Acne is a skin condition which affects around 80% of teenagers to some degree. It most often commences during puberty and can continue well into adulthood, it's course and duration being unique to each individual sufferer. Despite it's widespread occurrence, there is no definitive cause of acne and to date no universal cure. However there are known factors which contribute to the outbreak of acne and many treatments available which may help.
So, what exactly is acne? Basically acne is a disease which causes spots and redness on the skin, most often on the face, neck, chest and back. These spots can be either whiteheads, blackheads, red or yellow spots or hard red swellings just below the surface of the skin. It occurs when the little glands below the surface of the skin produce too much sebum. This is an oily substance, used to keep the skin soft and supple. However if much sebum is produced it tends to clog up the tiny pores through which hairs grow out of the skin and this causes blackheads and whiteheads. To make matters worse, this build up of oil creates a perfect environment for a bacterium (Propionibacterium acnes) to grow. Your bodies immune system tries to fight this growth in bacteria causing the redness and inflammation which often comes with spots.
There are many myths surrounding the causes and treatment of acne. For example, acne is not caused by poor hygiene or a diet high in fats and sugars. nor is it contagious. Some things however do seem certain about the condition. High levels of some hormones, especially testosterone seem to cause acne, or at least make it worse. Increased stress levels too are known to exacerbate acne, although the exact reason for this is unknown but it may be because people under stress touch their face more often and so help to spread bacteria. There also seems to be a genetic link, since parents who are suffers tend to pass the condition on to their children.
There are many effective treatments for acne and your doctor will be able to prescribe the most appropriate one for you. There are also a number of self-help treatments which you can try. Basic hygiene is important to get rid of bacteria on the skin, so you should wash twice a day with a gentle cleanser and try to wash your hands before you touch your face, for example when applying make up.
Steaming the face or other affected parts can be a useful addition to your acne treatment programme. Steaming opens up the pores and at the same time increases sweating and so helps to flush impurities out of the skin.Since sweat is salty, it can also act as an antimicrobial agent, killing some of the bacteria found on the skin. Steaming also increases blood circulation, bringing greater amounts of oxygen and nutrients to the skin.
Adding herbs and essential oils to your steamer just before use, can bring many additional benefits for your complexion. Lavender is held to aid relaxation and can a very effective way of reducing stress, which is a known contributor to acne outbreaks. Mint too can be used to dissolve the grime clogged in facial pores and make it easier for it to be flushed away. Other herbs and oils provide more general benefits, like rose hips which is great for skin regeneration.
While it is possible to steam your face at home over a bowl of very hot water, there are a number of facial steamers available to buy which make the job less messy and are often more effective to use. The come in a variety of designs and price ranges, so you should be able to find one which suits your needs. Portable steamers, for example, are relatively cheap to buy and very convenient to use - you just fill up the reservoir with water, add a few drops of essential oil if required and turn the control to mist or steam. Other facial steamers can be used with a gas called ozone which dries and acts as as antibacterial agent on the skin. Facial saunas too are an effective way of improving your complexion.
For those with problem areas on the back or chest, using a steam room in addition to a facial steamer can bring noticeable benefits, although you will need to regularly use the steamer for a few weeks to see the best results. Which ever kind of steam treatment you choose, it is vital to wash your face or shower immediately afterwards, in order to remove all the dirt and grime which has been drawn out by the steaming process. If left on the skin this can actually make the condition worse. - 16004
So, what exactly is acne? Basically acne is a disease which causes spots and redness on the skin, most often on the face, neck, chest and back. These spots can be either whiteheads, blackheads, red or yellow spots or hard red swellings just below the surface of the skin. It occurs when the little glands below the surface of the skin produce too much sebum. This is an oily substance, used to keep the skin soft and supple. However if much sebum is produced it tends to clog up the tiny pores through which hairs grow out of the skin and this causes blackheads and whiteheads. To make matters worse, this build up of oil creates a perfect environment for a bacterium (Propionibacterium acnes) to grow. Your bodies immune system tries to fight this growth in bacteria causing the redness and inflammation which often comes with spots.
There are many myths surrounding the causes and treatment of acne. For example, acne is not caused by poor hygiene or a diet high in fats and sugars. nor is it contagious. Some things however do seem certain about the condition. High levels of some hormones, especially testosterone seem to cause acne, or at least make it worse. Increased stress levels too are known to exacerbate acne, although the exact reason for this is unknown but it may be because people under stress touch their face more often and so help to spread bacteria. There also seems to be a genetic link, since parents who are suffers tend to pass the condition on to their children.
There are many effective treatments for acne and your doctor will be able to prescribe the most appropriate one for you. There are also a number of self-help treatments which you can try. Basic hygiene is important to get rid of bacteria on the skin, so you should wash twice a day with a gentle cleanser and try to wash your hands before you touch your face, for example when applying make up.
Steaming the face or other affected parts can be a useful addition to your acne treatment programme. Steaming opens up the pores and at the same time increases sweating and so helps to flush impurities out of the skin.Since sweat is salty, it can also act as an antimicrobial agent, killing some of the bacteria found on the skin. Steaming also increases blood circulation, bringing greater amounts of oxygen and nutrients to the skin.
Adding herbs and essential oils to your steamer just before use, can bring many additional benefits for your complexion. Lavender is held to aid relaxation and can a very effective way of reducing stress, which is a known contributor to acne outbreaks. Mint too can be used to dissolve the grime clogged in facial pores and make it easier for it to be flushed away. Other herbs and oils provide more general benefits, like rose hips which is great for skin regeneration.
While it is possible to steam your face at home over a bowl of very hot water, there are a number of facial steamers available to buy which make the job less messy and are often more effective to use. The come in a variety of designs and price ranges, so you should be able to find one which suits your needs. Portable steamers, for example, are relatively cheap to buy and very convenient to use - you just fill up the reservoir with water, add a few drops of essential oil if required and turn the control to mist or steam. Other facial steamers can be used with a gas called ozone which dries and acts as as antibacterial agent on the skin. Facial saunas too are an effective way of improving your complexion.
For those with problem areas on the back or chest, using a steam room in addition to a facial steamer can bring noticeable benefits, although you will need to regularly use the steamer for a few weeks to see the best results. Which ever kind of steam treatment you choose, it is vital to wash your face or shower immediately afterwards, in order to remove all the dirt and grime which has been drawn out by the steaming process. If left on the skin this can actually make the condition worse. - 16004
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Are you fed up of your spots? Find out about the amazing benefits of using steam for acne and how it can really improve the condition of your skin at http://steamforacne.com
