Acne is a troublesome skin disorder that leads to the formation of lesions called pimples, or "zits". The most common type of acne, that affects many adolescents, is called acne vulgaris. This type of acne is brought on by hormonal changes that occur during puberty.
How Diet is related to Acne
There is absolutely and unequivocally no connection between diet and acne. All the times you’ve heard that things like chocolate and chips and pizza would give you pizza face, not true. There is not one single scrap of evidence, found or proven, that can tie acne occurrences to what, when or why you eat. However common sense dictates that the condition of your skin will be at its optimum with a well rounded nutritious diet.
What Causes Acne
What is known, is that the male sex hormone – testosterone (found in both sexes) causes abnormalities in the skin starting at around puberty. It is unknown why. Pregnant and menstruating women are also prone to acne. These abnormalities are the reaction of living tissue to plugged or infected hair follicles and/or sebaceous (fat) glands in the skin. Acne can occur in various degrees of intensity, on the face, back, shoulders and chest as a direct result of the overproduction of oil called sebum naturally secreted by hair follicles to lubricate the skin. The signs of acne are lesions such as blackheads which are plugged glands and whiteheads or infected, pus filled glands.
Acne is not caused by bacteria. There are, however, these factors that can cause acne to flare up:
-
Diseases, such as hormonal disorders
-
Hormonal changes, such as during puberty and before menstruation
-
Drugs, such as steroids, oral contraceptives, antibiotics, antidepressants and tranquillizers
-
Cosmetics, such as oily Cosmetics that can plug hair follicles
Acne Treatment
The typical treatment for acne is using topical creams and lotions. In extreme cases where the acne has gone deeply into the skin it can become a bacterial infection and antibiotics are prescribed for treatment. But, as deadly embarrassing as a bad case of acne may be, it is rarely if ever life threatening. |
