Acne is a common condition that affects both men and woman at almost any age. It is most common associated with adolescence.
The cause of acne involves many factors, with genetics playing a key role. Acne develops in pores and oil glands in the skin. The cells in pores form keratin that accumulates and blocks the opening. The oil glands continue to produce oil(sebum). Microbacteria is common and lives in the pores. This bacterium is called Propionibacterium acnes. The bacteria in the pore flourishes in the environment of blockage and increased presence of sebum. The result is a cascade effect causing the skin to become inflamed and swollen, forming a pimple or cyst.
Other causes of acne vary in each individual. In females, it is not uncommon to have pre-menstrual flares secondary to hormones called androgens. Many medications are also associated with acne. Examples include testosterone, barbiturates, lithium, anticonvulsants and tropical, inhaled or systemic corticosteroids. Finally, mechanical irritation such as vigorous brushing of the upper hairline or friction from a bra strap, football helmet or headband may cause acne.
In general, people with darker skin tend to have less severe acne compared to lighter akinned individuals. Darker skin is more compact with larger oil glands and more structurally defined pores. These characteristics are usually protective against severe acne. When acne is present, the cause are identical to lighter skinned individuals. Darker skin, however, tends to hyperpigment after pimple has resolved. When treating this condition, be careful not to irritate the skin, as this may worsen the darkening.
For years, people have thought that greasy foods, soda, milk, chocolate or iodine products may cause acne. This approach is controversial but not without some merit. Some people are exquisitely sensitive to food and medications. Food, for the most part, is not a major cause of acne.
Each individual's skin is uniquely sensitive to various cosmetics or products. Always use "oil-free makeup". The term non-comedogenic is use in lieu of "oil-free" on many products. Water base products are not necessarily oil free. Many of these products contain oil. If your skin is sensitive to cosmetics, use name brand lotions, gels or creams and check the label. When applying cosmetics, minimize finger contact with the jar or bottle; this may contaminate the product with bacteria. Use sable brushes and make sure your brushes and sponges are clean. A sable brush may be cleaned through the gentle dishwasher cycle.
Pink and red cosmetic shades draw attention to irritated skin. Keep cosmetic color tones neutral with skin tones or warm browns. Makeup artists mix a green tinted makeup with regular foundation to help conceal red ares. Use this sparingly. Another hints is to try to dab concealer on top of your foundation. Blend the edges out and then set this with pressed powder. Powders can be used when applied with sable brush. This reduces skin irritation. Powders are important as they can camouflage the red to purple areas and adsorb excess oil in oily skin individuals. Avoid indescence in the powder. Indescence is achieved by ground up mica that can clog the pores and cause acne. It is adviseable to choose a powder of matte finish.
Examine the contents of the makeup and avoid the following compounds: acetylated lanolin, algae extract, algin, butyl stearate, carrageenan, cocoa butter, hexadecyl alcohol, laurel alcohol, laureth 4, isocetyl stearate, isopropyl esters, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isostearyl isostearate, myristyl lactate, myristyl myristate, octyl stearates, oleyl alcohol, potassium chloride, PPG 2 myristyl propionate, red algae, sodium chloride, sodium lauryl sulfate, solutan 16, steareth 10 and wheatgerm oil.
Keep in mind that hair products may aggravate acne. Watch the use of styling gel, mousse, pomades and hair spray.
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