By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D.
November is officially “National Healthy Skin Month,” and with your skin being the largest organ on your body, it’s important to take care of it! At Forces of Nature, we have products and tips ranging from eczema to psoriasis treatment, but this month, we want to talk about those pesky blemishes that affect your most visible body parts – acne. If you're interested in understanding more about acne and its impact, check out our comprehensive guide in All About Acne.
Acne is the most common and well-known skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. From the time you’re a teenager and experience your first pimple—which can be overwhelming during those formative years; read our Teen Acne: 10 Tips on How to Manage & Prevent Breakouts for helpful advice—to well into your adulthood, most of us have dealt with attempting to control acne. For those struggling with adult acne, including severe forms like cystic acne which may lead to scarring—discover How To Treat Scars Caused By Cystic Acne—the journey can be particularly challenging.
How Acne Is Caused
Acne occurs wherever there are overactive oil (sebaceous) glands on the skin. This oil (sebum) is a natural substance for lubricating and protecting the skin. When overactive oil glands produce too much sebum, it blocks the sebaceous gland openings, causing an oil buildup underneath. In turn, this oil stimulates an overgrowth of bacteria. For natural ways to address this imbalance, consider reading How Do Acne Home Remedies Work?. If you're experiencing acne on your back—commonly known as bacne—our article Bacne 101: Tips for Dealing with Back Acne offers targeted solutions. Additionally, for those interested in organic treatments, Treating Adult Acne with Certified Organic Medicine explores effective remedies.
Adults And Acne
When you think of acne breakouts, you instantly imagine a teenager with pimples all over their face. With teenagers, it makes sense, right? They’re experiencing a rush of hormones which causes the skin to react. However, why do adults still get acne?
Genetics
Unfortunately, if acne runs in your family and your parents had acne as adults, you’re at higher risk. People can still get acne will into their 40s.
Pregnancy
Another cause can be from pregnancy. Women in their first trimester experience an influx in hormones that can cause acne to form. Hormones cause your skin to produce more natural oils which results in a breakout. The same can happen during a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Makeup / Skincare
Makeup, sunscreen, and skincare products that contain a lot of oil can clog your pores and cause acne. Look for products that are oil-free or powder based over creams.
Also, don’t forget that makeup brushes that haven’t been washed can also be a breeding ground for bacteria that causes acne. Be sure to wash those as often as you can.
Stress
While stress doesn’t cause acne on its own, it can aggravate an already active breakout. Why? Because when people are stressed, we tend to touch our face more or as a nervous habit scratching and picking at blemishes on your face.
It is important to know that you won’t have acne your whole life. Studies have shown that acne is less common after the age of 44.
How To Treat Acne
A skincare routine is crucial when trying to manage acne. It’s important to wash your face in the morning and evening and after sweating. A light cleanser will do the trick mixed with some warm water. However, if you’re already in the middle of a breakout, we have just the trick.
Natural Acne Treatment
Our Acne Treatment is the perfect solution when your skin flares up. This treatment combines the power of homeopathy with soothing essential oils to bring you a natural acne pimple treatment oil that works systemically to help the body clear acne, pimples, zits, blackheads, back acne, and seborrhea naturally in our intensive roll on application.
