Acne is not a life-threatening condition, but it can be extremely annoying and cause some serious self-esteem issues as well.  Many of us struggled with acne in our teens, but it’s also quite common among adults.

Although there is much that we still don’t known about acne, there are some factors which often contribute to its appearance.  Some of them are easy to control, while others unfortunatly, are difficult or impossible to do anything about.

Bacteria and Sebum

Bacteria and sebum are the root causes of acne.  The bacteria P. acnes is found naturally in the skin, and so is sebum, which is produced by the sebaceous glands to moisturize the skin.  Clogged pores, excess sebum, and the P. acnes bacteria can combine to cause damage to the pores, which shows itself as blackheads, whiteheads or pimples.

While it’s fairly straightforward how acne forms, the harder question is why it forms.  Studies have shown some factors that contribute to the process:

Hormones

One of the most recognized factors that causes acne is hormones.  This is why acne is so prevalent in the teens.  With the onset of puberty comes an increase in hormones - including androgen, the male sex hormone.  A number of studies have linked excess androgen to acne.

Other hormonal changes can also cause acne.  For example, many women experience breakouts right before their menstrual periods or when using (or ceasing to use) hormonal birth control methods.  Some women even find that pregnancy triggers acne for them.

Diet

Claims that eating chocolate and greasy foods causes acne have been around for many decades.  But these have been found to be questionable at best.  Studies have found, however, that dairy products seem to contribute to acne.

The reason that dairy products are a factor in acne is unclear.  But some scientists believe that it is due to the hormones present in cow’s milk.  Even milk from cows that do not receive hormone treatments contains some natural hormones.

Other Factors

There are many other things that are said to contribute to acne.  One that women often experience is using the wrong cosmetics.  Some makeup is greasy and can block pores, facilitating the formation of pimples.  This problem can be avoided by using cosmetics that are marked as non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic.

Skin irritation is also known to be a factor in acne.  This can occur as a result of scrubbing, chafing, or squeezing existing pimples.  As with the cosmetics, these things can make it easier for pores to become clogged.

There is much that is not known about acne, but you can find an acne solution today.  Those who are predisposed to acne may not have the benefit of a cure, but these treatments can often greatly reduce or even eliminate breakouts altogether.

I know, I know, you’re face is covered in acne and it’s just killing your already low self-esteme, but take heart - Acne treatments have come a long way over the years.  Once limited to a precious few options that were mostly ineffective, acne sufferers now have numerous treatment choices.  Some treatments can be obtained from the family doctor, some require a dermatologist’s expertise, and some can be purchased at your local discount store or herb shop.  Here are six of the most popular acne treatments available today:

1.  Retin-A

Those who primarily suffer from persistent blackheads and whiteheads can often benefit from Retin-A.  Retin-A is derived from Vitamin A and promotes the shedding of material that clogs pores and causes blackheads and whiteheads.  Retin-A often causes irritation and flaky skin, and it usually takes several weeks before you can see a difference.  If you do use it use a moisturizer regularly and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.

2.  Antibiotics

Some doctors and dermatologists begin acne treatment with antibiotics.  These are either taken orally or applied topically.  The antibiotics work by decreasing the number of acne-causing bacteria in the skin and reducing the amount of fatty acids in the sebum. The downside to antibiotics is that they can also kill the good bacteria that our bodies need to stay healthy.  They are also associated with the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.  These problems are somewhat less prevalent with topical antibiotics than with oral ones.

3.  Photodynamic Therapy

One of the newer techniques in acne treatment is photodynamic therapy, also known as blue light therapy.  Previously used to treat cancer and other diseases and ailments, it has also been found to be an effective alternative to systemic antibiotics in the treatment of moderate to severe acne. Photodynamic therapy is conducted as a series of three to five treatments, with two to four weeks between treatments.  It is not usually covered by insurance.

4.  Tea Tree Oil

One of the most effective home remedies for acne is tea tree oil.  It is used by diluting and dabbing it directly onto acne lesions.  Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial properties, and that is thought to be the reason why it is so effective against acne.

5.  Garlic

Garlic is another natural antibiotic, and it can be used in a variety of ways against acne.  You can cleanse the skin with a solution of one part garlic juice to three parts garlic, rub raw garlic on lesions, or take it internally.  The key is to use fresh garlic, because it loses its effectiveness a short time after it is skinned.

6.  Vitamins

Vitamins are good for overall health, and they can be a powerful weapon in the fight against acne.  B Vitamins are especially beneficial, because they fight acne in several different ways.  Vitamins A, C, E, and the minerals chromium and zinc are also great.

There are vitamins available in health food stores specifically for acne sufferers, but the best way to get these vitamins is to include them in your diets.

As you can see there are more options for acne sufferers than ever before.  Whether you prefer traditional treatments, non-drug therapy or natural remedies, your acne can be treated effectively.