Acne is a skin disorder that most young people get in early puberty. It is caused by inflammation of the small oil glands (sebaceous glands) that surround the fine hairs on the face and chest.

The severity of acne increases and, typically, reaches its peak around the ages of 17 to 19. For most people, acne tends to go away by the time they reach their mid-20s; however, very sensitive people may continue to have the disorder until they reach their 40s.

Causes of Acne

The actual cause of acne is unknown. One important factor does seem to be rising levels of the hormones called androgens (male sex hormones) that are found in both boys and girls at the time of puberty. Another factor is heredity or genetics. Acne does seem to run in families. Girls or women may find their acne flares 2 to 7 days before the onset of their menstrual period. Several factors are known to be linked to acne:

Hormonal activity.
Hyperactive sebaceous glands.
Accumulation of dead skin cells.
Bacteria in the pores.
Skin irritation or scratching of any sort.
Anabolic steroids.
Birth control pills, however many women have reported reduced acne while on the pil.l
Those exposed to high levels of chlorine compounds, particularly chlorinated dioxins, often develop severe, long-lasting acne, known as Chloracne.

Symptoms of Acne

Acne is characterised by the presence of comedones or blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, pimples, small superficial sebaceous cysts and scars, redness around the skin eruptions, crusting of the skin eruptions, inflammation around the skin eruptions. There are over half a dozen forms of acne. All of them are connected with the sebaceous glands or the glands connected with hair follicles. The most common form of acne is blackheads. The areas chiefly affected are the forehead, temples, cheeks, chin, the chest and back.In rare cases, almost the entire body may be covered with blackheads with extensive scarring.

Treatment of Acne

Treatments for acne include :-

Benzoyl Peroxide - Benzoyl peroxide is the undisputed king of over-the-counter acne medications.

Salicylic Acid - Salicylic acid is a mild astringent that dries the skin and removes dead skin cells. It can prove too drying for some people.

Oral antibiotic - These are the usual treatment for moderate-to-severe acne, and a necessity for treating severe acne in which there are deep papules, large pustules, and cysts. Tetracycline is the first oral antibiotic to be used to treat acne.

Hormone treatment - Androgens (male hormone) increase the size and oil production of the sebaceous glands, and contribute to the development of acne. Estrogens(female hormone) or antiandrogens block the action of androgens on the oil glands and thus help improve an acne condition.

Oral antibiotic - These are the usual treatment for moderate-to-severe acne, and a necessity for treating severe acne in which there are deep papules, large pustules, and cysts.

Retin A - It is a derivative of vitamin A and is a very effective, externally applied acne control treatment.

Natural Home remedies for Acne

Orange peel pounded well with water. Applied to affected acne areas.
Apply a paste of fresh methi (fenugreek) leaves over the face every night for 10-15 minutes and washed with warm water. This will prevent acne, pimples, blackheads, and wrinkles.
Place strawberry leaves on the acne, the alkalinity helps to reduce the swelling .
Massage the face with the skin of lemon before washing with lukewarm water.
Apply fresh mint juice over the face every night for the treatment of acne, pimples, insect stings, eczema, scabies , & other skin infections.
A couple of garlic cloves, crushed and dabbed on the face 1-2 times a day. One of the smellier acne home remedies!
Apply fresh lemon juice on the affected area overnight. Wash off with warm water next morning.
Use 2-3 tsp. dried basil leaves to 1 cup boiling water. Steep 10-20 minutes. Cool, and apply with cotton ball.
Grind orange peel with some water to a paste and apply on affected parts. One of the best acne home remedies.
Clean face with cotton wool dipped in rose water 2-3 times a day.
Mix 1 teaspoon lemon juice in 1 teaspoon finely ground cinnamon powder and apply on affected areas frequently.
The best treatment of acne is wash your face twice a day with lukewarm water.

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