Acne is a common skin condition caused by inflammation around the sebaceous glands that frequently manifests as blackheads, whiteheads, and swollen red growths. The term "pimple" refers to these growths, which are typically found on the face.
Acne may also appear on the back of the neck and the upper chest. Sebum, a greasy substance secreted by the sebaceous glands, lubricates the skin. Sebaceous glands can become overactive when exposed to male hormones called androgens.
Acne is caused by a variety of reasons, such as bacteria, dried sebum, and skin cells that block the flow of sebum. When the flow of sebum is completely blocked, a whitehead, which is a bump of light colour, forms, but a blackhead, which is a patch of dark colour, forms when the flow of sebum is only partially blocked.
Contrarily, skin-surface bacteria frequently contaminate whiteheads and blackheads, cause them to ooze pus, and result in eruptions that resemble pimples. When cystic acne, a severe form of the ailment, occurs, painful purple lumps surround the sebaceous glands on the surface of the skin.
Acne is normally harmless and treatable, with the exception of severe cases that leave scars, cysts, or widespread skin pustules. Acne most typically arises during adolescence and can be extremely upsetting emotionally. The skin eruptions typically start to decrease or disappear by the time a person is in their 20s, however, they may even persist. It's possible for women to start breaking out in their 20s or even 30s. In senior persons, unexplained outbreaks of acne could indicate a more serious problem.
Acne can be brought on by a variety of circumstances, some of which are briefly discussed below.
Acne may be influenced by a person's hormonal changes, particularly an excess of androgen that causes the sebaceous glands to create too much sebum. Inherited issues frequently contribute to the development of acne. In addition, certain medications or chemicals, such as corticosteroids, hormones, including oral contraceptives, as well as iodides, barbiturates, vitamin B12, bromides, lithium, and anti-seizure treatments, could be to blame for acne breakout.
Additional causes of acne include tar, grease, heavy oils, cosmetics, tight clothing, and anything else that can physically impede the skin's pores. Acne outbreaks can occur in adults with some common medical conditions such as Cushing's syndrome, polycystic ovarian disease, or adrenal gland dysfunction. In addition to these, stress, seasonal changes, and exposure to dioxins can all have an impact on acne development.
Supplements and herbs
The ability of several herbs and supplements to both prevent and treat acne and related skin breakouts are well established. Overall, utilising all of the supplements suggested here would be beneficial for the majority of people, and doing so is secure. Frequently, it takes three to four weeks—or even longer—for the consequences to become apparent. Long-term usage of any of these supplements is possible in conjunction with standard acne treatments.
It is important to note that vitamin A is crucial for regulating the excessive sebum production that is the main cause of acne. Since vitamin B6 helps to maintain the balance of hormones linked to acne, it may be helpful in treating acne that has gotten worse because of menstruation or menopause. Additionally, vitamin C supports a healthy immune system, which helps prevent the development of acne-causing germs.
In addition to promoting appropriate hormone levels, zinc also strengthens the immune system and lowers inflammation when coupled with any or all of these vitamins. It should be noted that taking zinc for a long time actually slows down the body's absorption of copper; as a result, zinc should be taken with copper. You'll also gain from mixing zinc with essential fatty acids. Important fatty acids are abundant in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is found in evening primrose oil and flaxseed oil. By assisting in the dilution of the oily sebum, essential fatty acids aid to lessen the likelihood of having blocked skin pores.
