Acne Home Remedies | Acne 101

Acne Home Remedies - Understanding Acne & The Types of Treatment

Acne is a skin condition that affects people mostly in their adolescence to young adulthood. Teenagers and young adults falling within 12 – 20 over years of age are the hardest hit target group, with a probability of 8 in 10 suffering from the condition at least once during these years. Though acne does affected adults beyond this age, the cases are significantly lower. Statistically, more than 16 million of the American population suffers from acne. Acne can result in white or black heads, spots, greasy skin, scars on the face, neck, chest, back and arms. Acne can be treated in many ways using drugs, or acne home remedies.

Disorder of the sebaceous glands or oil glands is the key culprit to acne outbreaks. What happens is when the glands over-react and secrete excessive sebum or oil, the oil could choke up the follicles in the skin pores and result in blackheads or whiteheads. This is stage one. In stage two, this sebum accumulation provides the perfect environment for Propionibacterium acne, a bacterium to breed and in the process induce a reaction from our body that triggers inflammation of the skin.

Though the exact causes of acne are still a mystery to the medical fraternity, there are some probable and logical explanations for acne outbreaks:

1. Puberty

Acne affects a large number of teenagers in their growing years. This could be attributed to the hormonal level changes in the adolescent that tips the scale of sebum production to an excessive level.

2. Hereditary or Genetics

Acne can be a condition passed down from parents.

3. Excessive Androgen Hormones

Imbalances in androgen hormones also account for the occurrence of acne.

4. Diet

Since not much research studies have been documented on this, there is a huge debate amongst medical professionals on whether there is any connection between diet and acne. But generally, any diet that encourages the overproduction of sebum can indirectly set the stage for acne outbreaks.

5. Drugs or Medications

Birth control pills, drugs such as lithium, dactinomycin, cosmegen, androgens, corticotrophin, Acthar, barbiturates have been known to cause acne.

6. Illnesses and Diseases

Acne is linked to illnesses and diseases as a symptom. Here’s a list of illnesses and diseases that are known to result in acne.

a. Jacobs Syndrome

b. Cushing’s Syndrome

c. Polucystic Ovary Syndrome

d. Diabetes

e. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

f. Stress

Stress has been known to aggravate the skin condition.

8. Interaction between Drugs and Medications

Drug compounds when combined together can interact to cause acne. Some examples of interactions involve Stanozolol with AeroBid, Bronalide, Nasalide, etc.

9. Cosmetics or Skin Care Products

Cosmetics, especially thick oil-based ones can affect the follicles and prevent the release of sebum through the pores. This promotes sebum accumulation and indirectly induces acne.

10. Miscellaneous

Pollutants and dirt, poor hygiene, and careless picking, rubbing of our skin makes it easy for acne growth and can aggravate the problem if it is an existing skin condition.

Treatment Methods for Acne – Acne Home Remedies and Other Treatment

Simple Tips to Treat and Prevent Acne include:

1. Washing skin thoroughly

2. Careful and clean shave

3. Avoid over-exposure to sunlight

4. Select your cosmetics carefully. Go for natural ingredients, and less grease

5. Refrain from scratching, rubbing or scrubbing your skin

Over-The-Counter (OTC) Medications:

1. Benzoyl Peroxide

2. Salicylic Acid

3. Vitamin A

4. Resorcinol

5. Sulfur

Prescription Drugs/Medications:

1. Antibiotics

2. Minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin)

3. Doxycycline (Adoxa, Doryx, and Monodox)

4. Tetracycline (Achromycin V)

5. Clindamycin (Cleocin)

6. Adapalene

7. Azelaic Acid

8. Erythromycin

9. Accutance

10.Tazarotene

11.Tretinoin

12.Sulfonamides

13.Oral contraceptives

14.Birth Control Pills

15.Corticosteroid drugs such as Prednisone or Dexamethasone

16.Anti-Androgens

Clinical Treatment:

1. Cortisone injections

2. Comedone removal

Acne Home Remedies:

1. Vitamins

2. Zinc

3. Orange Peel

4. Lemon

5. Coriander

6. Aloe Vera

7. Sandalwood

8. Mint Juice

9. Cucumber

Each of these items have been used and specially prepared as acne home remedies. In my next post, we will share with you the risks and harmful effects of drugs and medications. We would also learn why it is beneficial to apply acne home remedies and how to prepare these acne home remedies.