Acne is the collective term used to describe whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. Teens can refer to acne as pimples.
But whatever you call it, acne is a condition that teens and adults prefer not to treat because it can be very burdensome, regardless of whether the case is mild or severe. A person suffering from acne can often feel self-conscious, embarrassed, and powerless.
Over the years, as medicine continues to advance, more and more acne treatment methods have emerged that promise to remove pimples in weeks or days.
The most common acne treatment recommended by dermatologists is the use of antibiotics, typically tetracycline-type derivatives formulated to kill the acne-causing propioniform bacteria responsible for inflammation and infection. Topical agents like benzyl peroxide also work in the same way.
Now there are technological ways to treat acne, like the Zeno Acne Blemish Remover Device. This handheld device is used to heat the skin to kill propioniform bacteria and trigger the influx of heat shock proteins that also help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation in the pores.
A notorious acne treatment method is Accutane (isotretinoin), a potent drug used to inhibit the amount of oil secreted by skin follicles. Although shown to be effective in clearing acne, Accutane is also classified as a Category X drug because it is guaranteed to cause birth defects. Other side effects of Accutane include depression, psychosis, aggression, and suicide.
Most acne treatment methods are quick fixes; they only treat the symptoms but not the cause. While many products and methods work to some degree, acne usually reappears after a few weeks of stopping treatment.
You might be surprised to know that preventing acne isn’t really that complicated. The first thing to realize is that, contrary to what many skin experts believe, the food you eat has a lot to do with acne.
Because heredity and hormones are contributing factors, if you are predisposed to developing acne lesions and are eating foods that increase your levels of insulin and related insulin growth factors, you will have acne.
Foods that contain refined carbohydrates and sugar increase insulin and an insulin-like growth factor called IGF-1 in your body. This results in the secretion of sebum, a greasy substance that attracts the propioniform bacteria that cause acne.
Now that you’ve learned that diet has everything to do with acne, here are some tips for natural acne treatment:
* Reduce the amount of grains and sugars you eat, including bread, cereals, pasta, rice, potatoes, and corn, to dramatically reduce your insulin production. Try the grain-free diet.
* Take a quality probiotic supplement: If you are using antibiotics to treat acne, they kill the propioniform bacteria but also kill the good bacteria in your gut.
* Optimize Your Vitamin D Levels – Produce over 200 antimicrobial peptides when you get enough vitamin D from regular sun exposure. If you can’t get enough sun, you can use a safe tanning bed or an oral vitamin D supplement. The correct supplement to take is vitamin D3. You should monitor your vitamin D levels with a blood test at regular intervals if you decide to take supplements.
* Minimize your stress levels.
* Use only organic skin care products for your face.
* Wash your hands regularly and avoid unnecessarily touching your face. Do not scratch, squeeze, pinch or rub the skin because it will only make the problem worse and leave scars.
* Wash your hair regularly with shampoo and, if possible, keep it away from your face, especially at night.
