Home > Skin Care > Acne Information - Tips And Treatments For Zits, Blemishes, and Acne.

Here is some advice to keep your skin clear.

Adult Acne Treatment Information

Acne Information

We here at PrivateWay.com often compile information that we like to pass along to our customers. This page contains information about acne. We hope you find it useful.

It is estimated that one in ten adults, and up to 70% of women suffer from acne at some time in their lives. On this page we will describe some common causes of acne, explain the phenomenon that causes acne and give you some tips on how to prevent acne.

There are various causes of adult acne.

Hormones can cause acne. This is why women tend to be more prone to acne than men. During ovulation, menstruation, and childbirth, the ratio of male-to female hormones change, stimulating the oil-producing glands that cause breakouts.

Stress and anxiety also contribute to acne eruptions. These emotional strains on the body can contribute to hormonal changes that can cause acne.

Some medicines that contain bromides and iodides, barbiturates and lithium can cause acne flare-ups.

Extensive contact with telephones, hats and sweatbands can cause friction that can trigger acne.

What is Acne?

Acne begins in your hair follicles also known as your pores. (Pores are considered hair follicles, even though not every pore grows a hair) Each follicle contains a sebaceous gland, which is an oil secreting sac that is attached to the follicle. These glands produce sebum, an oil that keeps your skin from drying out. When dead skin gets stuck in a follicle it combines with the sebum and creates a plug called a comedo. A whitehead is a closed comedo, the plug lies beneath the surface. A blackhead is an open comedo, where the follicle's dark plug is visible. When clogged follicles fill with bacteria, and they may rupture and cause severe acne.

Acne can be prevented by various methods;

  • Keep your hands and hair away from your face. Your hands contain oils and dirt that can contaminate your pores, thus causing acne. The same is true of your hair. Your hair can contact your skin and cause acne.
  • Don't squeeze or pick your zits! Tempting as this may be, it only makes matters worse. Most zits heal on their own. Picking at zits is a bad idea. It increases the chance of permanent scarring, spreads the bacteria and increases the chance for infection. Yuck.
  • Reduce stress wherever possible. Try more sleep, exercise, warm baths and general relaxation. Contrary to popular belief, diet has very little effect on acne eruptions, but a balanced diet contributes to physical well-being.

Acne treatments include gentle cleansing either with a soap formulated to fight acne, or an antibacterial lotion that contains benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid. Avoid over cleaning; twice a day is plenty. Some vitamin supplements that contain Vitamin A (to normalize and reduce oil), zinc (to reduce inflammation, redness and swelling), and beta carotene (increases resistance to infection) help to keep acne from recurring.

If your acne does not respond to these treatments, then it is best to see a dermatologist who can prescribe prescription medications or procedures.

For acne related products please visit our Skin care section.