Healthy Home Guide

What are Common Causes of Acne?

Acne is not a life-threatening condition, but it can be extremely annoying.  Many of us struggled with acne in our teens, but it’s also quite common among adults.

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

1. 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:

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 there are many treatment options available 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.

======================

ClearAC Tablets for Acne

======================

Five Popular Uses for Witch Hazel

Witch hazel has been used for many generations to treat skin problems. It has even made its way into a number of mainstream skin products over the years, from respected companies such as Pond’s. Herbalists have also used it internally to treat some conditions, although there is some debate as to its safety when used internally.

Witch hazel’s pleasant fragrance and easy care makes it a popular shrub. It can also be found in various forms in herb shops.

Here’s five of the most popular uses for witch hazel:

1. Witch hazel can be used on sores, bruises and swelling. For this purpose, witch hazel is often used in a liquid astringent form. It can be applied several times a day to provide soothing relief to injuries.

2. Witch hazel’s antioxidant and astringent properties make it effective against acne. For the treatment of acne, witch hazel is also often used in its astringent form. It is gentle and non-drying to the skin, unlike many harsh acne medications found in drug stores.

3. Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can be treated with witch hazel. These conditions are unsightly and painful, but witch hazel can soothe both the visible symptoms and the pain associated with them. These characteristics also make witch hazel a good option for sunburn. For these types of conditions, witch hazel may be better used in a cream preparation.

4. Witch hazel is a good choice for treating exposure to poison ivy. Witch hazel is gentle yet effective against the itching and swelling of the outbreaks that result from contact with the plant.

5. Witch hazel is effective against hemorrhoids and varicose veins. The herb’s anti-inflammatory properties can shrink hemorrhoids and bulging varicose veins. It can also provide relief from the pain associated with both conditions. Witch hazel is available in the form of pads for hemorrhoid relief, and these can also be used on the varicose veins if desired.

How Do I Use Witch Hazel?

If you’re growing your own witch hazel, you’ll need to make a tincture or tea out of witch hazel leaves. The tea is made by steeping 2 to 3 grams of witch hazel leaf in a cup of boiling water for about 15 minutes. Tincture is obtained by placing the bark in alcohol, allowing the alcohol to extract the beneficial oils of the plant.

Witch hazel can be found in stores in the form of astringent, medicated pads, creams, toners and facial washes. It can also be found in some shaving products due to its numbing properties.

Witch hazel is one of the most useful herbs in existence. It can treat a wide variety of skin conditions gently yet effectively. Used properly, it has few side effects.

======================

Witch Vera Gel

======================

6 Helpful Acne Treatment Solutions

Acne treatments have come a long way over the years. Once limited to precious few options that were sometimes 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:

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 patients can see a difference. Those using the drug are advised to use a moisturizer regularly and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.
(more…)