Acne Skin Care Blues!
Acne skin care isn't just for teenagers anymore, and there's a special misery to breaking out when you're 37 and worried about crow's feet. About half of adults deal with acne in some form, and many who never had significant acne develop it for the first time. So what's responsible for the jump in adult acne? The one common thread among adult acne patients is stress. People are juggling work and family. They generally have busier lives and when you add pollution, new medications, and hormone-fed meats, which are also irritants, it's a double whammy. Women seem to have the biggest problem. About 54 percent of adult females are afflicted with acne, compared to 40 percent of adult males. The difference of more oil production, birth-control use, pregnancy, stress, age-related hormonal changes (which are increased by stress), and menopause play a major role. To add inconvenience to injury, the pimples may act the same, but the skin does not. Drier and less resilient, an adult woman's skin can be easily damaged by some of the treatments used during adolescence for acne skin care. All acne begins in hair follicles. They become inflamed and produce pimples, or plug up with whiteheads and blackheads. Male hormones called androgens (present in both genders) trigger acne by raising levels of sebum, or oil, produced by sebaceous glands at the base of these follicles. Hair is normally softened and lubricated by oil, but excess amounts paired with dead-skin-cell buildup cause blockage. When bacteria are present, the follicle becomes irritated, forming pustules. Some people simply produce more sebum and have greater numbers of sebaceous glands. Others have a poorer rate of skin cell turnover and are more sensitive to hormones. Acne is partly tied to genes, if your parents battled acne, odds are, so do you. The most common form of acne is acne vulgaris, but there are other types caused by irritants such as heat and humidity or exposure to certain pesticides. In the worst cases, cysts can form deep beneath the skin and result in scarring.
Medical strategies have come a long way in acne skin care. Today, dermatologists employ a variety of techniques to decrease sebum production, kill bacteria that elicit inflammation, and help exfoliate skin around the pores. Prescription retinoid lotions (Retin A, Differin, Tazorac) loosen plugs or prevent them from forming, and speed skin-cell turnover. Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria, and is often used in prescription lotions with or without an antibiotic. Glycolic- or salicylic-acid peels, performed by dermatologists, can facilitate the penetration of topical medicines and unclog pores. If you’re an adult with an acne problem, consider a more natural solution for acne skin care, it's easier on older skin. For a proactive approach, add flaxseeds to your diet. They contain lignans, phytoestrogens that are believed to stabilize a woman's ratio of estrogen and progesterone. Flaxseeds also contain essential fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory actions, among other benefits. Other methods to attain hormonal harmony for menopausal women, include increasing complex carbohydrates (whole grains, vegetables, legumes) to maintain blood sugar levels, getting enough sleep and exercise, and controlling stress. Another option is taking calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, and B complex. Also consider utilizing bio-identical hormone treatments. Be sure to discuss all natural treatments with your doctor before adding to your acne skin care regimen. Other natural, milder acne skin care can include nonprescription products that contain lower concentrations of benzoyl peroxide. Also similar products that use salicylic acid, lactic acid, or sulfur to help control bacteria. These acids are sometimes combined with sage, green tea, and aloe vera. Salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and witch hazel are among the most effective acne skin care fighters. They're also affordable, easily accessible in over-the-counter formulations, and less likely than prescription medications to cause sensitivity and irritation. Salicylic acid, derived from fruit, is known for its ability to trigger the shedding of dead skin cells that can cause congestion. This de-clogging process is what helps re-establish a normal skin-cell shedding cycle. Tea Tree oil is derived from the leaves of the native Australian Melaleuca alternifolia. It has natural, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral qualities that make it a powerful enemy to acne. In addition, it's not as drying or irritating as many acne treatments. It can be used on stings, burns, and skin infections, but never on open wounds, skin should be intact. Witch hazel, a botanical derived from a shrub native to North America, has long been used in folk medicine to soothe skin. It's rich in tannins and volatile oils, which are natural astringents. Because of its antiseptic capabilities, it tones the skin and draws out clogged pores. Finally, good habits and a gentle touch can help minimize acne and return your complexion to pimple-free adulthood. Wash your face twice a day, not more, but never scrub harshly with lotions or loofah sponges. Acne is not caused by dirt. Natural clay masks loosen blocked pores and draw out toxins. Steam opens up pores and expels toxins. Don't pick or squeeze pimples, which can cause scarring. And don't touch your face excessively, it may promote the spread of bacteria. Minimize sun exposure. A tan won't clear up acne and may increase sebum production. Wash away perspiration after exercising. When it comes to cosmetics, choose oil-free "noncomedogenic" moisturizers and makeup that won't block pores. Remove all makeup at day's end. Discard old makeup and moisturizers after a year. They may harbor bacteria which can sabotage any acne skin care regimen. Herbal treatments can detoxify the liver, stimulate bile flow, and regulate androgen hormones to help in acne skin care. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, certain herbs are prescribed to "clear heat" from the blood, which may aid your complexion. Dosages will vary for individual patients. Like acne medications, some herbal options should not be used by pregnant women. Consult your doctor before beginning any herbal regimen.
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