 

Another homemade acne cream that can be used as a mask includes egg yolk, baking soda, and honey.  Combine this solution with a little water.  Apply the mask before you go to bed and sleep in it.  You will wash the mask from your face in the morning and see a difference.  This mask works to open pores, reduce their size, and fight acne.