Acne or acne vulgaris (cystic acne) is a kind of skin disease that many people, both male and female, experience. It has been called and labeled under many names such as zits, pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. These skin conditions may differ in appearance and size but they are all but has one cause from which you are about to find out.

Terminology
Have you ever wondered where the name acne came from or how it was discovered? You see, this term has come into existence centuries ago, way back during the Roman Empire and Greek gods and goddesses rule the world. The word acne originated from the Greek word “akmē” which basically means “point and edge.” This signifies to the fact that it protrudes from the skin, making it look like a little bump that erupts when it ripens (skin eruption). The term acne vulgaris refers to “common acne” from which Amidenus, a famous Byzantine doctor from the fifth century, described it as the presence of a reddish swelling with pustules and papules. This particular type of acne is often experienced by adolescents from which will eventually fade away as they start to mature and their hormones become balanced again.

The Mythical Causes
Many people believe that food, genetics, dirt, and stress can cause acne or can make it worse but surprisingly, these factors do not hold a direct influence on this kind of skin disease. You must know that this is not inherited nor it is caused by dirt so stop worrying about looking like your parents and stop scrubbing your face every five minutes as this can only irritate your skin. Not eating oily foods such as pizza, peanuts, and such because of your fear of having a pimply face does have enough evidence nor a proven study that can justify this. Lastly, stress can make you look older. It does not give you zits.

The Real Cause
Acne is generated when there is oil and/or dead skin cells stuck inside a hair follicle, thus clogging it and making it swell and grow into a bump. These oil residues come from the sebaceous glands that produce natural oil to protect and moisturize the skin. It is connected to the hair follicle and too much oil can lead to this problem. Hormonal imbalance is the top culprit of this abnormality because it stimulates the sebaceous glands producing a lot of oil. This explains why many people have pimples on or before menstruation and during puberty. Of course there are those who have naturally oily face. These individuals are more prone to acne compared to others who have normal skin.

Who’s at Risk?
Not all people are susceptible to acne and if you are one of these individuals, then you must consider yourself lucky. More than half of the population is prone to this skin disease. So who’s at risk?

• • Adolescents

• • Teens

• • Women on or before their menstrual cycle

• • Pregnant women

• • Individuals under medication that consists of corticosteroids, androgens, or lithium (oil inducing chemicals).

• • People with oily hands that often touch their faces or skin
  • Friction caused by helmets, straps, tight clothing, and the like

Signs and Symptoms
Acne has many forms and it can appear in different shapes and sizes but don’t you worry because its overall characteristics are rather simple making it easier for you to determine whether or not you have this concern or not. Typically, you will experience one or more of the following signs:

• • Scaly red skin. Also known as seborrhea or seborrheic dermatitis, this causes your skin to be extremely dry, red, and itchy. It is very similar to dandruff. Stinging sensation can also be experienced.

• • Comedones. Called as whiteheads or blackheads, excess oils are quite visible. This usually looks like a tiny bump that has either a black or white content.

• • Papules. Also called as pinheads, these are a solid bump, about a centimeter in diameter, without visible fluid inside and can vary in color such as brown, pink, purple, or red.

• • Nodules. These are like papules only bigger, about five to ten millimeters more in diameter.
  • Pustules. Also known as pimples, these are reddish bumps that contain excess oil and dead skin cells. It can be painful and itchy.

The Scars
It is extremely crucial that you properly treat this problem or else, you are at the risk of having permanent marks that are mostly unpleasant to the naked eye. Never, by under any circumstances, to pick your skin in the hopes of getting rid your pimples. This can cause different types of scarring such as ice pick scars (deep pits), box car scars (angular depressions), rolling scars (uneven skin like the waves), and hypertrophic (keloids). These marks will also have a different color from your normal skin tone making it extremely visible and obvious.

Treatment
There are many available treatments that can be applied on this skin disease but the best way to get rid of acne is to take away the root cause of it all by significantly reducing the oil being produced by the sebaceous glands so your skin cells can rapidly repair the damage, thus avoiding any further inflammation and infection. It is of course, highly advisable that before you use any kind of topical cream medication or antibiotics, it is crucial that you consult your dermatologist first.

Alternative Remedy
Today, many people are using alternative treatments that they can easily and quickly do at the comforts of their own home. It has been proven that these homeopathic therapies are actually effective. A glass of carrot juice a day, tea tree oil, lemon juice, or rose water can all help alleviate your pimples. These chemical-free treatments can surely be a great way to nurture your skin.

Prevention
It is very important that as soon as your skin has been finally cleared from acne, you must do all the necessary precaution to keep this from happening again. Here’s how you can effectively maintain a smooth and flawless skin.

• • Wash your face twice a day. Too much washing can irritate your skin so make sure you only do this every morning and every night. Use water-based solutions and gentle formula free from oil.

• • Choose your makeup carefully. Always select makeup products that are water-based and do not contain any oil. It would also help if you go easy on foundation to avoid clogging your pores.

• • Sleep without makeup. Make it a habit to remove your makeup before turning in.

• • Opt for loose and comfortable clothing. Tight clothes can easily cause acne so you might want to wear something that can make your skin breathe.
  • Shower after getting physical. Physical activities such as exercise can make you sweat a lot. It also makes your glands produce a lot of oil so make sure you get rid of this by showering right after.

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