Acne and You

Acne scars can be more distressful than the pimples and cysts that cause them. Before answering the question posed, it's necessary to discuss the different types of scars.

Most acne scars are not true scars and aren't permanent. Post-pimple marks are pink, red or brown spots that will fade with time and can be covered by makeup. Pink or red marks should fade in 3 to 4 months.

Dark brown marks can last 6 months to a year or longer. These are caused by the melanin pigment in the dermis found in cells called melanophages. These scavenger-like cells remain behind to clean up the pus and mess caused by papules and pustules. The challenge in treating these medically is penetration to the depth of the upper dermis, where melanophages reside. The darker your skin, the darker the spots will be. They can be treated painlessly with skin lighteners containing hydroquinone, which does not affect the normal skin color.

Superficial scarring, such as small, shallow depressions, can be improved with topical retinoids, available over-the-counter and in prescription medications. If caught early, these depressed, shallow scars may respond to microdermabrasion, which helps stimulate collagen production. There are over-the-counter microdermabrasion products, or you can have it done professionally. At minimum, 6 to 8 treatments performed on a weekly basis is necessary to see any results.

Treatment of more serious acne scars

Shallow, sunken depressions in the skin with fairly smooth edges, and sunken depressions with ragged, uneven edges are known as Dell scars. Several treatments with microdermabrasion can soften the ragged-edge scars a bit. Laser resurfacing with a CO2 laser or radiofrequency treatments have shown promising results for long-term improvement of these scars. Areas of sunken depression may be filled with materials such as bovine (cow) or human collagen. For deep depressions, there are permanent fillers which serve as something like Bondo does on dents in a car. If you decide on this option, discuss it with the doctor and make sure you understand the pros and cons - if the filler fails, it can leave an even bigger depression and larger scar than you had originally.

The scars usually found on the cheeks are called ice-pick scars, because of their appearance - they look like someone has taken an ice pick to the skin. They're small, deep holes with jagged edges and steep sides. These can evolve over time into depressed fibrotic scars, which also have sharp edges and steep sides, but are larger and firmer at their base than ice-pick scars. These scars are difficult to treat, unfortunately. They require surgery, either cutting out the hole and sewing the sides together, or transplanting skin from behind the ear to fill in the hole, then lasering the entire area so it blends in with the surrounding skin.

Severe cystic acne scarring can result in sinus tracts, leaving spaghetti-like tunnels under the skin that connect one sebaceous gland to another. These pull down and tether the skin. Extensive surgery to remove these tracts may lead to further scarring and increase the likelihood that new cysts will form in these damaged areas. If you have this type of scarring, seek out an accomplished specialist with references for performing surgery on these types of scars.

You can see from the above that scarring can be difficult to remove, which is why the primary goal of most dermatologists is to prevent scarring. If your acne is progressing to the severe stage and home remedies and over-the-counter treatments aren't working for you, see a dermatologist immediately.

All pimples are not created the same and therefore the treatment for them is different. Acne can be noninflammatory or inflammatory. Noninflammatory acne consists of blackheads and whiteheads; inflammatory acne results from an immune response to bacteria and plug. The amount of inflammation determines the different kind of pimples, the severity of acne, and ultimately the potential to scar.

Papules: Papules are small, pink, domed bumps. They are tender to the touch. Even though we know we can cover these with makeup, we also know they can progress into something more, and they are not a welcome sight!

Pustules: These are small, round, pus-filled lesions. They are swollen and appear red at the base, with a yellowish or whitish center. At this point, you're probably cursing at the mirror.

Nodules and Cysts: These are large, deep and painful bumps filled initially with blood and then with pus. Nodules can linger under the skin's surface for weeks, or even months. They can be so painful, you don't even want to touch them. Persistent nodules can harden into deep cysts, and both cysts and nodules can leave deep scars.

Most people don't think they have acne until they see papules or pustules. However, blackheads and whiteheads are classified as acne and are part of the spectrum. Dermatologists have a grading system that helps determine the course of action to be applied to each type of acne they see. The dermatologist's priority is to prevent permanent scarring, so the moderate-to-severe category of acne is managed more aggressively than mild cases. The second priority is to clear your acne, so you look and feel better about yourself and your appearance. In mild cases, permanent scars are not a concern, so there is more room to try different topical products to clear the acne outbreaks you may be experiencing.

Because of fluctuations in hormones, as well as other factors, the grading of your acne can change as you age. A mild case of acne in a pre-teen boy may, if left untreated, progress to severe acne over the next few years as he ages and hormones change. A woman who had few problems with acne as a teenager may suddenly start experiencing outbreaks in her 30s.

Acne, unfortunately, doesn't occur only on your face. Acne is a disease of the pilosebaceous glands, which have their greatest density on the face, ears, neck, chest, back, scalp and shoulders. There are fewer of these glands in the lower arms and legs, and none on the palms and soles of the feet. In severe cases of acne, you may experience outbreaks inside the ear canal! There is also a serious and rare form of inflammatory acne, known as acne conglobata, which develops primarily on the face, back and chest. This may involve severe bacterial infection and draining sinus tracts under the skin, which always leads to scarring; if you have symptoms of acne conglobata, you should contact a dermatologist immediately.

The identification of the different types of pimples and the grading system will help you determine a treatment plan, whether you apply home remedies for acne, or whether you decide to see a dermatologist for medical treatment.

There is no actual medical study that indicates applications any vitamin directly to the skin (topically) provides any benefit in the treatment of acne. Specifically, vitamin E is frequently touted as being beneficial for skin when applied topically. While it may have beneficial effects for skin, any role it may play in reducing or eliminating acne outbreaks is unclear.

Can vitamins actually treat acne?

The application of vitamins in treatment of acne have to do with the benefits on the body as a whole and the skin's function as an organ. With the understanding that skin is the largest organ you possess, the value of vitamins to treat acne becomes more clear.

Skin benefits from a balanced diet and exercise, just like any other organ in the body does. Healthy skin will be less likely to produce the conditions that lead to outbreaks of acne; therefore, the best use of vitamins to treat acne is in the form of a healthier diet.

What vitamins are best?

First, make sure you're getting the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of all vitamins and minerals. The reason they're recommended is because that's what our bodies need to function well. These vitamins and minerals aid in effective metabolism, fat conversion, converting carbohydrates into energy and reconstructing body tissues.

More isn't always better. Water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C and B12 are not stored and will just be excreted from the body. Fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, E and K, are stored in the body and can be toxic in large doses, causing liver or kidney damage.

If you want to boost your body's ability to function, anti-oxidants are an important component. Your body uses oxygen; as a result, cells form by-products known as free radicals. These can damage cells and contribute to the aging process. Anti-oxidants neutralize free radicals and slow down the process.

Supplement with diet and exercise

Rather than trying to regulate skin health by buying vitamin supplements, work on a program of improving overall diet and exercise. Anytime you improve your overall health, you will improve the health of your skin - and reduce the chances of acne outbreaks.

It goes without saying that you should cut back on or eliminate greasy and fatty foods if you're experiencing acne problems with acne or other health issues. Load up on anti-oxidant foods that are good for you - and good for your skin.

Vitamin A - beta carotene: Broccoli, cantaloupe, egg yolk, fortified grains, fortified milk, low-fat dairy products, mangoes, peaches, squash of any kind, tomatoes and yams are rich in vitamin A and beta carotene.

Vitamin C: Bell peppers, broccoli, cantaloupe, citrus fruits and juices, collard greens, kale, kiwi, papaya, raw cabbage and strawberries will give your vitamin C levels a boost without having to chew on any tablets.

Vitamin E: Your body will be better served by eating foods rich in Vitamin E, rather than applying it to your face. Not to keep singing the same song, but broccoli is in this category, as well, along with apricots, fish, fish oils, fortified cereals, nuts, seeds, shrimp, vegetable oils and whole grains.

In short, an improvement in your overall health, including healthy eating habits and regular exercise, is the most effective way to use vitamins to treat acne.

There are a number of treatments available for acne treatment; however, not all of them are to be trusted as affective and helpful. Most of them have severe side affects along, if not used under proper medical supervision. Many people simply take up these over the counter drugs to treat any breakouts that occur, and this may result in more irritation of the skin as well as allergic reactions. Antibiotics, gels, creams, herbal medications are all available over the counter, but instead of grabbing all of them at once, use the lighter, basic ones first.

Before using acne treatments, you have to understand the skin type and which treatment would suit your skin. Acne that is not inflamed can use SALICYLIC ACID products. Use it according to the instructions and if after weeks you still find the condition the same, then you can move on to another product. Acne which is inflamed and give a reddish look can be treated by BENZOYL PEROXIDE, the most commonly used over the counter acne treatment. The lotion can be applied for weeks and also mixed with salicylic acid.

Common over the counter acne treatments are products related to BENZOYL PEROXIDE, SALICYLIC ACID, SULFUR & RESORCINOL, ALCOHOL and ACETONE. These come in different strength level ranging from 2.5% to 10% and are packed under products named as PROACTIVE, BENZADERM GEL, GLYTON and many other creams. Sulfur products come with strength level of 2% to 8% and have products such as Clearasil Medicated Blemish Cream, Rezamid Lotion, Glytone Flesh Tinted Acne Treatment Lotion. Salicylic acid has Noxzema Anti-Acne Gel and Dermalogica Medicated Clearing Gel.

Other than the regular acne, if you are suffering from severe acne that doesn’t seem to get over with the regular lotions and gels, then it’s time to take antibiotics. These will help to eliminate the bacteria causing the acne. But before using antibiotics, you will need to consult with a doctor, as these cause severe side affects of vomiting, nausea, lethargic, depression and other factors. Pregnant women who get acne should strictly consult a doctor as drinking these antibiotics may cause severe birth affects.

About Author:
Alice has been an expert in skin health writing specifically on the subject of acne. Her work has been published on various websites and magazines and provides insightful advice for natural acne treatment, skin regimes etc. For more articles on acne and its causes please visit http://www.naturalacneremedy.com/

Adult Acne Treatment

• Pay attention to the amount of water you drink every day. You only get to count water! Coffee, tea, soft drinks, flavored drinks – don’t count. There’s nothing better for you than just plain water. Add some lemon to it for a little flavor, but try and drink more water. If you are taking diuretic medication, talk with the prescribing physician, but in most cases you are still expected to take in plenty of water, even when taking diuretics.
• Watch what you eat. Avoid caffeine, sugar and refined carbohydrates, as well as processed foods. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Vegetables are best for you when they are raw or just lightly steamed.
• Do your best to banish blackheads before they become inflamed and break out as full-blown acne. In addition to thorough daily cleansing, two to three times a week, use an exfoliating scrub in the shower, such as a loofah, and a salicylic acid cleanser or alpha-hydroxy acid exfoliant. Don’t go crazy – gentle scrubbing is all you need, and consistent application. These chemical products work better to clean out pores than most scrubs. Ask for someone in your home to assist you if you have back acne that you can’t reach with a long-handle scrubbie.
• Moisturizer is not bad for acne, but be careful what kind you use. Try non-acnegenic or oil-free moisturizers and apply after bathing or showering.
• If you are experiencing severe back and chest acne, consider changing your laundry routine. Your skin may be irritated by the soap you use, or by inadequate rinsing. Try a gentler laundry soap and run an extra rinse cycle.
• Speaking of clothing – if you work out, try buying workout clothes that have a wicking effect and draw the moisture away from your skin as you work out. This may help reduce breakouts. Wash after every workout and wash all your other clothes frequently, as well. You want what touches your skin to be clean, and as dry as possible.