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Wednesday 20 August 2008

Acne Triggers - How To Avoid Breakouts

Acne is a common skin disorder that can affect anyone. Whiteheads, blackheads, redness and pain are the most normal symptoms of this condition. What are some of the most common triggers and how can we prevent future pimple episodes?

Common Acne Triggers

Hormones: Our body goes through vast hormonal changes during puberty. However, hormones and zits can collide numerous times in a lifetime such as during menstrual cycles, menopause, pregnancy, stressful situations or just about any time they become unbalanced. This means that you can be affected by acne at any age. Hormonal changes provoke the over production of the oil sebum which can clog along with devitalized cells and end in breakouts.

Environmental Factors: Environmental factors also have an effect on our skin. Pollution, humidity and excessive sun exposure can all be factors that trigger acne episodes. Temperature or Climate changes can make the skin dry, boosting the over production of sebum.

Immoderate Inflammatory Responses: Uncontrolled bacteria damage our skin and cause our body to respond with immoderate inflammatory reactions. P. acnes are normal residents of the skin and these are normally harmless. However, when pores get obstructed with sebum and dead cells, P. acnes get 'stuck' within the pores. Bacteria start to grow inside the pores, altering the chemical balance of sebum, which end in redness, swelling and in a feverish sensation.

Tips to Prevent Acne

The first rule to control and keep zits away is to clean your face, but not more that twice a day. Over-washing can deprive the skin from essential lipids, encouraging an over-production of sebum. If you already have pimples on your skin, use a cleanser or a mild soap to prevent irritation.

Sauna treatments normally involve three 15 minute intervals in the sauna and 5 minutes outside after 20-30 minutes of cardiovascular activity (in order to get the blood circulating). The sauna heat aids to unblock the pores and clean the skin through sweat flow. It is essential to stay hydrated during the intervals.

A healthy diet packed with vitamins and minerals will supply the needed nutrients to your skin. You can also provide nutrients 'externally' by using natural acne lotions.

Dieting on juices, fruits and shifting to vegan for a period of 10 days, in addition to taking 8-12 glasses of water everyday, can be of great help. It is advised to have a multivitamin pill everyday to supply the body with the needed nutrients our system needs to remain healthy.

An acne problem can affect anyone, but there are some simple methods you can use to tackle this inflammatory condition. The ultimate acne solution is to wash your face not more that twice a day, starting with sauna treatments and maintaining a healthy diet filled with nutrients.

By: Danna Finnerand

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