What is Acne?
Acne is a skin disorder that can occur in virtually anyone at almost any stage of his or her life, regardless of gender or skin type. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne has become the most commonly treated skin abnormality. For those who suffer from acne, it is not merely a cosmetic problem. It can leave profound, permanent scars on one’s self esteem. We know this first hand because we are part of this collective story!
ABCs of Acne
Acne is a systematic inflammatory disease characterized by pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. The medical term for the common acne is acne vulgaris.
Acne 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 (clogged pores). The dermatological for a clogged pore is comedo (plural “comedones”).
Although
proper skin care is important in the treatment of acne, it is
not caused by un-cleanliness (in fact over cleaning can actually
exacerbate the problem). It is more likely to be a result of
overactive oil glands.
Dermatologists now agree that the typical Western diet plays a major role in acne development. However, there is clearly some genetic component to acne. For example, African skin is typically rich in sebaceous (oil producing) glands, yet they suffer far less acne than other ethnic groups. Another interesting fact is that Native Americans had virtually no acne until their adoption of Western diets and intermarriage with other ethnic groups.
Forms of Acne
Whiteheads appear when scales below the surface of the skin become filled with sebum. Dermatologists call a whitehead closed comedo, which is non-inflamed lesion. In severe cases, whiteheads build up and become inflamed, spread under the skin, and rupture, which eventually spreads the inflammation.
Blackheads is another form of non-inflamed lesion. It is called open comedo in dermatological term. It is formed when sebum combines with skin pigments, oxidized and plugs the pores. In this form of acne the oil and the open follicle have been oxidized by the air, turning it brown or black. Blackheads also contain a skin pigment called melanin.
Pimples arises when the clogged pores cannot drain, and inflammation moves from the invible molecular level, to the visible, cellular level.
Factors Contributing to Acne
- Heredity
- Oily skin
- Nutritional deficiencies and / or a diet high in saturated fats, hydrogenated fats, and animal products
- stress
- Hormonal imbalance
- Monthly menstrual cycles
- Allergies
- Use of certain types of drugs, such as steroids, lithium, oral contraceptives, and some antiepileptic drugs
- Environmental factors, such as exposure to industrial pollutants such as machine oils, coat tar derivatives, and chlorinated hydrocarbons
- Body pH: too acidic or too alkaline fosters the nesting and breeding of acne-causing bacteria.
What can you do about Acne?
The
best way to treat and cure acne is through a so-called a three-tiered
approach – diet, nutritional supplements,
and topical applications. The focus is to reduce
inflammation at the cellular level. Inflammation is also closely
connected to aging and age-related diseases.
Acne, like wrinkles and
many signs of aging, is an inflammatory disease and it
can be controlled!
And of course, exercise and emotional health play a big part in an acne free future.
We also believe in the power of combining modern Western science and ancient Asian medicine knowledge in achieving beautiful skin that radiates from within. Remember, the functioning of the human body are governed by fascinating and complex, integrated systems comprised of the chemical reactions and energy flows (eg. electromagnetic fields). More on this topic at East meets West.
