Another cause of acne is genetics.  If a child has a parent that had to deal with a lot of acne problems as a child, then chances are they will too.  When a pre teen or teenager sees that they are having a problem with acne, it is important for them to seek acne medication to help fight this problem early so that there are no long term affects of the acne.

One factor that can cause acne in girls is their menstrual period.  This is a time when hormones are really active and this can cause a flare up of problems in most pre adolescent girls.  There are many acne medications that can treat this problem and get their skin looking perfect again over a time period.  It will take time for the skin to clear up and get back to normal.

Pregnancy and birth control pills are another reason why women get acne.  When a woman is pregnant this is a time when her hormones are changing and all different things are happening to her body.  Birth control pills are another source that will cause women to have an acne problem and have to resort to acne medication.

Certain medications that people have to take can also cause acne to occur in certain people.  This is typically normal and can affect just about anyone.  Usually once the body accepts the medications the acne will stop or at least lessen.  There are acne medications to help when this is the case.

Certain fabrics as well can cause acne to appear also.  Wearing tight collars, backpacks, and hats can bring on a case of acne on any part of the body.  That is another factor; acne can be on any part of the body.  It is not just limited to the face.  When acne appears on different parts of the body, you may be able to control it with over the counter medicine or you may have to go to a doctor for your acne medications.

There are many myths of way acne starts, like chocolate or greasy foods.  However, there are no actual links to these rumors and it is not proven.  However, in some cases a person’s diet will affect their skin and that it why it is important to have a healthy well balanced diet so that you do not need acne medications in the future.

* genetics (whether or not there is a history of acne problems and if so, to what extent)
* hormones
* dietary and vitamin make up (or lack of /deficiency)
* stress related factors

Other denominators in the development of puberty acne could include factors like how your body normally rids itself of its dead skin cells. And influences that may be working against this regularity. For example, climate and other environmental factors, overall body health at the time of the outbreak, and your hormones and their effect on your own body’s sebum production (especially for females).

Second, the normal dead skin cells that combine with your body’s natural sebum oil as it drains through the skin’s surface become clogged in these blocked pores. This substance becomes somewhat sticky, further clogging the passageway.

Third, bacteria begins to grow around these clogged areas. As a normal reaction, your body’s white blood cells attack the bacteria, fighting it and pushing it out of the body.

And forth, the resulting growths during this 14-day to 21-day battle are called microcomedones. Microcomedones turn into comedones, commonly referred to as blemishes, pimples or acne.

There are basically four types of puberty acne: whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and nodules.

Whiteheads are when the sebum (oil) and resulting bacteria are trapped below the skin’s surface and you can actually see a white head appear above (or near popping out of) the skin.

Blackheads are when the sebum and resulting bacteria are only partially trapped, slowly draining out the surface and turning black because of your skin’s melanin or pigmentation. In the absence of either white or blackhead are generally (but not always) smaller pimples. And the often deeper, boil-like lesions are referred to as nodules.

All forms of puberty acne can be mild, moderate or severe. Typically, mild puberty acne is visible in the form of whiteheads and blackheads, sometimes pimples.

With moderate puberty acne, more pimples and pustules are present on the face, some may appear on the back or chest.

And with severe puberty acne, many nodules develop, often large and sore, over parts of the face, back, chest and other body areas. This type of acne can lead to scarring.

Actually, lesser cases of puberty acne have been followed by scarring. So for those with possible nodular acne, seeking advice from a healthcare provider as soon as possible is recommended.

A gender issue to note is that males more often have the severe form of acne rather than females, due to their hormones. And the areas where they tend to break out most frequently are unfortunately more difficult to treat, the chest and back.

- An inflamed spot occurs due to the release of inflammatory fatty acids by a particular bacterium known as p.acnes, which causes the body’s defence systems to respond.

- You would however not get p.acnes colonisation of the hair follicle duct without a plug forming.

- The plug forms due to an increase in skin cell turnover, increased keratin deposition narrowing the opening of the hair follicle duct, combined with increased sebum production, which mixes with the debris to cause a blockage and a plug to form.

- The increased sebum, keratin and cell turnover would not happen if linoleic acid levels in the skin had reduced dramatically.

- Linoleic acid levels reduced due to the development of sensitivity to the hormone DHT.

- DHT is formed from testosterone. The chemical reaction naturally happens throughout the body and the conversion of testosterone to DHT is assisted and promoted by the enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. (All chemical reactions in the body are controlled and accelerated by enzymes).

<b>Possible solutions to the underlying causes of acne:</b>

1)    Stop hormonal fluctuations. This is impossible although people do try by taking plant hormones, HRT and royal jelly. But basically it is best not to mess with our natural hormonal balance.

2)    Use Roaccutane. This will affect the conversion of testosterone to DHT, but this will occur all over the body and DHT plays a role in a number of body functions and suppressing it leads to a number of possible side effects.

3)    Reduce DHT levels in the hair follicle and in sebaceous gland area only, known as the pilo-sebaceous unit. If it were possible to prevent testosterone from converting to DHT in the acne area of the skin but not stopping this conversion elsewhere in the body could reduce skin sensitisation and the resulting linoleic acid loss, but without affecting the conversion of testosterone to DHT in other parts of the body. This would be great in principle if one can alter the conditions in the pilosebaceous unit for an extended period of time so that DHT levels were reduced locally during the times in our lives when normal hormone levels were ‘out of sync’ with a topical preparation could lead to a reduction in the triggering of the acne process. Two products called tri-ethyl citrate and ethyl linoleate which are safe and release citric acid and linoleic acid can change conditions in the skin which slows down the enzyme 5-alpha reductase and hence testosterone conversion to DHT is slowed down locally. The testosterone conversion to DHT will still occur but just somewhere else in the body, meaning other bodily processes are not affected.

4)     If one could also replenish linoleic acid levels in the skin then this would lead to a slow down in oil production and skin cell turnover rates and keratin deposition, preventing the plug forming and the colonisation by p.acnes.

5)    One could take linoleic acid supplements and foods high in linoleic acid. However linoleic acid is used by many parts of the body and one would have to take possibly toxic levels to affect skin levels significantly enough through oral supplementation alone. Doing this without going to excess is probably however a good thing and it has been noticed that the Eskimos (the Inuit) did not suffer from acne until they were introduced to western diets. However if one can find a way to supplement skin linoleic acid levels using a topical preparation then this would also have an impact on the acne process.

6)    Getting linoleic acid into the skin is not easy but you can use special delivery technology using special molecular structures in creams such as Oleosomes and involving techniques with fancy names such as Drysyst technology to help this process. Also if one uses ethyl linoleate, then skin bacteria will help break this down and release linoleic acid into the skin (look for products containing ethyl linoleate.)

7)    One could normalise cell turnover to reduce skin thickening and also reduce keratin increases in skin cells. This would help to prevent blocking of the pilo-sebaceous duct. Retinol A based creams have been shown to normalise skin cell turnover rates. However a potential side effect of retinol products is increased sensitivity to UV and maybe increased skin cancer risk. So users of retinol based products are advised strongly to use a high SPF sunscreen while using retinol based products. There is a chemical called triethyl citrate which also normalises keratin deposition and skin cell turnover rates and without causing photo-sensitivity (please search for products containing triethyl citrate).

8)    Reduce oil levels on the skin. This is normally done by using detergents to keep surface oil levels down. Doing this on its own just leads to more oil production and one gets into a downward spiral with a ‘negative feedback loop’ leading to further increase (up regulation) of sebum (oil) production. However oil control is important and using mild detergents can help in controlling the acne process. Using a combination of triethyl citrate and ethyl linoleate has been shown in a clinical trial published in the British Journal of Dermatology at the end of 2007 which showed sebum production rates reduced by up to 68% with an average of 55%.

9)    Use exfoliants and detergents to help unblock ducts by dissolving and removing plugs and keeping skin debris levels down and also reducing skin thickening. This is effective and can help but if the skin is inflamed and sore then exfoliants can, make the skin more sensitive and sore. It maybe better to use chemical exfoliants rather than irritating physical skin exfoliants. Better still use those which have shown to affect sebum production rates such as Salicylic acid and Pyruvic acid which are both hydroxy acids (also known as fruit acids). These are the only two who have shown a sebo-static effect which means temporarily slowing oil production. Another common chemical exfoliant used is glycolic acid but this has not shown to have a sebo-static effect. Also salicylic acid has shown to help with skin thickening by loosening skin cells. See products containing Salicylic acid and Pyruvic acid).

10)    Even products with fruit acids may irritate some skins, and some acne sufferers such as younger skins can be very sensitive and actually don’t have excessive skin thickening. One could use a gentle non irritating cleansing agent containing products such as silicone and glucose based cleansers which are very skin friendly, and also contain triethyl citrate which will normalise skin thickening by addressing over active skin cell turnover, thereby addressing skin thickening from within the skin.

11)    Control p.acnes levels. Keeping hair follicle ducts open and oxygen rich is one way but blockages can still happen. So if you are going to control p.acnes than ideally do this without attacking skin staphylococci as discussed earlier due to MRSA development risks. One can use antibiotics to do this and they may be indicated in pustular scarring acne but for most we know that p.acnes releases enzymes to break down the plug to release nutritious fatty acids which also can cause an inflammatory response from the body. If you change conditions in the pilosebaceous unit so these enzymes don’t work as well you can slow down this process and reduce the amount of food and consequently reduce the growth of p.acnes without attacking good skin bacteria (staphs) (see an example of how this ca be achieved)

12)    Reduce inflammation. Using products to control bacteria will reduce inflammation but also anti-inflammatory’s used to reduce inflammation. Stopping the release of the inflammatory fatty acids is another way, but also mopping up the inflammatory free radicals produced is an additional way of controlling inflammation. Antioxidants are useful in this regard and the best antioxidants are probably skin soluble version of vitamin C such as ascorbic acid and others such as Ascorbyl Palmitate and especially Ascorbyl tetra-isopalmitate (see an example of a product containing these).

In Summary

If you have a product range which alters conditions to slow DHT production locally, increase linoleic acid levels in the skin, that normalise skin cell turnover, keratin deposits and sebum production while also having mild sebo static chemical exfoliants or silicone and glucose based cleansers. If this product also had, staph friendly antibacterials to control p.acnes, feeding and development combined with antioxidants to help control the inflammatory process, then you would have a highly effective product range which could be obtained with or without prescription and is supported by eminent dermatologists across the world, including the top dermatologist on acne in the UK who has had his independent trail published din the most respected dermatology journal in the world, then you would be onto a winner. If this product was incredibly reasonably priced you would think it would dominate the treatment options of acne.

1. Cleaning

Washing away the outside layer of the skin with natural oils is not really helpful preventing or curing acne, or pimple for other people, for it develops under the skin. Although it’s a belief the people develop acne due to the fact that they don’t cleanse their skin thoroughly. For everyone’s information, washing the skin too much can cause irritation and produces more whiteheads and blackheads that turn into pimples after being infected. Gentle washing is only needed. Use mild soaps or cleanser, an example is Cetaphil or acne bars. Another good sample is Neutrogena product that washes acne.

2. Exfoliating

It is also important to exfoliate; this helps remove the dead skin cells, to maintain a healthy and glowing skin. A mild cleanser will help exfoliate the face after washing. Scrubbing will also help exfoliate the face, which can be done once or twice a week. This procedure will aid in reducing dead layers skin cells that clog the pores, reason why more pimples or acne.

3. Keeping the skin Clear

- Make sure that all cosmetics such as powder, lotion, blush on, foundation, and even sunscreen are oil free

- Complex 15 is oil free moisturizer that helps avoid dry skin

- Get in the habit of using oil-free lotions

- Get rid of hair chemicals such as gels or hair cream

- Always watch for labels with the term non-comedogenic, which means they don’t cause pores to be clogged

4. Proven Chemicals

Benzoyl Peroxide

This eliminates the bacteria that worsens acne and it also unplugs oil secretions and helps pimples or acne to heal. This can be found in many over-the-counter acne treatments. Start traditionalistically with a five percent moisturizer once everyday like after washing the face before going to bed. After a week, make it twice everyday if there are no other medications being taken or used. If the acne is not yet healed after four to six weeks, try a ten per cent mixture. This can be bought over-the-counter, however, there is a need to seek for a doctor’s prescription. Just be sure to request for a real form: the pharmacist can be asked which can be bought over-the-counter or which needs prescription.

Antibiotics

These are available only if there’s a doctor’s recommendation. Antibiotics are very helpful aid for pimples or acne that is already swelling and red and usually have pus, or for if it not those not anymore being treated with medications as expected. These antibiotics eliminate the bacteria, which develop to whiteheads. Make it a point to follow the doctor’s recommended dosage and always take the antibiotic pills with enough amount of water. Some of these bacteria killing medicines may also increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, for this use sunscreen when going out to prevent any sunburn.

Accutane

Accutane are antibiotics that are available only under a doctor’s order and recommendation. Accutane is a very optimized pill that is intended for those with deep scars, or pimples that can no longer be treated by other medications or antibiotics. Blood test is taken every now and then when using Accutane as medication, as this can affect the levels blood cell and blood count. For women, the physician, possibly an obstetrician-gynecologist may require the intake of birth control pills prior to prescribing the Accutane. Extra caution is really taken into consideration, as it can be very harmful to to pregnant women. However, until this time some physicians are not prescribing Accutane.

5. Treatment Information

The Treatment can take some time which often takes six to eight weeks for the pimple to heal after there will be another start of treatment. Some medications can cause acne to get even bigger or redder before it gets well, there are times when these could have pus too. If the acne still has not welled after several medications with other drugs, the doctor may suggest that the patient take an oral medicine. Doctors recommend this retinoid as a last treatment, due to its serious effects and it is also very expensive. Sometimes women are asked to take birth control pills as to help them control acne especially in women who mood swings even before their menstruations start.

The top three acne medications are the following:

1.    Benzoyl peroxide
This anti-bacterial medication takes care of killing the P. Acnes, acne-causing bacteria. It is an antiseptic agent that reduces the amount of barren pores. It will take approximately 3 weeks to see the changes.

This ingredient is also used for bleaching the hair and fabric so make sure to use it right. It is both over-the-counter and prescription drug that comes in gel or cream.

There is an estimated 3% of individuals found to be allergic to such substance so make sure that you don’t belong to that group or else you will experience skin inflammation if you apply it on your skin.

2.    Salicylic Acid
Used to treat skin disorders such as dandruff, calluses, and warts, salicylic acid can also be used as an acne medication. It slows down the cells in the follicles from cracking which prevents blockage. It also assists in breaking down the whiteheads and blackheads.

Salicylic acid comes in many forms including cream, gel, lotion, ointment, and many more. Only use the medicine according to the directions on the label recommendations or from the doctor; otherwise, it may result to acid poisoning. Poisoning can be noticed when the person using it experiences dizziness, diarrhea, deep breathing, etc.

3.    Sulfur
This ingredient is common among soaps, washes, and creams. It allows the skin to peel and dry enabling the breaking down of the whiteheads and blackheads. It is necessary to check the label directions so as to avoid unnecessary complications.

It is always best to seek professional advice when taking any of the medications. It is better to be sure. These medications, however, only kills bacteria, slows down cell breakdown, and peels off the skin but it will never stop the skin from acquiring bacteria after a certain span of time.

Usually, these dead cells are pushed all the way through the skin and get cleaned off. Unfortunately, some substances might block the end of the follicle causing a pimple to appear there. This condition is known to mainly affect teenagers and young adults of below the age of thirty. This is attributed by scientist to be due to hormonal changes in the body.

Most people with acne reach for creams or lotions as a first option in a bid to get the acne to go away. However, most of these lotions and creams are actually more harmful than most people realize. They have harsh ingredients and toxins that harm the skin and only hide the symptoms from the surface of the skin. After discontinued use of the lotions or creams, the symptoms become evident again.

One quick way to cure acne is eating a balanced diet and providing the body with all the nutrients that are essential. This quick treatment technique ensures that the skin is dealt with from the inside before becoming inflamed and is not a symptom suppressor. Some oils are not helpful to the cleansing process of the skin as they clog the pores. These are the oils that have not been refined and therefore contain more oils than the body actually needs. The easiest way to get rid of excess oils from the body is through the skin.

Another quick way to treat acne is cleansing the skin and exfoliating it. This simply involves trying to remove the dirt particles from within the skin to ensure they do not block the surface. When washing the face, a gentle cleanser should be used to avoid irritating the skin and therefore triggering the production of pimples as the skin attempts to protect itself. Exfoliating helps remove the dead cells that form a layer on the skin surface.

To keep skin irritation at a minimum exfoliation should only take place every 3 to 4 days. Removing the dead skin layer helps unclog the skin pores and therefore ensures that the excess oils being removed by the follicles are actually extracted.

Acne can be stubborn and so it can be hard to find an acne home cure that will actually get you results but when you do you are going to want to make it part of your daily regimen.There are a few acne home cure ideas in particular that have proven to be quite effective and which you will want to make note of.

If you have tried the basic acne home cure ideas such as toothpaste and Aloe Vera, and you have not been able to effectively get rid of your pimples, then you are going to want to get an acne fighting system that you can use at home, such as Proactive.People are usually surprised when they hear this as an idea for an acne home cure but it actually works quite well.All you need to do is take some regular toothpaste that you have right at home and put it on each pimple.It offers great results to people who are struggling with stubborn cases of acne.

The thing about using toothpaste as an acne home cure is that it works to dry out the pimples and this is going to help them heal up faster.You will almost immediately see a difference in the pimples on your face and that is why toothpaste is a great acne home cure.Again, you just want to use a tiny drip to apply onto the pimples on the face and this will be enough to treat them.It is certainly one of the best acne home cure products that are available.

It is good to know that there are more than enough options for an acne home cure that are available and which you can try if you have an acne problem.This is another very popular idea for treating acne and one that is completely natural.Best of all they will work with you on a case by case basis because they know that everyone is an individual and needs different treatment.This is going to help by healing the pimples and also moisturizing and this is a great acne home cure that you can try out for yourself and which offers great results.

One of the most common natural acne cures that you can use is tea tree oil.There are many colon cleansing kits available on the market, look for one that you fill will fit your lifestyle and you will be able to follow through with easily.Diluted tea tree oil when dabbed onto affected areas can greatly help to clear up acne.Try a sulfur-based soap meant specifically for acne to wash your face.

One of the most effective natural acne cures that includes colon cleansing is the use of oxygen tablets.Aloe vera can be taken either internally or on the skin.Smear aloe vera gel on your face as a facemask and allow its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties soother your skin.Both these colon-cleansing kits will help to cleanse your body of any toxin buildups.

Prior to embarking on any internal natural acne cure it is important to make dietary changes.If you believe that your acne cure is caused by internal factors then a natural acne cure you can try is to add supplements to your diet.This is can be attributed to a failure to make the necessary changes in one’s diet.During a colon cleanse it is best to cut out meat altogether and stick to non-processed foods.

Supplements can also be a great way to combat acne the natural way.One of the first things that need to be eliminated is refined sugar, this is difficult but it can be very helpful to do this.The amount of water that you should be drinking is roughly about four pints, making sure that you drink this much water daily is very important.Hydrogenated oils need to be eliminated from cooking and your diet, instead enrich your diet with omega fat.

While trying different natural acne cures it is important that you are not constantly touching your face.Ensuring that your diet contains all the essential nutrients often leads to a drastic improvement in your skin’s appearance.Avoid covering pimples with makeup as this can cause irritation that will worsen the acne.As is avoiding the combination of starches and proteins.