TREATING ACNE NATURALLY

ACNE AND ITS TREATMENT Acne can also occur due to impurities in the air and water. When the hair follicle pores on the skin become blocked, sebum builds up inside the skin and becomes infected with bacteria. Whiteheads develop when the infection remains under the skin surface, if the infection partly reaches the skin surface and changes color, it develops into a blackhead.

The blackhead in turn develops into a pimple and turns red. This redness is caused by the body's inflammatory response. Inflammation is a sign that the immune system is working to fight an infection. The inflammatory response doesn't always work perfectly, and can result in scarring.

Most often it does not lead to scars however the after-effects of the inflammatory response can leave the skin red for months, sometimes for more than a year. In adolescents who are the most socially insecure the effect of acne is mostly psychological affecting the self esteem and can also result in depression. Hence its aggressive and early treatment is most desirable. Though it is generally believed that increased use of fatty foods can lead to increased intensity of acne confirmatory research linking diet and acne is still required. Sea food contains a large amount of iodine which is known to make existing acne worse; hence the excessive consumption of iodine rich food may be avoided.

Refined sugars and processed foods can also lead to acne. Rapidly digested carbohydrate food such as white bread and refined sugars produce an overload in metabolic glucose which is rapidly converted into the types of fat that can build up in sebaceous glands. Hence it is highly recommended that junk food be completely avoided to prevent the worsening of the condition. Research by the American Medical Association indicates that chocolate does not contribute to acne. The most effective treatments can also produce side effects and require a greater degree of monitoring, so a step-wise approach is often taken. It is most advisable to consult with doctors when deciding which treatments to use, especially when considering using any treatments in combination.

There are a number of treatments that have been proven effective: With women hormonal treatments are also effective in treating acne. A daily oral intake of vitamin A derivative isotretinoin over a period of 4-6 months can cause long-term resolution or reduction of acne. It is believed that isotretinoin works primarily by reducing the secretion of oils from the glands but it has severe side effects. Some naturally available substances are also used in Ayurveda and in home made preparations which are effective in some people. There are no medical studies conducted to confirm their action.

Tea Tree Oil or Melaleuca oil has been used with some success. Its action is comparable to benzoyl peroxide, but without excessive drying of the skin. It is also effective in the case of skin infections and has anti inflammatory properties.

Some conventional home based and ayurvedic preparations use turmeric, neem, aloe vera, papaya and Hemedesmus indicus or anantamula as it is commonly known as. Neem is used for anti inflammatory and bactericidal properties while turmeric is used for its bactericidal and cleansing and antiseptic qualities.

Yuri Karaban is the author of this article on How Acnezine Works. Find more information about Skin Treatment FAQ here.