What you should know about acne

Acne is the most widespread skin condition in the world, affecting nearly everyone at some time in their lives. More than 90 percent of all adolescents, nearly 50 percent of all adult women and 25 percent of all adults experience acne. It also crosses genders as well as national borders, making it a major skin care and health concern.

Acne is simply a skin disorder marked by the inflammation of skin glands and hair follicles and by pimple formation especially on the face. People suffering from acne normally have low self-esteem which can make them retreat from normal daily activities.

Not everyone knows the real causes of acne and many lack proper knowledge on how it can be prevented and treated eventually. Actually, there are various myths and fallacies about acne and why many are vulnerable to it.

Contrary to common knowledge, acne is not caused by dirt. Blemishes such as blackheads, whiteheads and pimples form naturally when dead skin cells mix with the body’s natural oil, forming a plug in the tiny hair follicles commonly called pores. This is the reason why over-washing is also not advisable. It can actually strip the skin of the oil it needs to stay soft and pliable.

Another misconception is that chocolates and oily food help cause acne. Gobbling sweet chocolates, pizza and French fries are not the culprits for your zits today. But bingeing on these yummy stomach-fillers will also not solve the skin problem. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, "A healthy diet is important for improving raw materials for healthy skin." It also notes that greasy or sugary foods do not cause acne.

Cosmetics

Certain cosmetic products, as we all know, are also a factor in having acne. But this should not create panic among the ladies. Most make-up brands today are non-comedogenic, which means that they won’t clog your pores. Some foundations, moisturizers, cream blushes, bronzers and creams and lotions can put the skin at risk, producing acne. The ladies should also look for cosmetic products in the market that are oil-free (water-based) and hypoallergenic (no added fragrance). These types of makeup will not irritate the skin and produce unwanted acne.

Other factors that can also contribute to acne flare-ups are stress, exercise, climate, sunscreens, hormonal fluctuations and even genetics. Pricking blackheads, whiteheads and pimples will also not help solve the problem. There is a finding that 90 percent of adults and 76 percent of teenagers prick their acne. Doing so will put pressure on the affected pores, thus aggravating and irritating the skin all the more.

Here’s good news for those suffering from acne! There is now a known breakthrough ingredient that can effectively treat acne. Adapalene is a topical retinoid discovered in the mid-80s to help remedy acne problems.

Scientists have found out in their laboratory studies that adapalene, when applied directly to the face or affected skin area, works deep inside the pores to control the cause of the buildup that leads to the formation of acne. Adapalene normalizes the improper accumulation of skin cells that plug the pores, and effectively keeps them clear. With this, the pores begin to function normally again, thus leading to healing of the skin from acne.

Adapalene directly targets the site of acne and in about 12 weeks, clears out mild acne lesions. It also prevents any form of scaling, dryness, redness and stinging/burning sensations. It can also be used by those with sensitive skin since the formulation is water-based. It does not contain any form of alcohol that can cause skin irritation, and is also quickly absorbed by the skin and instantly goes to work after five minutes of application.