Condition: Acne
What is Acne?
We often think of acne as a problem faced by adolescents, but plenty of adults in their 20s through their 50s struggle with skin that is affected with the occurrence of acne either occasionally or on a regular basis. What might surprise you more about this common condition is the fact that the source of a breakout is a hair follicle.
Sebaceous glands in the hair follicle produce sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that, under normal conditions, travels up the hair follicle and out to the skin surface. As the sebum travels up towards the hair shaft, it encounters normal skin bacteria and dead skin cells that have been shed from the lining of the hair follicle. The greater the sebum production, the greater the likelihood that the hair follicle will become clogged as the sebum causes the cells of the follicular lining to shed more rapidly and stick together forming a plug at the opening of the hair follicle.
What Causes Acne?
The mixture of sebum and dead cells becomes a pool for bacteria to grow in greater numbers than usual. The sebum, bacteria and shed keratin dead skin cells get trapped in the skin causing inflammation, swelling and pus, resulting in acne. The body responds to this bacterium pool by producing chemical defenders that can lead to the formation of free radicals as a by-product of the energy production. Acne lesions are most common in the areas of the skin where there is the greatest number of sebaceous glands including the forehead, chin and mid-back but acne can also flare-up on the shoulders, chest, neck, upper arms and scalp.
Hormones are the most common link to the causes for acne. The adrenal hormone DHEA along with increased levels of testosterone are associated with the exacerbation of severe acne. Testosterone, a potent male hormone, when oxidized is converted to DHT (djhydrotestosterone) by means of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. This is also the hormone linked to the loss of hair in both men and women.
Many women with acne are suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, a condition that involves the overproduction of male hormones, such as testosterone. If the acne is accompanied by changes in menstrual periods, fertility complications or weight gain, the acne might be linked to hormonal imbalance with high insulin levels in the blood and affect cravings that are difficult to control. A shift in diet to include many more vegetables and fewer carbohydrates might help in the control of this cause of acne.
Another hormonal link to acne is excess estrogen. An indication this might be a link would include other symptoms, including breast pain and headaches that might be accompanied by other skin complaints. Again, diet and supplements by the doctor might help regulate these hormonal imbalances.
Reports are indicating that the deficiency of progesterone might lead to the increased production of androgens (male hormones) that can result in acne conditions. The use of progesterone cream in some patients has been found to improve the appearance of acne.
Even infections caused by Candida and mucous membranes have been linked with an increase in acne. Even though this has been considered a weak link by many doctors, there are studies that indicate that managing the overpopulation of Candida might improve the appearance of acne.
Types of Acne
Infantile Acne
Adolescent Acne
Adult Acne
Traditional Treatments Are Not Lifestyle Choices
Broad-spectrum antibiotics
Hormonal therapies and corticosteroids
Chemical peels
N-Lite Laser
Dermabrasion
Collagen
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The Wellness Solution
The wellness approach to Total Oxidation Management of acne can be a lifestyle choice and one that is easily incorporated into your daily life.
The wellness approach to preventing and controlling the symptoms associated with acne uses nature's own fresh-dried vitamins and minerals to:
- Gently cleanse deep into the mouth of the hair follicle to prevent clogging of sebum buildup.
- Kill and prevent bacteria
- Normalize the exfoliation rate of skin so that sebum travels up the hair follicle and out the skin's surface at a normal rate rather than speeding up exfoliation which can cause flaking, itching, and scaling.
- Rid skin of dead surface tissue
- Control inflammation and redness associated with acne
- Help prevent scarring caused by prolonged infection
- Acidify the natural pH balance of skin
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Product Recommendation
EC Mode
Anti-Acne Kit
This is the first skin care system using 12% fresh-dried ascorbic acid-L (Vitamin C) and 5% Vitamin E Hydro-Driver Moisturizer in addition to our Facial Astringent to help control and prevent acne.
An In-Salon EC Mode Transparent-C Normalizing Facial & Body Masque.
EC Mode Anti-Acne System
Daily use of the EC Mode Anti-Acne System is recommended both morning and night. You will experience a visible difference in your skin within twenty-eight days.
Body System:
Internal Body System:
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