Juliet Cohen asked:


Acne vulgaris and acne is a skin problem. Some people call it blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or zits. Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory disease of the skin.. Acne has been implicated in psychiatric and psychological processes more than most other dermatological conditions. Most young people get at least mild acne. It usually gets better after the teen years. But many adult women do have acne in the days before their menstrual periods. Acne is most common in teenagers, but it can happen at an age, even as an infant. Three out of four teenagers have acne to some extent, probably caused by hormonal changes that stimulate oil production. However, people in their 30s and 40s may also have acne. Acne vulgaris affects the areas of skin with the densest population of sebaceous follicles; these areas include the face, the upper part of the chest, and the back The condition is most common in puberty. It is considered an abnormal response to normal levels of the male hormone testosterone. The response for most people diminishes over time and acne thus tends to disappear, or at least decrease, after one reaches his or her early twenties. There is, however, no way to predict how long it will take for it to disappear entirely, and some individuals will continue to suffer from acne decades later, into their thirties and forties and even beyond.

Inflammatory acne is the result of the host response to the follicular inhabitant Propionibacterium acnes. Symptoms of Acne Vulgaris include whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. Redness around the skin eruptions and Scarring of the skin. Pimples that are large and deep are called cystic lesions. These can be painful if they get infected. Acne vulgaris affects 85-100% of people at some time during their lives. Acne vulgaris may be present in the first few weeks and months of life when a newborn is still under the influence of maternal hormones and when the androgen-producing portion of the adrenal gland is disproportionately large. This neonatal acne resolves spontaneously. Acne starts when oil and dead skin cells clog the skin’s pores. If germs get into the pores, the result can be swelling, redness, and pus. See a picture of how pimples form. Adolescent acne usually begins prior to the onset of puberty, when the adrenal gland begins to produce and release more androgen hormone.

Acne vulgaris is caused oil and dead skin cells clog the skin’s pores. Acne vulgaris may also be influenced by genetic factors. Hormone-driven over-production of sebum as the main contributing factor of acne. Some cosmetic agents and hair pomades may worsen acne. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, polycystic ovary syndrome, and other endocrine disorders with excess androgens may trigger the development of acne vulgaris. Medications that can promote acne include steroids, lithium, some antiepileptics, and iodides. Seafood often contains relatively high levels of iodine. Iodine is known to make existing acne worse but there is probably not enough to cause an acne outbreak. Still, people who are prone to acne may want to avoid excessive consumption of foods high in iodine. Chocolate, french fries, potato chips and sugar, among others, affect acne. A high GI (glycemic index) diet that causes sharp rises in blood sugar worsens acne. Masturbation causes acne and, conversely, that celibacy can cure it. True acne vulgaris in adults may be a feature of an underlying condition such as pregnancy and disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome or the rare Cushing’s syndrome.

Acne treatment depends on whether you have a mild, moderate or severe form. There are many treatment of Acne vulgaris. Azelaic acid was originally used to treat brown spots/hyperpigmentation. It is useful for comedonal acne as well as mild to moderate inflammatory acne. Erythromycin and clindamycin are excellent topical antibacterial medications that are available as pads, solutions, lotions, and gels. Benzoy peroxide products are also effective against P acnes. Oral antibiotics (taken by mouth) such as minocycline, doxycycline, and tetracycline and hormonal therapies including oral contraceptives are also be used effectively. Speaking successful treatments give little improvement within the first week or two; and then the acne decreases over approximately 3 months, after which the improvement starts to flatten out. Treatments that promise improvements within 2 weeks are likely to be largely disappointing. Short bursts of cortisone, quick bursts of antibiotics and many of the laser therapies offer a quick reduction in the redness, swelling and inflammation when used correctly, but none of these empty the pore of all the materials that trigger the inflammation.

Mike Walden asked:


What are the causes of teenage acne and how to get rid of acne that is linked to puberty?

Teenage acne is bad news. Not only is it painful but its implications can be devastating too. In fact, teenage acne has been known to have a deep social, intellectual and emotional impact on the young person.

What worries most people about teenage acne is not the scars on the face (which anyways occurs), but its psychological impacts that may severely downgrade the self esteem of an individual. It can be so bad that the entire personality of the person changes and he carries the emotional scars even after becoming an adult, these are the psychological marks of teenage acne that has a far greater impact than the physical blemishes.

I know because I have suffered from teenage acne, it lasted for 13 years and it had a great negative impact on my intellectual and emotional growth. The impact changed me. I began to spend time alone with shame and out of fear and guilt too. And due to this, I can say that the acne deprived me of a normal teenage experience. I was finally able to come out of this after I found a cure which was possible only after 7 years of research and personal experimentation. And now I can say that I have finally been able to get rid of the acne problem. But the best news is, the acne has not returned and my skin today is great.

So go ahead and read this report to find out why people have teenage acne, what the role of the parents are, and how you can permanently solve this problem.

Learn about the symptoms and the theories of teenage acne

Blackheads, whiteheads, lesions that appear like boils, cysts and large pimples, teenage acne may appear in many types. And the severity of the outbreaks may also differ. In cases of a moderate outbreak, there are just a few growths on the back, chest or the face. However when the case is severe, then there are cysts that appear big and sore, and they come up all over the body. It looks bad.

Somehow more number of males seems to be affected by severe teenage acne than females. In males, the affected regions are also frequently the back and the chest.

But what causes teenage acne - well, there are many thoughts on this one. There are those who would say that the culprit is the hair follicles that get blocked. Then there are those who blame the genes. Another thought blames the body`s mechanism (the immunity) of fighting the acne bacteria. Some other popular causes include sudden increase in hormones or decrease in nutrients. Even the environmental lifestyle factors have been blamed for teenage acne.

Having done research on the subject for 7 years now, I now know what really causes the problem and so I can differentiate the real reasons from the false theories. This learning I have acquired through years of research, experimentation and trial and error. And now I have the answer that helps me beat acne.

So what really causes teenage acne?

The acne is not something that is temporary and so it is important to find out the causes. In truth, the real causes of teenage acne, no matter whether it is casual or severe, remain deep within the human body. To fight teenage acne, you will need to find an answer to these causes. Just treating the symptoms and neglecting the root causes never help, but this is the mistake many make. That is why OTC medications, antibiotics and other conventional drugs do not work. Though the symptoms go away, but the cause remains within the body and so the teenage acne returns.

When the body produces more hormones than it can deactivate and expel it can lead to an imbalance and this can lead to teenage acne. In some cases the body begins to make more oil and this prompts the acne too. The growths may also appear due to the buildup of toxins in the blood and lymph.

There is just one way you can treat teenage acne and this is by eradicating the causes that are making the lesions to appear.

Teenage Acne: what can the parents do?

The role of the parents is always crucial because of the deep social and emotional impact that teenage acne can have. Each person needs to be understood and should be carefully and thoughtfully handled. Proper understanding is very important here.

Never ever make your child believe that you think that he or she needs to be blamed for the teenage acne that the person has. This will only worsen the issue. A better approach would be to show empathy and hold your patience and help the person come out of his dreadful condition.

Do make an attempt to feel the pain he or she is going through. Make the person understand that you are with him or her and that the child is still regarded highly, spend some time together, and talking is important here.

No one likes to suffer from teenage acne and so finding a cure is crucial because otherwise there can be a negative impact on the social and intellectual growth. Make them feel confident that you are always there to help them fight the condition and move on in life. Show them that you care by showing your own research on the subject.

Fight teenage acne successfully

Though there are quite a few remedies all around us, such as antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, conventional drugs and even steroids, but the truth is, just one works. In fact many of these remedies actually worsen the condition as they come with side effects. The real causes are all internal and they need to be taken on to beat teenage acne. Just treating the external symptoms will never work as they are just manifestations.

All the factors of teenage acne can be successfully treated only through the holistic approach, and this treatment gives permanent results too. The approach here is to take on both the internal as well as the external factors. With the holistic approach you can not only get rid of teenage acne, but also improve your health by fighting other diseases that occur from hormonal imbalances such as kidney problems, hair loss. With the teenage acne gone, the person can go out there and have a great emotional, social and intellectual life.

Jackius Anderson asked:


Acne is one of the major health related conditions, which is common in teenagers and youngsters. Acne brings huge problems to teenagers. Teenagers who have acne feel isolated, ugly, and insecure. Who wouldn’t when everywhere you look, only clear faced (skinned) people are put on the pedestal.

Acne is an inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin; characterized by papules or pustules or comedones. Acne is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. Acne can simply be defined as a group of skin rashes which appear basically at the teenage. But it can occur at any age and can happen to anybody.

When people think of acne, usually the figure of a person comes up with an occurrence of red, inflamed pores on his or her face. Though this is the most common form, but is not the only type of acne which people experience. There are various types of acne which people may experience and there are numerous causes reported for acne.

Types of acne:

• Acne Vulgaris - most commonly experienced around puberty, typically of the face and shoulders/chest

• Acne rosacea - a red rash predominantly on the face

• Acne keloidalis nuchae (Pseudofolliculitis nuchae) - a rash caused by shaving

• Acne conglobata (Hidradenitis suppurativa) - chronic abscesses or boils of sweat glands and hair follicles; in the underarms, groin and buttocks, and under the breasts in women

• Acne cosmetica - acne caused by cosmetics

• Acne fulminans - an extreme form of acne conglobata

• Acne medicamentosa - acne caused by starting or stopping a medicine

• Baby acne - a rash seen on the cheeks, chin, and forehead of infants

• Chloracne - an acne rash caused by exposure to chlorinated hydrocarbons such as dioxins or PCBs.

These are the several types of acne but the common type which occurs usually is acne Vulgaris. Acne Vulgaris occurs at the time of puberty. It is most common in the teenagers.

Causes of acne:

As stated earlier, acne can be caused due to numerous reasons. But generally there are four major factors responsible for causing acne. They are:

• Overactive oil glands

• Blockage of the skin pores

• Activity of normal skin bacteria

• Inflammation

They act together to cause the characteristic pimples, whiteheads and blackheads associated with acne.

Treatment:

The treatment procedure of acne started many years ago. Since then the treatment procedure gradually developed into better form. Acne treatments are also of considerable antiquity:

• Ancient Rome: bathing in hot, and often sulfurous, mineral water was one of the few available acne treatments. One of the earliest texts to mention skin problems is De Medicina by the Roman writer Celsus.

• 1800s: Nineteenth century dermatologists used sulphur in the treatment of acne. It was believed to dry the skin.

• 1920s: Benzoyl Peroxide is used

• 1930s: Laxatives were used as a cure for what were known as ‘chastity pimples’

• 1950s: When antibiotics became available, it was discovered that they had beneficial effects on acne. They were taken orally to begin with. Much of the benefit was not from killing bacteria but from the anti-inflammatory effects of tetracycline and its relatives. Topical antibiotics became available later.

• 1960s: Tretinoin (original Trade Name Retin A) was found effective for acne. This preceeded the development of oral isotretinoin (sold as Accutane and Roaccutane) since the early 1980s.

• 1980s: Accutane is introduced in America

• 1990s: Laser treatment introduced

• 2000s: Blue/red light therapy

Some old treatments, like laxatives, have fallen into disuse but others, like spas, are recovering their popularity. Acne responds well to treatment, particularly if treated early, at the onset of the condition. Treatment is offered to:

• Prevent possible scarring

• Deal with inflamed and painful areas

• Limit the formation of new blackheads and whiteheads

• Lessen any stress or embarrassment associated with the acne

Mild acne can be treated with over-the-counter medications. More serious acne requires treatment by a dermatologist.

Mild acne is managed well by over-the-counter preparations such as benzoyl peroxide, Resorcinol, Salicylic acid, Sulfur, etc. Nowadays acne is also treated with Natural Acne Treatment. Natural acne treatment doesn’t have any side affects and it also totally affective in treating acne. Now acne no longer remains a big problem for the teenagers and the youngsters.

Mike Walden asked:


It seems apparently that back acne is a lesser problem than the ones that appear on the face; this is because of the simple reason that they are on the portion of the skin that is covered by clothes. However the fact remains that back acne still remains a major cause for worry. Those who have them face embarrassment at places such as the gym and at the beach where they have to take off the cloth.

So if you are one of the victims of back acne and want to get a cure for it, you are in luck because this article is just for you. I have suffered from acne in the face and back for in excess of 7 years and have always wanted to come out with a permanent remedy. And with my continued research, I have finally found the relief that works not just for back acne, but also for the ones in the other places.

This article discusses why someone has back acne and how they are different to facial acne. And not only that, you will also learn how you too can solve the back acne problems.

All about back acne:

There are various kinds of back acne such as whiteheads and blackheads and then there are big cystic acnes that reach deeper into the skin. The difference between facial acne and back acne is that when they come up in the back, the treatment becomes more problematic, and back acne is also more prevalent. This makes it quite annoying.

In the back side of a human the number of sebaceous glands is much more and due to this the production of natural oils are also higher. This and also the fact that the human skin on the back is tougher ensure that back acne is usually severer than when they are formed on the face. The presence of cysts and nodules in large numbers also does not help this matter.

Why back acne occurs?

There are many who mistakenly think that back acne is caused when the skin is overexposed to the Sun ; they believe that this happens because the skin becomes dry from the exposure and thus ends up making more sebum to counter this. This extra sebum chokes the hair follicles, thus leading to the formation of the acne. Some also believe that back acne happens from low levels of nutrients in the body. However the fact is that, why back acne happens goes much deeper than this.

In truth, the causes of all kinds of acne, including back acne, lesions on the face, neck, whiteheads or blackheads are the same and they are the buildup of toxins in the body and an imbalance in the level of hormones.

Yes it is true that the skin on the back is tougher and there are more sebaceous glands here, but these factors do not cause back acne. However these factors may still make the symptoms worse. So go ahead and put on that moisturizer or stop exposing your skin to the Sun: these measures will definitely decrease the symptoms. However the back acne itself cannot be cured.

How is back acne different to the lesions on the face or the body?

The main difference cannot be attributed to the external features of the various body parts such as the number of sebaceous glands or the toughness of the skin or the level of dryness. Understanding this is crucial for handling the symptoms of the condition and for treatment that is applied externally.

But there is a basic difference between back acne and the ones in the other parts such as facial acne and this difference is in the inside. Back acne basically happens from a high level of toxins in the lymph and the blood rather than from imbalance of the hormones.

Toxicity thus plays a more crucial role for back acne and it is not so the case for acne on the face. However hormonal imbalance still plays a role (even though it is not the #1 reason). This factor always has an impact; it is just that in back acne, it is not the major and dominant cause.

The only cure that works for back acne:

The correct approach is really quite simple: you have to fight the internal causes and neutralize them and once the real causes are taken on, the back acne problem can be permanently cured.

But do remember that since toxicity is the major cause, the treatment focus should also be to reduce the levels of the toxins.

Back acne can be best solved through the holistic path. The holistic approach not only challenges the external factors that worsen the acne, but it also treats the condition from the inside and offers tips to change the lifestyle so that you can lead a healthy life and finally get rid of back acne.

Mike Walden asked:


Propionibacterium or acne bacteria is not the root cause of acne, so destroying it can, at best, help you to bring down the swelling that a ripe pimple causes. It cannot prevent acne from forming as it does not play much of a part in the creation of this condition.

The Acne Problem Lies Way Below The Skin.

Practitioners of conventional medicine describe acne as a skin inflammation. This condition is caused largely by factors on the skin surface, the principal one being an excess of sebum and keratin being produced by the oil glands.

The excessive oil blocks the pores of the hair follicle and this leads to the growth of bacteria. As the growth of bacteria increases, small pimples appear, both on the surface of the skin and directly underneath. The ones above the surface are called blackheads and the ones below the surface are called whiteheads.

In reality, the cause of acne lies way below the surface of the skin. It`s not the immediate signs that you have to tackle, not the inflamed skin, not the investigations of the skin type, not the excessive production of oil, nor the clogged hair follicles or the bacteria on your skin; none of these. Acne is formed because deep rooted factors develop an environment which is conducive to its formation and growth.

Acne is a condition, NOT a disease.

Whatever else acne might be, it is certainly not a disease, just as many of the medical conditions found in the western world are not really diseases. Acne RESULTS from a disease and the acne condition is the body`s way of telling you that all is not well. Don`t ignore this message as the balance of your body is at stake.

I wish to warn you that you should not take the words of conventional practitioners of medicine as the whole truth and start treating your acne as a skin ailment and nothing else. The problem can only be found in the deeper recesses of the body.

If you are afflicted with acne, please understand that the real cause of it is an imbalance that has occurred in your body`s system. The rashes and pimples are the outward manifestations of a much deeper problem which you MUST tackle if you want to be rid of your acne and lead a healthier life.

You will obviously wonder why doctors insist on labeling acne as a malfunction of the skin. The reason is that they can make more money by making you buy the worthless antibiotics and lotions.

The truth about acne bacteria:

Acne bacteria or propionibacterium, to give it its technical term, is something that every human being has on his skin. This bacterium is a life form which fights for survival and is beneficial for us. So the malignant organisms which conventional medicines try to eradicate are really very important for our good health and well being.

You may be surprised to know that acne bacteria, so long as it is in tune with the balance of your body, help you repel other bacteria which are way more harmful for you. It exists in all human beings, irrespective of whether they have acne or not and is the major reason for the flexibility of your skin.

The secretions from our sweat and sebaceous glands are what the acne bacteria feed itself on. This is normal for everyone whether they have acne or not.

Acne bacteria do NOT cause acne and is not contagious. Obviously, as otherwise every single individual would have contracted acne since the bacteria is in all of us. Then why is it that only some unfortunate souls land up being afflicted?

The case is the same with streptococcus bacteria which everyone has. Then why is it that everyone doesn`t get tonsillitis or a strep throat? The reason is that, like acne bacteria, it will not strike unless the conditions in the body are right and a specific environment is fashioned.

It is the environment which counts (the acne triangle of oil-toxins-bacteria).

The environment that creates acne is one where there is an overproduction of sebum oil, mainly due to an imbalance in hormones, and this excess mixes with congested toxins which come out through the skin. This mixture is dangerous as it causes bacteria to develop and grow disturbingly fast. The condition which is thus created is the standard one for an acne sufferer: pimples and nodules which are inflamed and pus-filled.

This condition, described above, where the bacteria grows in leaps and bounds because of the admixture of excess sebum oil and blood toxins, has to be prevented. Merely killing the bacteria is not sufficient because it will grow again when the above condition is recreated. So the ONLY way to stop acne permanently is to go to the root of the problem and ensure that this condition is not allowed to happen.

So antibiotics which kill acne bacteria, such as benzoyl peroxide, tetracycline or monocycline are not permanent cures because they do not tackle the root cause of the acne.

Then What Really Causes Acne?

You will, by now, realize what it is that makes acne bacteria grow so drastically and what environment brings on acne. But all this is only what happens on the surface. What we have to know in order to permanently stop acne from happening is the root cause of the hormonal imbalance and the blood toxins that cause the nexus between oil, toxins and bacteria in the first place.

This nexus is created on the surface of the skin because of a process that is affected by changes within the body. These changes are nutritional, hormonal, environmental and even psychological.

Therefore, to ensure a permanently clear skin, you will have to counteract the changes in ALL the factors mentioned above so that bacteria does not multiply but is kept at an optimal level on your skin.

Mike Walden asked:


The “vitamins for acne industry” has reached such stellar heights in the United States today that I consider it to be my duty as a lifelong research worker to shed some light on the subject. It took me 7 long years to gather this knowledge.

To be honest about it, no vitamin for acne supplement can single handedly cure your acne irrespective of whether they consist of b5 overdose therapy, vitamin A or zinc or any that you may think of. The only sensible way out of this debacle is to go through this small treatise till you know how things stand. In the mean time, stay rest assured that downing a few vitamin pills every morning to get rid of your acne is as far fetched as getting an online ticket to the moon today and landing there next day. It is simply not that easy, my boy!

This need not necessarily mean that I am discouraging you to take this option to become free of acne. It is, nevertheless, true that some vitamins and minerals have properties that play crucial roles in the process of curing acne naturally. Also, if taken in the right proportion synergistically, vitamins can prove fairly effective in helping the system to clean itself of biological debris faster than prescription medications. They also help restore the long lost hormonal balance, bringing back the healing process of your skin much more rapidly than any other known resources.

Also, it is never safe to become your own doctor and start taking vitamin pills that you may think are suitable for you because such steps could lead you to some non-reversible side effects that are scarier than the acne. And the effects an overdose of wrong vitamins could be simply lethal. Go visit a qualified doctor, instead; let him examine your pathology and prescribe the right vitamin for you. All you have to do is to take those vitamins strictly as per his advice.

Despite the fact that this discourse is solely devoted to the issue of “vitamin for acne” I have a mind to discuss here the true relationship about the vitamin for acne supplement and the natural holistic method that cures acne naturally for good.

Vitamins for Acne: vis-a-vis their interrelationship with each other

Acne, as we know, is caused by a host of internal as well as external factors of which hormonal imbalance in the body and toxic build-up in the blood and lymph glands are of paramount importance. Since no vitamin supplement can tackle both the issues in its singular capacity, it, nevertheless, can help the body in releasing most of the toxicity and thus become internally cleaner. And the body sans all the biological debris can commence restoration of the skin more efficiently.

Yes it is true that there are some vitamins for acne that supply the nutrients that can regulate the hormones. In their absence, there is bound to be an imbalance in the hormone levels, and this naturally will lead to the formation of acne.

Studies have proved that most acne sufferers are deficient with those nutrients where the supplements can easily fill up the blanks. Of particular significance are some fatty acids in the form of vitamins that really work wonders in most people suffering from acne. Essential fatty acids can be included into the body through vitamins for acne supplements and also when you limit the intake of trans fatty acids like margarine, your condition can improve quite a bit.

The secondary causes that lead to acne can also be challenged by acne supplements. These supplements basically enable your body to fight the causes from the inside and they also strengthen your ability to fight the problem better.

Common Vitamin for Acne suggested

It has been seen that most people who have acne suffer from a deficiency in the vitamin A, zinc, magnesium, vitamin E, vitamin C and B complex. And they can gain a lot from them.

This combination of vitamins is believed to have several beneficial properties that include stabilizing the hormones, fighting the free radicals, strengthening of the immune system, controlling the sebum production and improving the skin healing process. As an added bonus, they are said to have special properties in reducing stress, the major cause of hormonal imbalance.

MSM (natural sulfur) is yet another supplement vital for acne prone skin that provides the body with essential fatty acids like Omega 3, 6 and 9: all obtained from natural sources which contribute towards regulating hormone secretion and so can improve one`s acne condition overnight.

Nevertheless, people taking acne vitamins must follow three simple rules for better assimilation of the vitamins. These include (a) Taking the right amount of vitamins as prescribed by the doctor; (b) Taking the right combination of vitamins as prescribed by the doctor and (c) taking them exactly at the same hour as advised by the doctor. Only if this rule of three is strictly adhered to, one may expect the best results from vitamins for acne.

The final verdict in vitamin for acne

Yes, vitamin for acne supplements will let you cure the acne. While some of them provide the vital nutrients that let you speed up the recovery process, others are helpful when it comes to balancing the hormones: they also aid your body organs to remove the toxic materials. Other advantages of vitamin for acne are in collagen formation, skin repair, reducing stress and also in aiding the immune system to fight the problem.

But supplementation will not work alone. This is because acne is quite complicated and there are many internal factors that contribute towards the growth. And so, a complete strengthening and rebuilding is necessary. It needs to be also remembered that acne cannot be caused by a deficiency of vitamins, and thus supplementing them will not work to give you the cure.

Vitamin for acne work when you go for a more comprehensive program. Switch to holistic remedies because this approach can tackle the internal contributing factors. Holistic remedies, together with vitamins for acne are sure to give you an acne free life.

Zinc is a mineral and it is believed that it has curative properties on a skin where there are acne growths. It is believed that zinc can reduce the symptoms of acne. However on the other hand, many studies have indicated that this is not the case. So is there a connection between the two? Let us find out.

According to research carried out in recent years, zinc has the same properties of antibiotics such as tetracycline and it can fight the acne bacteria efficiently. And that too without the negative effects of antibiotics. Reportedly, zinc also enhances the immunity of the body.

I wanted to find out the truth and so I carried out experimentation for 7 long years. And after my research, I have been able to find out the zinc and acne connection.

So what is zinc and what is the zinc acne connection all about? How does the zinc acne treatment affect the sufferers and what is the best way to use this treatment to get relief from this terrible disease? And can the zinc acne treatment give permanent relief? This report discusses all these issues in detail.

Get all the zinc for acne information here

You will find traces of the zinc mineral in various food items such as mushrooms, soybeans, legumes, fish, sunflower seeds, egg yolks, soy lecithin and also in whole grains. Zinc is also present in many herbs such as dandelion, eyebright, cayenne, chamomile, mullein, nettle, milk thistle, alfalfa and in the burdock root. Zinc forms a part of insulin and can be found in the tissues.

There are many useful properties of zinc like providing the person with energy, prohibiting blindness, aiding the process of digestion by being a part of enzymes, supporting the reaction of more than 30 enzymes, strengthening the immunity, regulation of Vitamin E in the blood, helping the body absorb Vitamin A and B, speeding up the process of healing, regulating insulin, and it also fights bacteria. Zinc also present in estrogen, testosterone and growth hormone.

Yes, there are many utilities of zinc, but how does it help a person suffering from acne? To understand this, you will have to know the zinc acne connection.

What are the zinc and acne connection and the co-workers?

The causes of acne are all internal and they are imbalance in the level of hormones and build up toxic materials within the body. The hormones are responsible for producing oils, and the zinc can regulate the oil glands, and so if you can take them correctly (that is in the right quantity, quality and the correct essential fatty acids) you will be able to have some control over the level of hormones and this will ease the symptoms of your acne greatly.

Plus there are more benefits of the zinc for acne treatment. It helps absorb the Vitamin A, fights the bacteria that causes acne by strengthening the immunity, helps the body heal wounds and the zinc also has anti oxidant properties. All these are useful in tackling the secondary causes of acne and will help you reduce the symptoms of acne.

Another ability of zinc for acne is that it can regulate the production of hormones, which is a main reason why someone gets acne. However for this to happen, it needs to be taken in the correct quality and combination with essential fatty acids. This needs to be properly absorbed within the body and work together with some nutrients for the hormones to be balanced.

Here is something important that you will need to remember: zinc as an acne treatment may be effective, however take care not to mix it with some chemical substances, supplements and food items because they will make zinc less effective and its impact will go down by quite a bit.

So what are these inhibitors of zinc that does not let zinc function properly?

Zinc acne treatment: here are the various inhibitors

As mentioned above, there are some food items, supplements and conditions that can come in the way of the zinc being properly absorbed in the body. This may significantly reduce the impact of zinc on the acne.

So what are these inhibitors? Phytic acid that you will find in high level grains has been found to be one of them in recent studies. The acid can reduce the absorption by about 15%. And thus, those who are suffering from acne need to have fewer grains just about one to two servings a day. Grains may lead to mucus and acidity and taking them with zinc for acne can be a challenge.

Another zinc inhibitor is soy protein. If you are on the zinc for acne treatment, you need to take less soy as it can bind to minerals and lead to less zinc absorption.

Then there are other minerals like copper and inorganic iron. They also come in the way of zinc for acne bio-availability. However this issue can be solved easily, unless of course you are suffering from copper toxicity. Try not to take copper more than 2-3 mg a day and also do not take inorganic iron supplements.

Too much of physical exertion may lead to an increased demand by the body for zinc and thus, when you are exercising, you need to also take more zinc for acne treatment.

Strictly follow these rules to maximize the zinc acne treatment results:

1. Always take several nutrients like fatty acids, cod liver oil and coconut oil along with the zinc acne treatment as they will aid the establishment of the hormonal balance. You diet may not be enough and when this is the case, you will need supplements for these nutrients.

2. The food you are eating should not have zinc inhibitors such as excess copper and inorganic iron because this will come in the way of absorption. Also, if you engage in excessive physical activity, you need increase your intake of zinc.

3. Restrict the zinc intake daily to 100 mg; it is best taken with food. Remember, if you have more than that, it may lead to toxicity.

4. You will find zinc in many foods but it is basically a mineral and it is present in the same soil where cultivation takes place. And so the quality of the food depends greatly on how good or poor the soil is. Thus, getting your vegetables that have come from organic farming is always a good idea.

5. Food items often have little amounts of zinc in them and because of this, supplementation becomes necessary for the zinc acne treatment. Now there are basically 2 kinds of zinc supplements and they are Zinc gluconate and Zinc Monomethionine (Opti-Zinc). Zinc Monomethionine is better because it is more effective for the acne. It can also be better absorbed by the body.

6. Before you begin this line of treatment, always check for copper toxicity because if you have this, then the zinc cannot be absorbed properly. Ask for a blood test or muscle testing (Kinesiology). Caucasian people having brown nipples may indicate copper toxicity.

Zinc acne treatment offering a permanent solution to your acne problems.

Though it may help, but zinc alone cannot work wonders. This is because the acne did not occur from a deficiency in the level of zinc, but a lot of primary and secondary factors.

But this does not mean that the zinc acne treatment will not give you results. You need to just ensure that you are not encouraging any zinc inhibitors and that, you are taking it with the right nutrients in the correct quantity. Yes, the zinc acne treatment can control the level of hormone and reduce the symptoms of acne.

But the only surefire and permanent way to get rid of acne is by adopting the holistic path. Get rid of all the root causes of acne such as the toxicity in the blood and lymph and the hormonal imbalance and you can sure forget about acne. The zinc acne treatment and the holistic remedy can work together to create an environment that is unsuitable for the acne to flourish. And at last, you will be able to completely eradicate your acne worries.



By: Mike Walden

About the Author:

Apart from the irritation and trauma that a sufferer has to face because of acne, there is yet another element which causes him as much, if not more, agony. This pertains to the scars that acne often brings in its wake. Trying to prevent these and then trying to eliminate them once they have appeared, is a cause of great concern to the concerned individual. The reason for so much concern is that while acne is thought to be a temporary condition, the lesions and scars which form are perceived to be of a more permanent nature.

There are, no doubt, treatments available these days which are quite effective, but some types of acne cause deep scarring which aren`t possible to cure. This is why, to avoid the psychological trauma and the expenses of trying to treat the lesions and living with the disfigurement, it is so important to avert acne scarring.

What I will try to do here is to talk about the various types of acne scars and to give you advice on how to treat them. But primarily, I will guide you on how to prevent these scars in the first place by eradicating the root cause of your acne.

The Causes and Types of Acne Scars and their diagnosis

Studies indicate that acne scars mostly come about as a result of severe acne which causes nodules and cysts to form in the deeper layers of the dermis. Other causes include damage caused to the skin by picking or popping acne, infection, cystic acne which works its way deep into the dermis and overgrown skin tissues.

It has also been found that some people, irrespective of the type of acne they contract, are more prone to the process of scarring. And acne scars sometimes occur because the body`s wound healing process sometimes goes askew, whether it be an improper deposit of collagen or the formation of new capillaries or a warped response to the inflammation or anabolic and catabolic phases: all these are meant to be part of the body`s natural healing phase.

Whatever the reason, the bottom line is that, if you do not wish to be permanently scarred by acne, treat the damage as soon as you can.

In essence, acne scars are of two types. Scars which have formed due to an increase in skin tissue formation and those which have formed because of a loss of skin tissue.

Scars which form because of an increase in skin tissue:

Where there are increased skin tissues, the most commonly found acne scars are Keloids scars. These scars are more likely to be found on people with dark skins and appear when an excess of collagen is formed by cells as part of the healing process. These scars are usually smooth and are shaped irregularly.

Scars which form because of the loss of skin tissues:

Acne spots: the skin surrounding these scars generally turn brown or red. In most cases they gradually fade away by themselves or after the application of some topical scar treatment. A similar fading away can be noticed in the case of post inflammatory hyper pigmentation but the use of MSM has often hastened the process.

Ice-pick lesions: as the name suggests, these acne scars look like ice which has been riddled with an ice pick. Most commonly they appear on the cheeks and the scars can sometimes be deep and sometimes superficial. These scars are more difficult to get rid of than acne spots.

Depressed fibrotic scarring: these scars mostly form as a result of deep nodules and are white and rigid. They are characterized by steep sides and sharp margins.

Atrophic scar macules: scars of this variety are generally soft, small and white and are distensible.

Other types of scars include rolling acne scars which come about because the surface of the skin gets stuck to the subcutaneous layer. Also, there are boxcar scars which are characterized by vertical edges and round indentations.

Treatment of Acne Scars

Just as the discoloration that accompanies an acne attack fades away slowly, so do most acne scars. However, some scars prove more difficult to smoothen away and require some manner of treatment whether it be topical treatment or surgical cosmetic intervention.

Different scars require to be tackled differently. And there are even scars which require to be treated using a combination of more than one elimination method. A large number of treatments exist for smoothening over scars and these include: pulsed laser technology, dermabrasion, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, punch techniques, collagen injections and creams.

Collagen injection involves injecting collagen or fat under the skin. This treatment is generally administered in the case of soft scars, whether deep or shallow. However, the effects of collagen are not long lasting and injections have to be repeated every 6 months. Also, it should be noted that collagen has some adverse side effects and allergic reactions could also develop.

Microdermabrasion is where tiny particles are passed through a vacuum tool with the purpose of scraping the external top layer of the skin. This process, which is only effective with mild scarring, acts as a stimulant and enhances the growth of new cells.

Laser resurfacing is a treatment involving the flattening and resurfacing of the skin layer by the use of laser thus making the scars more even with the surface of the skin. This, to an extent, camouflages the scars. However, this method often causes undesirable side effects such as infection, a reddening of the skin and can sometimes even aggravate the scars. Studies have indicated that laser treatment works better on newly formed scars rather than on old ones.

Punch grafting means slicing open the acne scar right up to the fat layer and stitching it up by means of a small skin graft.

We give you the recommended treatments for the various types of scars acne brings in its wake. Post hyper pigmentation marks are best tackled with MSM or Alpha lipoic acid acne cream. Dermabrasion or laser resurfacing is the suggested treatment for ice pick scars. Flat or thin scars should be dealt with by administering Collagen injections, which should not be used for ice pick scars. Keloids acne scars can be brought under control with steroid injections, silicone gel dressing, crytotherapy or pulsed laser treatment combined with carbon dioxide laser vaporization (where the keloid scar is not too red or too thick).

Prevention of Scars after Acne

Ideally, acne scar treatments should be tried as a last resort because they are highly expensive and have too many side effects. The best approach would be to first try and get rid of the acne. This will work only if you identify the imbalance in your system which is causing the acne. Try to cure it by using natural methods and avoid taking topical acne treatments, medication that is available over the counter or steroids.

Once you have corrected the internal symptoms that caused the acne, you will notice the acne disappearing gradually without leaving any scars.

Moreover, you will be saved the expenses and harassment of taking treatments that cannot cure the acne permanently.

We already know that acne and its resultant scarring are not a skin problem but are caused by internal imbalances. Once that is fixed there will be no acne and consequently no acne scarring.

If you succeed in nipping the acne forming process from its roots then you will not have any acne scars to deal with either. In this way you will be permanently free from acne and acne scars and enjoy a flawless complexion forever.



By: Mike Walden

About the Author: