Acne Free Skin Tips

What is Acne?

Acne is an infection of the skin, caused by changes in the sebaceous glands.

The sebaceous glands secrete an oily substance called sebum which function is to protect and waterproof hair and skin, and keep them from becoming dry. If too much sebum is produced, it is common that oils from the glands combine with dead skin cells to block hair follicles. Under the blocked pore, oil builds up. Skin bacteria can then grow very quickly. This infection makes the skin become swollen and red, which becomes visible. The redness comes from the inflammation of the skin in response to the infection.

While the most common form of acne is called acne vulgaris, which means common acne, there are also other types of acne and acne-related skin diseases like:

Acne fulminans
Acne medicamentosa
Chloracne
Rosacea

The most common places for acne to happen are: face, back, chest and shoulders.

Acne is most common during adolescence, affecting more than 85% of teenagers. For most people acne diminishes over time, but it is impossible to predict how long it will take to disappear entirely. Some individuals will continue to suffer well into their thirties and beyond.

The most common effects that acne can cause are:

Scars
Skin becomes more sensitive and painful to physical contact
Reduced self-esteem, which can cause depression.

Acne lesions are commonly referred to as pimples, zits, spots, or acne.

Acne causes and myths

Causes of acne
Exactly why some people get acne and some do not is not completely known. These can cause acne, or make it worse:
* Hormonal fluctuation
* Hyperactive sebaceous glands
* Stress
* Many dead skin cells staying on the skin
* Bacteria in the pores
* Skin irritation or scratching of any sort
* Chlorine

Acne myths

There are many incorrect ideas about the causes for acne. Many people believe these false ideas:
* Diet. It is possible that eating different foods can help clear acne for some people. But the relationship between food and acne has not been proven. Chocolate, chips, sugar, milk, seafood and other food do not cause acne. The effect of diet varies from person to person, no scientific evidence has been brought forth to prove or disprove that diet has any effect on acne.
* Sex. Some people think that both celibacy (no sex) and masturbation are causes for acne. This is not true. Although sexual activity produces hormonal changes in our bodies, these are completely normal and should have no effect on acne.

Acne diet

Although many sources says that there is no medical proof that diet has anything to do with acne, there are countless of acne sufferers that notice changes in their skin condition caused by several foods. Even if you do not believe that acne can be diminished with certain foods, you can make a trial and observe if changing diet habits will change also your skin condition. Moreover, changing your diet to amore healthy one (with the right balance of nutrients, vitamins and drinking plenty of water; as well as eating and drinking on a regular basis) will help your immunological system to work better and you should feel better as well.

Are you ready to check if pimples will diminish after changing your diet? Read on.

Drinks

- Drink a lot of water (at least 4-6 glasses per day), that will hydrate your skin and help to get rid of toxins
- Avoid drinking soda, coffe, milk and other drinks that contain a lot of colorants and sugar
- Include Green tea

Foods to avoid (do not eliminate if you like them, simply try to eat less)

- Saturated fats (in meats, dairy, and poultry)
- Junk food
- Sweets, cookies, muffins.

Foods to include

- fruits, berries, veggies, soups (not fattening)
- You can try also a BLOOD GROUP diet! There are difefrent beneficiary foods if you an A, B, AB, or the O (check it out in the internet)

Acne vitamins

Your diet should be rich in all vitamins and minerals, however some of them are especially god a for a better skin condition: zinc, vit A / beta carotene /, wit E