Acne is a skin condition characterized by plugged pores, inflamed pimples and deeper lumps that can appear on the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders. The disorder is most common throughout the teenage years when appearance is of particular importance. Acne is rarely a serious medical condition, but it often causes emotional distress and can be upsetting to the patient.

The reason acne occurs is the sensitivity of the body towards the increased level of the male hormone testosterone, which is present in both males and females. This stimulates the oil (sebaceous) glands of the skin to enlarge and produce and excess amount of sebum (oil) – natural substance, which lubricates and protects the skin.

At the same time, acne occurs when hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells that dissociate from the inside surface of the sebaceous glands. The sebum produced by these glands accumulates with the dead skin cells in the follicle and solidify as a soft plug. This plug may cause the follicle to bulge and produce a whitehead or it may be open to the surface and darken, causing a “blackhead”. The sebum stimulates bacteria, which live on everyone’s skin and generally cause no problems, to multiply and cause surrounding tissues to become inflamed. Inflammation near the skin’s surface produces a pustule; deeper inflammation results in a papule (pimple); deeper blockages and inflammations inside follicles produce lumps beneath the surface of the skin called cysts.

Certain medications, such as oral contraceptives, antibiotics and corticosteroids can aggravate the condition of the acne. For some women, acne can be an indication of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or hormonal imbalance, which can lead to abnormal menstrual periods, sterility, excess hair-growth and overweight.

How to avoid scaring or other damage to the skin

Don’t pick or squeeze blemishes as this might cause infection or scarring. Cleanse the skin with a soft cotton pad, dipped in herbal infusion or ethereal oils. Touch your skin only if your hands are clean.

PROPHYLACTICS

You can avoid or control acne with good basic skin care and the following self-care techniques:

Wash problem areas with a mild cleansing bar or a gentle lotion that doesn’t dry the skin. Of the many available brands, oil-free, water-based moisturizers are generally a better choice.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays in moderation are good for your skin as they can cure acne. However, keep in mind that during summer it is recommended that you avoid exposure to the sun in the period 10:00AM – 15:00PM.
Carefully choose your skin products – avoid oily or greasy sunscreens, hair-styling products or skin products that contain benzoyl peroxide. Ensure that the products are labeled “noncomedogenic” or “water-based”.
Try to decrease general sweating – don’t stay in places that are too hot and wear fabrics that allow the skin to “breathe”.
Avoid consuming too much salt with your food. Salt causes the cells to loose water, which can aggravate the condition of the acne.
Apply tea tree oil directly on the blemishes on a daily basis. If the oil is too concentrated, you can dissolve it in water.
Keep your hair clean and off your face. Also avoid resting your hands or objects on your face. Some hair products such as hair-gel and hair-spray can be the reason for the condition in specific facial areas (the forehead). Stop using them for a couple of weeks to see how it affects the acne.

TREATMENT

Aromatherapy: Some ethereal oils control the production of sebum. Amongst them are the Cedar Cone oil (not recommended during pregnancy) and the Atlantic White Cedar (should be avoided during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy). Lavender and geranium oils have antiseptic and healing qualities, while those of camomile and bergamot reduce inflammation. Try the following procedures:
Add 2 drops of Cedar Cone and 2 drops of Atlantic White Cedar oil in a glass of water. Apply the mixture on the skin every 2 hours.
Add 2 drops of Juniper oil to a table-spoon of Jojoba or Sweet Almond oil and stir. Apply directly on the problematic skin areas.
Add 2 drops of Bergamot and 2 drops of Atlantic White Cedar to 5 tea-spoons of Jojoba oil. Add the same mixture of oils to a face-cleansing lotion. Apply the oil mixture in the evening and the lotion – in the morning.

ACNE AND DIET

It is proven that acne is not caused by foods. However, it would be wise to keep a diary of the consumed foods throughout the day to determine whether some of them can cause acne.
Some women experience acne if eating chocolate just before their menstrual period.

Generally people who suffer from acne have less Vitamin A in their blood, which is why foods rich in vitamin A and ?-Carotin are highly recommended. However, any vitamin intake should be closely monitored by a health care specialist.

HERBAL THERAPY

Mix dried roots from Dandelion, Burdock, Nettle, Yarrow and Echinacea and prepare a potion. Drink 1 glass once or twice a day.
Boil up 2-3 tea-spoons dried basil in a glass of water. Cool the mixture and apply with a cotton pad on clean skin.
Cleanse your skin once a day using a Steam bath: keep your face for about 5-10 minutes covered with a towel and above a bowl filled with hot water. Afterwards dry your skin and apply Rosewater, Black Elder water, Camomile extract or Marigold tea. A good idea is to add a couple of drops of Marigold infusion into the hot water.
Dandelion, Burdock, Yarrow and Echinacea roots cure acne by reducing and eliminating the skin bacteria.

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP

In case of unresponsive or severe acne or acne that is believed to be a result of an ongoing medical treatment, it is essential that you consult a primary-care physician or a dermatologist.