An Acne Digest with

 Acne Scar Removal and Treatments Information

Contrary to popular belief, acne is not just a rite of passage for adolescents. Acne may start as late as age 25 or 30, especially in women, who have constantly fluctuating hormones. A family history of acne, as well as exposure to stress, can contribute to the condition. It is estimated that one in four adults between the ages of 25 and 44 suffers from acne, and nearly half of all adult women experience mild to moderate acne.

Once you understand how acne develops, you will understand how to heal and help prevent it. Your skin cells are in a continuous state of renewal. Usually, as the old cells die, they mix with the skin's natural oil and are shed.

However, some people do not shed dead skin cells evenly. Then the cells become overly sticky. These sticky cells mix with oil and form a plug, called a comedo, in the hair follicle. The comedo holds the oil and bacteria in the follicle, which begins to swell as the skin produces more oil. When the body sends white blood cells to swarm around the follicle and kill the bacteria, the result is a pimple.

Most people have no inflammatory acne, a relatively mild form with just a few whiteheads and blackheads. If the plug stays below the surface of the skin, it is called a closed comedo, or whitehead. If the plug enlarges and is on the surface of the skin, exposed to the air, it is called an open comedo, or blackhead. Contrary to popular belief, a blackhead is not dirt and will not wash away. The color is created by a buildup of melanin, the dark pigment in the skin.

With inflammatory acne, the whiteheads become overloaded with bacteria and swell, producing pimples and pustules. Severe inflammatory acne can cause disfiguring cysts and deep scars. If you suffer from inflammatory acne, consult a dermatologist to determine the treatment that's best for you.

Remember, the secret to controlling acne is prevention. Even after blemishes disappear, continue to use an effective acne treatment to keep new ones from forming.

More Hints to Help Put Your Best Face Forward:

• Cleanse your skin gently twice each day, but be sure to avoid over washing.
• Keep stress to a minimum, and get at least seven hours of sleep each night.
• Drink at least eight glasses of water daily.
• Stick to a healthy diet and exercise plan.
• Do not pick at your skin; doing so will lead to dark marks.
• Use oil-free moisturizer, makeup and sun block.