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Acne: the causes, the myths
This page will focus on acne and its causes, including the myths surrounding it. It is a disorder with many individual variables and unfortunately it is also quite difficult to eradicate. However, at Je Me Souvien we have been using and selling a extremely effective soap that will help you tremendously in your acne fight. (Please follow the link at the bottom of this page). Simply put, acne is an inflammation of the skin, and it affects nearly 90% of those under the age of 20. It occurs primarily on the face, chest, neck and back. Because these areas cannot be easily hidden, you can understand how the disorder can really stress a self-conscious adolescent! I remember one of my high school classmates who never mingled much with the rest of us. He suffered from a fairly severe case of acne, and some insensitive students would call him "crater face" or "pizza face". Fortunately, he blossomed into a fine looking man with no zits - just a few minor scars.
In medicine, we categorize acne as a disease of the pilosebaceous units. You don't need to remember this mouthful. It simply means a sebaceous gland which is connected to a follicle and containing a hair - that's all. My husband often wonders why we have to have this "weird" jargon that lay-people cannot understand. The truth is... it's quite specific. When we communicate, we "jargon-speakers" know exactly what we're talking about! No grey areas. But I do understand his point. When he speaks the jargon used in his profession, I simply get lost...
Ok, back to the topic. What causes it? There exist many different theories, and one of the favorites seems to be "excess of skin oils". Truth: the exact cause is unknown. The most accepted "explanation" in the medical community is that several related factors play a role. Among these factors we have: heredity, use of anabolic steroids, hormonal changes, accumulation of dead skin cells, and stress. The hormones associated with the development of this skin inflammation include testosterone, IGF-I (insulin-like growth factor 1), and DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Please, let me say that acne is not caused by dirt. Rather, it may result from a wide variety of factors, and out approach to it must be a holistic one. Many people assume that blackheads are embedded dirt. However, the black you see is the result of oxidation, that is, the oil trapped in the pore has its surface exposed to the environment. This contact with the air causes the oil to change color (oxidation). If you were to squeeze that pore (please, don't), you'd notice that only the very tip is dark.
You may be interested to know that some studies link carbohydrate-rich diets to acne. This includes potatoes, chocolate, bread, the refined sugars, etc. Also, seafood (because of its iodine levels) and milk (with its IGF-I and other sex hormones) have recently joined the list of foods that should be avoided. And of course, let's not forget fatty foods, though research has shown no hard evidence that fat contributes to the development or exacerbation of acne.
What do you think? In my opinion, more research is needed. I always recommend clients to keep a diary. In that diary they are supposed to write - on a daily basis - what foods they eat, what activity they are engaged in (are they at work, jogging, sitting quietly at home, etc.), and their emotional status. For a female, I also ask to keep track of her menstrual cycle.
As you may be aware, there are countless treatments for the condition. Many, if not most of them, show moderate efficacy, and several end up causing unwanted side effects. The name Accutane sometimes comes up. I do warn any woman who asks me about it. Accutane is a proven teratogenic (causing birth defects) and no pregnant woman, or one planning a pregnancy should use it!
As stated at the beginning, this is a complex, multi-faceted skin disorder. It requires a holistic approach.
And please note that rosacea is another skin condition which is often mistaken for acne!
Find out more about acne and other skin conditions by clicking on the links below. And check out the uncomplicated, highly effective Acne Soap from Je Me Souvien. Thank you.
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