Acne communicates what’s wrong with your body chemistry

About acne

Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder characterized by pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads and it is the most commonly treated skin abnormality.

It often arises at puberty, when the body dramatically increases its production of androgens (male sex hormones). These hormones stimulate the production of keratin (a type of protein) and sebum (an oily skin lubricant). If sebum is secreted faster than it can move through the pores, a blemish arises. The excess oil makes the pores sticky, allowing bacteria to become trapped inside. Blackheads form when the sebum combines with skin pigments and plugs the pores. If scales below the surface of the skin become full with sebum, whiteheads appear. In severe cases, whiteheads build up, spread under the skin, and rupture, which eventually spreads the inflammation. Although proper skin care is important in the treatment of acne, acne is not caused by uncleanliness but is more likely to be a result of overactive oil glands.

Although more than 20million teenagers suffer from this disorder, acne is not just affecting kids anymore – it is also affecting increasing numbers of adults. While teenage acne most commonly occurs on the face and/or upper body, adult acne is usually limited to the chin and jawline and involves fewer, but possibly more painful, blemishes. Many women suffer premenstrual acne flare-ups prompted by the release of progesterone after ovulation. Oral contraceptives can cause breakouts, too. The presence of candidiasis can also cause hormonal changes that encourage the liver to produce the wrong substances for healthy sebum.

What factors contribute to acne?

Factors that can contribute to acne include:

• heredity
• oily skin
• hormonal imbalance
• monthly menstrual cycle
• and candidiasis.

Other possible contributing factors are:

• allergies
• stress
• lithium
• oral contraceptives
• some anti-epileptic drugs
• Nutritional deficiencies and/or diet high saturated fats, hydrogenated fats, and animal products
• Exposure to industrial pollutants such as machine oils, coal tar derivatives, and chlorinated hydrocarbons are some environmental factors that can have an adverse effect on the condition.
• A body pH that is too acidic or too alkaline also fosters the nesting and breeding of acne-causing bacteria.

The skin is the largest organ of the body. One of its functions is to eliminate a portion of the body’s toxic waste products through sweating. If the body contains more toxins than the kidneys and liver can effectively discharge, the skin takes over. As toxins escape through the skin, the skin’s healthy integrity is disrupted. This is a key factor behind many skin disorders, including acne.

The skin also “breaths.” If the pores become clogged, the microbes that are involved in causing acne flourish because they are protected against the bacteriostatic action of sunshine. Dirt, dust, oils, and grime from pollution clog the pores, but this can be eliminated by cleansing the skin properly, and with the proper products.

Acne is a message that something may be wrong with your body chemistry, diet, and/or skincare routine. Proper diet, nutritional supplements, and finding the right skincare products may be all that is needed to correct the problem.