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Acne, also termed acne vulgaris, is a major challenge for people who want a glowing and clear complexion. Some people choose not to treat their acne. Unfortunately this may result in long-lasting dermal discoloration, permanent scarring of the skin and even social problems. These skin issues can be fixed with the right skin care therapy and proper skin care products.

Acne Causes

Deep beneath the skin's surface in the hair follicles is where we will find the root of acne. These hair follicles are lined with skin cells and contain sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing sebum, or oil. Normally, dead skin cells inside the follicles emerge on the skin's surface through sebum secretion and they are then no longer a problem. But when the dead skin cells adhere to one another, they create a blockage.

Beneath the plug, a sac is formed (known as a micro comedone) that contains oil and dead skin cells. This is the prime setting for bacteria to grow, as they feed on the dead skin cells and oil. Whiteheads (closed comedones) and black heads (open comedones) flourish as these sacs continue to expand. In more serious cases, a larger sac will form, spurred on by cells sent by the body's immune system to fight the infection. In turn, a painful nodule (papule or pustule) or cyst will grow.

More Acne Causes

Many different factors can be a trigger for acne, stress-related and heredity factors being the most important. Nutrition is another major contributor to acne. To cover marks caused by acne, women apply heavy makeup. Alas, the makeup only triggers more acne. Another cause and irritant of acne is washing the face too roughly with scrubs and abrasive sponges. In black skin patients, hair oils or pomades may produce acne, especially on the forehead and temple areas.

Deal with Acne with These Tips

1. Don't try to squeeze blackheads or whiteheads, popping them can lead to further infection. Picking at acne, while in its second phase, can lead to scarring. A dermatologist can remove comedones if necessary with the right instruments.

2. Some people think that excessive sweat or dirt can cause acne. But the truth is that blackheads are filled with oxidized sebum, not dirt. Acne is made worse by scrubbing at blemishes too roughly. Wash your face with a cleanser specifically formulated for acne twice a day, and remember to be gentle when drying.

3. Noncomedogenic solutions are certified to not cause or aggravate acne. Cosmetics and skin care products with this label should be the only products that you use on your skin. Moreover, use only natural products for your skin care.

4. A side effect of many acne treatments is that the skin becomes extremely sensitive to the sun. Talk to your doctor about this and protect yourself with sunscreen whenever you go out. Stay away from tanning salons.

5. Avoid cosmetic treatments unless you have spoken to your dermatologist about it. Acne is aggravated by some facial treatments.

6. Touching acne lesions worsens the problem, so avoid doing so. Also keep your forehead from being covered by hair.