Stress, Hormonal Changes and Genetic Make-up are Acne Causes

The questions here are whether there is likely to be a cure for acne any time in the near future, whether there have been any lines of treatment that have been effective on a consistent basis and which are the acne causes that are quite common. For those whose acne has become resistant to treatment and is ongoing, the reality is that appears not to be any cure for the skin disorder that is, in fact, the most common one. In fact, just as the individuals suffering from acne are different, so are the acne causes. The self-esteem of those suffering from acne is negatively impacted because of it and so is their professional as well social lives, because of the effect that it has on their appearances.

Acne Management

The management of some acne causes is possible whereas there are others about which there is little that can be done. Stress, heredity, diet and hormonal changes are four of the acne causes that are recognizable, for all the different types of acne. Nodules, pimples, lesions, blackheads, cysts and whiteheads are formed when the pores on the skin are clogged because of bacteria getting trapped in them, when oil glands become overactive. The resulting disorder of the skin is known as acne vulgaris.

Breakouts of acne can be reduced by reducing stress through hypnotherapy, yoga, aromatherapy, visualisation and exercise, among other methods of stress reduction. The stressors in life can be managed through exercise and techniques for relaxation that can prove beneficial. Stress may be caused by worrying about health, work, meeting deadlines, personal as well as professional relationships, etc., and has to be managed, in order to prevent acne. The condition of the skin can be improved considerably by adding foods that are unprocessed and natural to the diet, along with significant quantities of fresh vegetables and fruits, besides drinking lots of water. It is important to avoid foods that contain large quantities of fat. Pasta, caffeine, carbonated beverages and processed foods are also likely to aid the growth of acne. Hormonal levels can be controlled amongst teenagers, if they avoid foods containing sugar or white flour. Among women, pills for birth control can help control hormones. The acne cause that can not really be managed is heredity.

Various forms of acne treatment have to be tried in order to find the most effective one, for any individual. The acne causes can change over time and the line of treatment has to be different for adults suffering from acne due to stress as against youngsters suffering from acne caused by hormonal changes. Acne may also be minimized or reduced through laser treatment, dermabrasion, facials and other such cosmetic treatments. The treatments for acne that are likely to prove most successful are retinoids and antibiotics. These medications may be prescribed in topical or oral form, by a dermatologist. Before that, however, a strict regimen for skin care can be maintained, besides a healthful diet, the skin can be protected against excessive exposure to sunlight, adequate rest ensured and stress managed, in order to treat acne in a natural way.

If other treatments for acne do not prove effective, Accutane, which is a prescription medication that has proved to be rather controversial, may be taken. It is known to have side effects that can include birth defects and depression of a severe nature, even as it is likely to cure acne permanently in more than 60% of cases. So, it is the only alternative that comes closest to being termed as a cure for acne, but should be taken only under medical supervision.