Acne: Types, Causes And Natural Treatments

Are you frustrated by your acne purging over and over, and how it affects your confidence and mental peace? 

Acne is a skin condition that appears when your pores are blocked by dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. It is common among teenagers and adults. Some of the causes include hormonal imbalance, medications, and stress.

Table Of Contents

1. Distinct Forms Of Acne

2. Causes Of Acne

3. Misconceptions About Acne

4. Say Bye-Bye To Acne With These Everyday Hacks

5. The Final Say

6. Dietitian's Recommendation

7. FAQs

Distinct Forms Of Acne

People may experience acne on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders. Acne signs vary depending on the extremity of your condition:

• Blackheads- closed plugged pores 
• Whiteheads- open clogged pores
• Papules- Small red, tender bumps
• Pustules- Pimples with pus at tips
• Nodules- Large, solid, painful lumps under the skin
• Cystic lesions- Painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin

Causes

The lead causes of acne include- 

• Excess oil (sebum) production
• Hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin cells
• Bacteria
• Inflammation

Acne occurs due to dirt, and excess oil, stuck in the follicles. The follicle wall may swell and cause a whitehead.  A blackhead occurs when the pores are blocked with dirt. 

Pimples are small red boils that may or may not be filled with pus. 

Besides this, certain other factors can also worsen your acne, like:

1. Hormonal Changes- Androgens are hormones that both genders make during puberty. They are responsible for the sebaceous glands to enlarge and producing more sebum. Hormonal changes during puberty can also lead to breakouts, particularly in women.

2. Certain Medications- Drugs containing corticosteroids, testosterone or lithium can increase acne breakouts.

3. Diet- As per studies consuming certain foods — including carbohydrate-rich foods like bread, bagels and chips — may worsen acne. 

4. Stress- Stress does not increase your acne breakout, but if you have acne already, stress may exacerbate it.

5. Environmental Pollution- We live in a modern world with much pollution. These pollutants can enter our skin through the pores and clog our skin, leading to acne and other skin problems.

6. Lack Of Skin Care- Environmental pollution might clog the open pores of our skin, which can lead to skin problems. To avoid acne, follow a proper skincare routine.

Some Common Misconceptions About Acne

These factors have little effect on acne:

1. Chocolate- Eating chocolate has little to no impact on acne.

2. Cosmetics- Cosmetics do not exacerbate acne if you use oil-free makeup that does not clog pores (non-comedogenic) and remove makeup properly. In addition, non-oily cosmetics do not interfere with the effectiveness of acne drugs.

 Say Bye-Bye To Acne With These Everyday Hacks

1. Take A Zinc Supplement

Zinc is a vital nutrient for cell growth, hormone production, metabolism, and immune function. The advised safe upper limit of zinc is 40 mg daily, so it is best not to exceed that amount unless you are under medical supervision. Taking too much zinc may cause adverse effects, including stomach pain and gut irritation.

2. Honey And Cinnamon Mask

Cinnamon and honey's bark extract has antibacterial properties. According to the researchers, honey blocks the growth of P acne. Of course, this does not mean honey can treat acne completely, but the antibacterial properties of honey and cinnamon can reduce acne.

3. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, found in Australia. A study found that applying that oil may reduce acne. However, dilute it before using it, as it is concentrated in its original form.

How To Use?

1. Make a solution of 1 drop of tea tree oil with 9 drops of water.

2. Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and apply it to the affected areas.

3. Apply moisturiser if needed.

4.  Apply Green Tea To Your Skin

Green tea contains antioxidants, and drinking it can promote good health. The polyphenols in green tea help combat bacteria and reduce inflammation. In addition, a study found that applying green tea extract to the skin reduces sebum production and pimples in those with acne.

How To Use?

1. Brew green tea in boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes.

2. Let the brewed tea cool down.

3. Using the cotton ball, apply the tea to your skin or pour it into a spray bottle to spray it on.

4. Let it stay for a few minutes on your skin dry, then rinse it with water and pat it dry.

5. Moisturise With Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation and helps in treating acne. In addition, it helps in reducing plaque as it has antibacterial properties and is as effective as a mouthwash in treating acne. 

1. Extract the gel from the aloe plant.

2. Directly apply it to your face as a moisturiser.

3. Use it once or twice a day.

6. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is highly antioxidant and antibacterial, reducing redness and swelling. It can also heal open acne sores.

How To Use Coconut Oil?

Try rubbing pure, virgin coconut oil directly on your face. 

7. Turmeric

Turmeric is loaded with antioxidants and antibacterial properties that make turmeric great for treating eczema, psoriasis, and acne by calming inflammation and reducing flare-ups.

How To Use Turmeric?

Mix it with gentle, exfoliating bases like chickpea flour, oat powders, or kaolin clay (Multani mitti) and apply it on the face.

The Final Say

Acne occurs when dead skin and other substances clog the pores. Proper prevention, like using oil-free cosmetics, good hygiene habits, and medication, reduces acne breakouts. However, consult a skin doctor if none of these methods works for you.

Dietitian's Recommendation

As acne is a prevalent problem for many, there are still many ways to fight against it. You can always prevent your skin from having acne by taking good care of your skin, having a good diet, and living a stress-free life.

FAQs 

1. What is acne?

 Acne is a skin disorder when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples.

 2. Does applying cosmetics cause acne?

Makeup can exacerbate acne if we use the wrong products. Therefore use makeup that is non-greasy and oil-free to reduce acne breakouts.

3. What foods cause acne?

 The overconsumption of certain foods can cause acne. Some of such foods that cause acne are :

• Sugars, which we consume as refined white sugar in our homes and other forms like sodas, tetra pack juices, honey, etc. 
• Dairy Products
• Fast Food
• Greasy Food 
• Whey Protein Powder
• Refined Grains

4. What are the types of acne?

  Different types of acne are as follows:

• Blackheads 
• Whiteheads 
• Papules 
• Pustules

5. What is the difference between pimples and acne?

Pimples are red boils that are filled with pus. They may become inflamed or discoloured. Acne typically causes pimples, most commonly on your face, chest, shoulders and upper back.

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