According to The American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. It is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages. An estimated 80 percent of people between the ages 11 and 30 have acne outbreaks at some point so you are not alone. The biggest concern is, acne can leave significant scars so it is worth knowing more.

DEFINITION OF ACNE

What is Acne ? 

 Acne occurs when the small pores on the surface of the skin become blocked with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Each individual pore on the skin opens up to a follicle beneath the skin. Within these follicles lie a singular hair and a sebaceous gland. The sebaceous gland produces sebum, an oil designed to keep your skin lubricated and soft and safe. However, when hormonal changes and other factors cause the gland to produce an excess of sebum, the oil will be pumped through the follicle, and may pick up dead skin cells and P. acnes bacteria on its way out. Should these substances clump together, a plug will form. As this plug starts to press up against the surface of the skin, the body responds with an accumulation of red and white blood cells to combat any infection (the body's normal immune reaction) and this results in inflammation and redness.

TYPES OF ACNE

Depending on whether or not they cause inflammation of the surrounding skin, you can find the 2 major acne types. 

Non-inflammatory Acne types are the least severe forms of acne. The blemishes do not cause swelling and are not very painful. Whiteheads and blackheads falls under this category.

Inflammatory acne types are more severe and most likely to cause complications such as scarring or pitting. Blemishes or lesions that are inflamed, or red, swollen, and warm to the touch can result from inflammatory acne. These can be divided into mild forms and severe forms.

CAUSES OF ACNE

Acne can be caused by one or more problems in the natural skin lubrication process. It can occur when:    

• too much oil is produced by your follicles
• dead skin cells accumulate in your pores
• bacteria builds up in your pores

Read on below for the answer on the different acne causes: 

 - Hormones 

Common acne is generally caused by hormonal changes in the body, and its onset usually can be found in teenage years during puberty. Acne is directly attributed to the rise of androgen hormone levels. The production of these hormones rise when a child begins puberty, and is the reason much acne is prevalent in adolescence. As androgen levels rise, the oil glands sitting directly underneath the skin enlarge and produce increased levels of oil. 

When pores are filled with excessive oil or sebum, it can cause the surrounding skin cell walls to rupture and create a breeding ground of P. acnes bacteria. As the sebum attempts to push out of the pore, it can attach to this infectious bacteria and dead skin cells, causing a blockage that begins the formation of a pimple.

 - The Role of Genetics

 One of the top cited studies took a look at 458 pairs of identical twins and 1099 pairs of fraternal twins to study acne prevalence. They found that genes explained a significant 81 percent of the difference in acne prevalence, while the other 19 percent was explained by non-shared environmental factors. Yet another study took a look at the difference in rates of acne in first-degree relatives between patients and controls. The study used 204 acne patients, and 144 non-acne controls. This study determined that having a first-degree relative who suffers from acne increases the risk of getting acne by four times. 

Genes play a role in several ways: firstly, they contribute to skin sensitivity. Acne-prone skin is more susceptible to oil production, and tends to shed and regenerate skin cells faster. Those prone to acne also exhibit strong inflammatory responses to skin irritants and bacteria in comparison to those who don’t have issues with acne. 

 - Diet 

Since acne is technically classified as a disease that affects the skin’s oil glands and having acne is greatly affected by simple changes in diet. This is why it is crucial to learn what foods cause acne. Read on and make sure to be careful about eating the following:

As pointed out by many different scientific researchers, soda is almost on par with alcohol when it comes to how damaging it is to your body. But how does it cause acne? Well, quite simply, fructose is sugar — and soda is loaded with both. This sugar causes a huge insulin spike, and then a subsequent crash, which is part of why you’re actually hungrier after consuming a soda.

What Causes Acne Breakouts ?

If you are wondering, Why is my face breaking out all of a sudden ? then you should know that understanding why you break out requires consideration of a variety of aspects. There are many underlying reasons for acne breakouts; Stress is a significant factor contributing to sudden breakouts.

As we discussed earlier, hormonal fluctuations are one of the main culprits leading to acne, stress is definitely another. When we are stressed, we release cortisol hormones. A surge in testosterone causes your oil glands to produce more, elevating your risk for bacterial infection to occur in your skin pores, causing pimples to form. Of course, when you start breaking out, the emotional toll it can take on your self-confidence can lead to more stress, which then continues the process of breakouts from the surge in cortisol that your body continues to produce.

Secondly, it is important to pay close attention to the ingredients in your skin care products. The products should be fragrance-free and non-comedogenic (that is formulated so as not to cause blocked pores). It's critical to know your skin type and learn which products work best for you. If you start breaking out, check if you're using any new products that you may have added to your skin care regimen. One useful tip in trying to identify if a skincare product might be at the root of your breakouts is to pay attention to where your skin is suddenly breaking out. If you usually tend to get acne in a particular area of your face, and suddenly, with the addition of a new product, your breakouts appear elsewhere, then there is a good chance that it might be the new product causing your pimples. There is a theory called “face mapping” that suggests the location of your acne could present clues about what’s causing it.

Forehead: Pimples here are usually linked to the digestive system, and may indicate that you’re having a hard time breaking down certain foods. It may also indicate liver problems (too many toxins), stress, or an irregular sleep schedule.

Between the brows: Greasy, fatty foods may be connected to acne here. Another possible cause—too much alcohol. If you find pimples here after a night out where you consumed a few drinks that may be your issue.

Cheeks: so what causes acne on cheeks ? If you spent time in the city, had to sit in traffic for hours, or otherwise came into contact with polluted air, that may explain pimples showing up here. Allergies that affect the respiratory system may also be to blame, or if you pressed your cell phone against your skin while talking, germs may have been transferred to your face. Sometimes, acne here can be a symptom of too much sugar in your diet.

Chin: Chin pimples often come around because of changes in your hormones. In the days before your period, try to pay extra attention to your skin care. Also be sure you’re not resting your chin in your hands when bored or tired, as this can transfer oils from your fingers onto your chin, which can cause pimples.

NATURAL TREATMENT OF ACNE

Home remedies for acne 

 This has prompted many people to look into how to cure acne naturally at home, especially home remedies for acne scars and also the use of natural supplements. Instead of shelling out for expensive acne treatments or medications, learn how to get clear skin with these natural acne home remedies and natural dietary supplements. Read more below:

1. Apply apple cider vinegar for acne

Here’s how to cure acne naturally in 3 days with a homemade acne treatment : 

2. Spot Treat With Tea Tree Oil  

 

1.  Mix 1 part tea tree oil with 9 parts water. 
2. Dip a cotton swab into the mixture and apply it to affected areas.
3. Apply moisturizer if desired. 4. Repeat this process 1–2 times per day, as needed.

3. Apply Coconut Oil  

 

How to use coconut oil for acne : 

1. Mix equal parts of coconut oil and sugar (or salt) . 
2. Scrub skin with mixture and rinse well. 
3. Exfoliate as often as desired up to once daily

4. Take Fish Oil Supplement  

Omega-3 fatty acids are incredibly healthy fats that offer a multitude of health benefits. You must get these fats from your diet, but research shows that most people who eat a standard Western diet don't get enough of them. Fish oils contain two main types of omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA benefits the skin in several ways, including managing oil production, maintaining adequate hydration and preventing acne . High levels of EPA and DHA have been shown to decrease inflammatory factors, which may reduce the risk of acne. You can get omega-3 fatty acids by eating salmon, sardines, anchovies, walnuts, chia seeds and ground flaxseeds.

5. Take Reishi Mushroom Supplement 

REISHI MUSHROOM BENEFITS LIST

Although you might be using reishi mushroom for acne, you can actually address more than you skin problems. Reishi is very antioxidant rich and contains compounds that basically help your liver out by neutralizing some of the toxins in your body the liver would otherwise have to deal with. Reishi mushroom is an adaptogen, meaning it helps to bring your body to a state of homeostasis and allows the body to adapt to stress. Reishi mushroom health benefits seem never ending, but it is commonly utilized for its calming and grounding effects. Additionally, reishi mushrooms have been shown to extend the life span, reduce tumor size and regenerate the liver. 

The number of ganoderma benefits provided by this natural mushroom wonder is pleasing, especially because it is also so gentle to sensitive skin. Let’s further discuss the Health Benefits of Reishi Mushroom, as well how easy it can be to take as a dietary supplement. 

1. Detoxifies and Strengthens Liver: As mentioned earlier, reishi is a potential liver regenerator. Various researches conducted suggest that the wild variant for this herb is gifted with powerful ingredients that can detoxify the liver.

2. Natural Immune Modulator: Reishi is known to give the immune system a boost, irrespective of its current functioning level. Along with regulating the immune system of the body, this mushroom ensures you a speedy recovery when you are ill.

3. Anti-Cancerous And Anti-Tumor Properties: Doctors in Japan have approved Reishi as a cure for assorted types of cancer, when used in conjunction with radiation and other anti-cancerous drugs. Studies suggest that along with easing the negative impacts of radiation and chemotherapy, this mushroom also possesses the power to prevent the growth and spread of tumor cells. Being an immune modulator, it also helps in revitalizing and renewing the immune system, enabling faster recovery.

4. Combats Depression: This mushroom has well-known, effective, and efficient impact on the state of your mind. Known for its mood improving and calming properties, Reishi is one of the most sought after anti-depressant herbs. It eases irritability and anxiety, calms the mind, relaxes the body, and helps you overcome depression.

5. Bid Goodbye to Allergies: Studies conducted by Japanese scientists suggest that this mushroom is a natural antihistamine. It has the potential to prevent the release of histamines when you are subjected to some kind of allergies or anaphylactic shock or even hay fever and atopic dermatitis. That is why it is quite popular as a herbal remedy for allergies.

6. Shed your Excess Weight: Obesity and being overweight is the result of a slow metabolism. The higher your metabolic rate, the better the chances of burning fat quickly. Using this herb in a judicious way enables you to increase the body’s metabolism rate, helping it lose weight in a healthy, irreversible way.

7. Nourishes Respiratory System: Reishi has a positive impact on your respiratory system. People suffering from various respiratory conditions, including simple cold and cough and sinusitis or more severe conditions like asthma and bronchitis, can use this herb to reap its benefit.

8.  Improves Cardiovascular Health: Touted to be an efficient anti-hypertensive (reducing blood pressure), Reishi has amazing affect on your cardiovascular health. It helps to lower and regulate the blood pressure levels of the body. It also helps to bring down the cholesterol levels in blood. When these ingredients are kept under control, then you will be less prone to heart and vascular conditions, including stroke and atherosclerosis.

9. Eases Inflammatory Conditions: Many a time, inflammatory conditions are accompanied by intense levels of pain. Arthritis and neuralgia are two such conditions. Studies suggest that this mushroom contains compounds that help in easing the inflammation prevailing in such conditions, alleviating and easing the pain experienced by the sufferer.

Reishi is available across the world in ready made forms, including Reishi Mushroom capsules, powders, and tonics. There are quite a handful of cosmetic products where this herb has been used as an active ingredient. As would be expected, organically grown Reishi supplements are usually of good-to-excellent quality. This is the reason why brands such as Boostceuticals only uses Reishi mushroom grown without chemicals in pristine mountain environments.