What Causes Zits ?

What causes zits is the question asked by many young people who suffer from zits and not just adolescents - many adults suffer the problem. Normally zits are caused by the bacteria Propionibacterium. This gets trapped in clogged skin pores (or hair follicles) more often on the face but can also be on other parts of the body. The bacteria produces enzymes which it uses to break down the sebum (the oil produced by the body's sebaceous glands) and in this process it blocks / clogs up the skin pore. The enzymes show as inflammation/redness in the affected area and are generally know by young people as zits.

The inflammation shows up as zits and is known as superficial acne. If the inflammation is deeper within the skin and pores resulting in cysts (large red lumps) it is known as cystic acne.

So typical zits are the result of an imbalance in the glandular production of the sebaceous gland that secretes directly onto the skin.

There are many forms of zits which explain why it is so difficult to treat acne. Essentially, zits are a result of blocked skin pores. Zits are not caused by stress, as you may have thought, but are more likely to be attributed to poor diet and lack of exercise and fresh air.

The excess oil / sebum is actually a by-product of testosterone production in the body of adolescent boys going through puberty; in women, the hormonal changes occurring before the menstrual cycle may also cause sporadic outbreaks of zits.

Another cause of zits has been traced to diets and the lack of essential fatty acids. The body needs a specific quantity of essential fatty acids to remain in balance and the everyday Western diet does not provide a sufficient amount for most young people, whereas trans-fats and other nonessential fats are found in large quantities and it is this imbalance in the fat ratio that tips the scale in favor of excess production of sebum, leading to outbreaks of zits.

Certain chemicals & drugs may also be factors in the appearance of zits. Any drug that has added hormones or that changes the hormonal balance of the body is a possible cause.

Overall good health is essential to be zit free and this includes a healthy diet, gentle but effective skin care and decreased exposure to chemicals and drugs which may affect the natural hormone levels of the body.

On the other hand, adult acne may be caused by hormonal imbalances, pollution, medications or stress to name just a few. Studies have shown a direct correlation between hormonal imbalances and outbreaks of zits in women ranging in age from 30 to 40 years.

Other forms of acne zits include:

-Cosmetic Acne - caused by the active ingredients in the cosmetic being used.
-Acne Conglobata - usually due to hereditary factors.
-Acne Detergens - the use of soaps and cleaners that cause an irritating effect to the skin.
-Acne Excoriee - brought about by the constant picking of the zits on the face and body.
-Acne Mallorca - caused by exposure to sunlight.
-Acne Mechanica - caused by materials & fabrics
-Acne Neonatorum affects infants and is transferred by way of hormones from mother to child
-Acne Pomade - caused by the use of oils found in hair care products.
-Acne Fulminans, Acne Keloidalis and Acne Medicametosa are other forms of acne

Zits can generally be prevented / reduced by simple measures: ensure you eat a healthy diet with lots of fruit and vegetables, drink lots of water and/or fruit juices. Ensure your face is cleansed at least twice a day, removing the excess oil and dead skin cells to ensure the skin pores do not become blocked and hence infected. Avoid touching your face as you hands harbor bacteria and transferring it to your face will simply increase the chances for infection.

Dietary Changes for Acne Treatment?

Acne, pimples or "zits" as many sufferers call it, can
be a real cause for depression. It is the most common of all
skin diseases with around 17 million people in the USA alone
afflicted with an acne problem. The official term, Acne
Vulgaris describes a condition whereby the sebaceous glands
of the skin become inflamed. If proper acne treatment is not
sought these may develop into unsightly pustular cysts, and
the end result may be permanent acne scars.

The causes of acne are varied and may include hormonal
activity, stress, accumulation of dead skin cells and
allergy to bacteria which are present in the pores of the
skin. Sometimes it is a reaction to anabolic steroids and
medication containing halogens, lithium, barbiturates or
androgens. Some research suggests a role for food allergy,
in the development of acne which implies the elimination of
trigger foods could be helpful in the treatment of acne.

There are two types of acne: acne vulgaris and acne rosacea.
Acne vulgaris is usually a bacterial infection of cysts deep
within the skin. This could cause acne scarring if left
untreated. Acne rosacea is a chronic inflammation of the
cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, and eyelids. These show up as
red eruptions. The teenage years seem to be the most
troublesome for acne sufferers but it can also occur in
adulthood and well into middle age.

The skin is the largest organ in the body and a healthy
nutrient intake may improve its tone and quality. Although a
diet of fried food, chocolates and other junk food does not
directly cause acne, there is evidence that changes in diet
may be helpful in the treatment of acne.

A study conducted by the US Colorado State University showed
a link between refined carbohydrates and processed foods
like sugar, white bread, pizza, cake and pastries, and acne.
These cause a series of reactions in the body that increase
the production of acne-causing bacteria. Refined
carbohydrates also cause the body to produce a high level of
insulin which increases the production of male hormones that
cause acne. A decrease in your intake of refined
carbohydrates may be beneficial in the treatment of acne.
Instead try to include more whole grains, pulses and complex
carbohydrates.

Furthermore it is now thought that obesity and insulin
resistance may also play a role in the development of acne
so dietary changes to assist in achieving an ideal weight
are likely to be beneficial to the treatment of acne.

There is some research linking higher milk consumption
intake to acne. If you normally include large amounts of
milk in your diet, you could try reducing this and seeing if
this is an effective acne solution for you. Ensure you
include other calcium rich foods instead such as green
vegetables, fish with soft bones, almonds and soymilk.

Omega 3 fish oils and antioxidants vitamins may also be
important. Vitamin A (also in the form of beta-carotene
which is converted in vitamin A) is thought to reduce acne
symptoms. It is involved in strengthening the protective
tissue of the skin and reducing sebum production.
Additionally it helps in maintaining and repairing skin
tissue and increasing toxin excretion which may be an
important part of the acne solution.

Chromium supplements may be a useful adjunct in the
treatment of acne via the role in clearing infections and
preventing further breakouts. Zinc is a good antibacterial
agent; it helps control the oil-producing glands of the
skin. Eating zinc-rich foods could help in reducing acne,
such foods include red meat and offal, pumpkin seeds, and
mushrooms.

A role for vitamin E in the treatment of acne has also been
suggested due to its anti-oxidant action and regulatory
effect on vitamin A levels within the body. Vitamin E
requirement can be easily met through natural sources such
as almonds, corn, eggs and leafy green vegetables. However
you can also try supplementing with synthetic forms and
monitor any changes in your acne.

One of the most important aspects of your acne treatment is
to drink at least eight glasses of water. This cleans the
body of waste and keeps it free of toxins. Water helps in
circulation, digestion, absorption and excretion.

Unfortunately changes in diet alone may not provide a total
acne solution. There are a variety of drugs available for
the treatment of acne, in addition to an array of natural
remedies. It may be advisable to visit a dermatologist for a
proper consultation in conjunction to any dietary changes
you want to introduce.

What can I use for Acne rosacea?

Good question.

Nonetheless, before we address options for alternative remedies for
acne rosacea, let's see what acne rosacea is first of all shall we.

Now, speaking from my experience with both acne rosacea and vulgaris,
suffice to say that both forms of acne are indeed very embarrassing,
however on its own, Rosacea is a skin disease that affects the middle
third of the face, causing persistent redness over the areas of the
face and nose that normally blush -- mainly the forehead, the chin and
the lower half of the nose.

This considered, some dermatologists believe that rosacea is basically
different from acne.

One unique factor may be that it occurs most often in adults (ages 30
to 50), especially those with fair skin. Moreover, there are no
blackheads or whiteheads in rosacea.

In addition, acne rosacea strikes both sexes. And though It tends to be
more frequent in women, it is more severe in men.

Well, regarding alternative remedies for acne rosacea and the available
options, it's my belief that since the skin is the largest organ on the
body and it assists other major organs in the human body with
eliminating waste, one of the best acne treatments is a diet change.
If you are unhealthy inside it will be reflected in your skin.

There are so many alternative remedies for acne rosacea options on the
market today that profess to be the answer to all of your problems but
the truth of the matter is you will have to find the best acne products
or try to find the best home remedies for you by simply researching on
your own.

But, it must be mentioned that alternative remedies for acne rosacea
through diet can alleviate many of your outbreaks because we truly are
what we eat. If the eyes are the window to the soul then the skin is a
reflection of your overall health so the beginning of a real cure
starts from within.

Other steps that will come in handy in controlling acne rosacea
breakout are:

-Changing your pillowcases.

-Applying NOTHING but plain water to the face (cool that is) for
rinsing.

-Avoiding excessive make-up

-Trying to control stressful situations.

-Believe it or not AVOIDING MICROWAVES!

Never too old for zits

Linda Piazza escaped adolescence with few pimples. As an adult, she wasn't so lucky.

It started when she was 30. Through with having her children and in a high-stress consulting job, Piazza began breaking out on her face. Over-the-counter products didn't help. A dermatologist prescribed an antibiotic that gave Piazza horrible panic attacks. Later, a day spa treated her acne with a chemical peel that made the raised, red bumps even worse.

"I was in tears," recalls Piazza, now 40, of Dublin. "At my age, I didn't understand why I had acne."

Piazza is not alone. According to Acne.org, 50 percent of adult women and 25 percent of adult men suffer from acne, the blockage of an oil gland that results in a blemish. They exhaust over-the-counter options and pop prescribed pills with unwanted side effects, to no avail.

While most acne is genetic, hormonal or related to stress, the oil chemistry of adult acne is more challenging than teen acne, explains Dennis Gross, M.D., a New York dermatologist and author of "Your Future Face."

"Adult oil is a greater source of nutrients to bacteria," Gross says. "That bacteria builds up and is then attacked by the immune system, causing the blemish to become more red and inflamed."

So it's even more crucial to find the proper treatments as an adult. It took Piazza a decade to find the right dermatologist and regimen -- oral and topical -- to clear up her skin while preventing future blemishes. That is the trick to treating acne, says her dermatologist, Dr. Jerome Potozkin of Walnut Creek, Calif.

The onset of adult acne is usually in the late 20s to early 30s. It is often more severe in women, who have a greater fluctuation of hormonal changes in adulthood, from weaning off birth control pills to pregnancy and menopause.

"The pregnant woman is the most challenging to treat," Potozkin says. "Oral treatments are put on the back burner in favor of lasers and topicals."

For men, the main cause is shaving, which can cause ingrown hairs and razor bumps that become infected.

Genetics and stress are factors for both genders. The relationship between acne and stress is a vicious cycle.

"Stress increases cortisol, which changes the chemistry of oil," Gross explains. "This change can then lead to acne, which definitely causes more stress -- thus more cortisol."

Angry and unable to get clear, many adults experience depression and damaged self-esteem.

"They feel that acne is only something for teenagers, making them feel unprofessional and insecure," Gross says. "On top of all this, most are lost and confused about what steps to take in order to correct the condition."

With so many products in a growing category of the $8.2 billion skin care industry, the choices can be daunting. The biggest problem: Many adults dry out their skin with use of oil-stripping products or excessive washing. This exacerbates the acne.

"The resulting dead skin adds more debris to an already clogged pore, congesting the complexion even more," Gross explains.

Dan Kern's acne started at age 11. In his case, it just never stopped.

By college, Kern had tried salicylic acid; Retin-A; clindamycin, a topical antibiotic; and sulfur to reduce hundreds of pimples on his face. All yielded minor results. The latter two actually made it worse.

"My skin plummeted to levels I had never seen," says Kern, now 34, of San Francisco.

By his early 20s, Kern had severe cystic lesions and pustules on his back.

"I would never consider removing my shirt for anyone," he recalls. "At my low point, I would not look at myself in the mirror. I just kept the light off in the bathroom and slept 14 hours a day."

He was eventually prescribed Accutane, which cleared him up completely. Five months later, however, the whiteheads resurfaced.

Frustrated, Kern recalled that benzoyl peroxide -- generous applications of high concentrations -- was the only treatment that consistently cleared his skin. Studies show that benzoyl peroxide kills 99.6 percent of bacteria on skin.

He added gentle washing and an oil-free moisturizer, and, sure enough, he zapped the zits forever.

"My skin stayed clear, day after day, week after week," Kern says.

Determined to help others, he studied the subject and 11 years ago founded Acne.org, where he talks to thousands of adult sufferers, some in their 60s. In 2004, backed by a St. Louis dermatologist, he wrote "Clear Skin: Heal Your Skin and End the Breakouts, Once and for All."

Kim Tyda had no luck with dermatologists, either.

Breakouts started last year, when she moved from Sacramento to Alameda, Calif. A dermatologist prescribed Differin. The ointment increased her acne.

"I broke out in places I'd never had pimples before," says Tyda, 37. "I'd wake up one day and be clear and the next, when I had to give a presentation, I was totally broken out on my chin."

Online, she read about similar reactions, and stumbled upon a thread on the Berkeley Parents Network about Face Reality Skin Care, an acne clinic in San Leandro, Calif. Laura Cooksey, the licensed aesthetician and acne expert there, got Tyda clear in eight weeks.

Cooksey treated Tyda's acne by building her up to a 10 percent benzoyl peroxide, staying one step ahead of the skin's adaptive process and adding exfoliants, antibacterials and peels along the way.

Cooksey, who's been treating acne since 1990, studied under Miami dermatologist James Fulton Jr., M.D., the co-inventor of Retin-A and author of "Acne RX" ($21.95). Many of Cooksey's clients come to her after popular products, such as Proactiv or Accutane, stop working, she says. Cooksey sees her patients every two weeks and clears 90 percent of them, usually within three months, she says.

While dermatologists disregard diet as a cause of acne, Cooksey is a believer. Iodides, or salt, and various hormones found in milk and peanuts contribute to acne, she says. She asks clients to watch their intake.

"It's not the oil in French fries, it's the salt," she explains.

Cooksey also sees cases of acne cosmetica, which is caused by pore-clogging oils, such as lanolin and cocoa butter, in makeup. She custom blends a mineral makeup for her acne-prone clients. Isopropyl myristate, a common ingredient in makeup, and, ironically, the cream form of Retin-A, also clogs pores.

"You'd want to give the cream form to the anti-aging client because it penetrates the skin," Cooksey says. "But you'd never want to give it to an acne-sufferer."

Therein, perhaps, lies the benefit of having acne as an adult.

"Most exfoliants -- glycolic, salicylic and lactic acids, and vitamin A -- are great for both acne and anti-aging," Cooksey says.

Dolores Settera is 73. She's had acne since she was 14 and recalls the days of tar soaps and X-ray treatments.

"It's kind of been a blessing because I haven't had to deal with wrinkles and stuff," says Settera, of Oakland, Calif.

Acne keeps her young in spirit, too.

"My husband and I had reservations for our 30th anniversary last year and I looked like a unicorn with a pimple right on my nose," she recalls, laughing. "I guess there are some things you just don't outgrow."

Causes of acne

Women

Hormonal fluctuations: Oil chemistry changes post-pregnancy, pre-menses and post-menopause. Stopping use of birth control pills can trigger acne.

Acne cosmetica: Pore-clogging powders and other cosmetics lead to blackheads and other flat acne.

Men

Improper shaving: Causes ingrown hairs that block oil glands and become infected.

Poor product selection: Harsh soaps dry out skin; resulting dead skin adds more debris to already clogged pores.

Both

Stress: Increases cortisol, which changes oil chemistry. This change can lead to acne.

Genetics: Acne is a hereditary disease of the pores.

Mechanics: "Cell phone" acne on the chin; acne from repetitive touching of the skin or wearing hats or helmets.

Diet/environment: Some experts link acne to diets high in salt, changes in humidity and high levels of calcium or magnesium in a city's tap water.

Sources include Dennis Gross, M.D.; and Julie Anusevicius, Face Reality Skin Care

Treatments

Solutions vary depending on the cause, severity and type of acne. Remember to wash the face with bare hands and a gentle cleanser and follow with an oil-free moisturizer containing sunscreen.

Over the counter

Always start here. The two antibacterial products are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Studies prove the 2.5 percent version of the latter is as effective as 5 percent, without the over-drying.

Topical prescriptions

If over-the-counter products don't help, it's time to see a dermatologist. He or she will most likely prescribe a topical gel that has two antibacterials in it, usually benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin. If that doesn't work, he or she may try a retinol-based ointment such as Differin or Retin-A, plus an oral antiobiotic. Accutane is prescribed for cystic acne. Most of these treatments cause acne to worsen before it gets better.

Efoliants

Serums and peels containing exfoliating ingredients such as vitamin C or glycolic, salicylic or lactic acids can be administered by a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician on a regular basis. Some experience irritation with this treatment.

Other options

Laser- and light-based therapies are used on those who see little or no results with traditional therapies. Injectable steroids can also be used to spot reduce a pronounced blemish in a matter of days.

-- Sources include Jerome Potozkin, M.D.

Acne myths

Acne is not a teenager's skin disease.

Over-washing your face does not prevent acne; it can exacerbate it.

The jury's still out on diet and acne; to be safe, lower your iodide intake.

Drink lots of water and get plenty of vitamin B.

Wash your face after exercise.

Spot reduction is not as effective as treating the whole face.

Flat acne (blackheads) and inflamed acne (whiteheads, cysts, pustules) should be treated differently

If left untreated, noninflammatory acne can become inflamed.

Breakthrough Acne Treatment Allows Users to Adjust Medication Strength

For those with acne, their biggest challenge is that most acne treatments, though powerful therapies, are irritating, and add fuel to the inflammatory fire already burning inside their acne-affected skin. The seemingly insurmountable challenge for skincare formulators has been to develop an effective acne treatment that works across a broad range of skin types.

The AcneRecovery system is based on the scientific premise that human skin is a very dynamic organ, constantly changing depending on a host of factors--personal health and hygiene, fluctuating hormones, surrounding environment, stress levels, et cetera

This innovative delivery system allows the user to easily adjust the strength of the active medications up or down, for maximum acne treatment while minimizing skin irritation, redness, dryness and discomfort.

According to Dr. Randall Wilkinson, founder and current CEO of Trienelle Skincare, the company that developed AcneRecovery, "This approach to treatment finally presents to acne sufferers an effective way to control their outbreaks while minimizing the irritation and side effects associated with treatment."

Wilkinson and his team at Trienelle are enthusiastic about the future. Recently conducted studies support their enthusiasm. In early 2006, fifty four volunteers completed a 90-day AcneRecovery User Study to document, from the user's point of view, what it was like to use the world's first adjustable acne medication system. 48 percent of users reported significant improvement within the first 1-2 weeks. At the end of the 3-month study, 74 percent said the AcneRecovery system was more effective than any over-the-counter acne treatment they'd previously used.

The ability to adjust the potency of their acne treatment proved very popular. "I think the adjustability is good because acne is not always the same," said Michelle Conard, 36. "Some days my face looks almost clear and I use lower setting, some days I have flare ups and I put it on higher setting."

Noixia Makes Acne Scar Removal More Affordable & Convenient with its "Democracy in Beauty" Campaign

Americans enjoy freedom of speech and the right to cast ballots among others. Now, skin care provider, Noixia, added other revolutionary freedom to that list: right to look strikingly beautiful without spending a fortune. This week Noixia launched Restore Face, an easy-to-use, three-step acne scar removal kit at the surprisingly affordable of $39.95.

Compared to $250-$3500 for deep chemical peels or even more costly laser removal of acne scars, Noixia's Restore Face kit stands as the sensible solution for anyone seeking to remove the signs of acne scarring on a budget. The three-part kit saves time and money by treating all of the signs of acne scarring including, enlarged pores, skin discolorations, pock marks and roughened skin texture.

The skin revitalizing program consists of a toner, microdermabrasion cream and concentrated aloe vera serum. Together the products remove the damaged layers of the skin to reveal soft, radiant and more vibrantly youthful skin. Additionally, the Restore Face system restores the skin's moisture content and softens the skin while it limits skin irritation.

According to Noixia founder Nicole Dial, sensitivity to the real-life money concerns of our customers is a major priority at Noixia. Making image enhancement affordable is a critical part of Noixia's mission and with the unveiling of the Restore Face kit, Dial remarks, "We've truly reached a company benchmark by reinforcing our company values through product development."

Noixia launched the Restore Face kit under its "Democracy in Beauty" campaign. Dial has a personal attachment to the significance of the campaign, "Because," in Dial's words, "as someone who knows what it's like to want to change the way you look but are too poor to do it, I passionately believe in creating effective, affordable skin care products that can help people really choose how they look."

Dial vividly remembers her own die-hard money crises she experienced as a working college student with acne scars. Dial recalls, "When I saved enough cash, I would get my scarred faced cleared up by treating myself to deep spa peels that came at $400 a pop." While Dial loved the results of the peels, there was a problem with relying exclusively on chemicals peels and medical grade dermabrasion treatments to remove scars.

"The trouble with medical treatments," points out Dial, "is that for about a month or so after the treatment you have perfect skin. But little by little the zits come back, leave more scars on the face and suddenly you're at square one again with a face full of scars to remove."

However, with the Restore Face kit, people can easily treat acne scars as they arrive and enjoy clearer, more beautiful skin faster.

Dial explains that there are several factors that determine how an acne scar will look after treatment with the Restore Face kit. "The size, depth, age and texture of the acne scar all influence how the treatment will affect the scar." Noixia uses a photo gallery of before and after images to help people better predict how Restore Kit will benefit their skin.

The first part of the Restore Face kit makes the skin look better because its deeply cleanse the pores, lightens acne marks and removes the upper layers of the skin. Next, the second step in the kit is a derma-scrub. This product beatifies the skin by combining the exfoliating power of micro-sized pumice stone and deep penetrating lactic acid. This potent combination remodels the skin while promoting the growth of new healthier skin while reducing the depth of acne scars.

And finally, the third component of the kit is a concentrated aloe vera serum that restores the skin's pH level so that the skin is protected from the elements and the redness is reduced.

The Restore Face kit and more information regarding acne scar removal are available at Noixia.com.

Adults also have acne woes

The teen years are the peak years for having acne, but some adults have to struggle with it too.

During adolescence, 85 percent of youngsters have it to some degree. Most are rid of it by age 25.

However, 12 percent of women and 3 percent of men have to contend with it until their 40s, and a few, even later. In fact, some adults get acne for the first time later in life.

Acne is caused by the plugging of skin follicles -- "pores," as many call them. Oil sludge and shed skin cells form the plug. Every skin follicle comes equipped with an oil gland. Even when the follicle opening is plugged, the gland keeps secreting oil downstream of the plug. The follicle swells and eventually bursts, spewing oil into the adjacent skin. A pimple forms.

One reason why adolescence is the peak age for acne has to do with male hormones. They make their appearance then, and their production is in high gear.

Male hormones (females make them too) stimulate oil production. In addition to distending follicles, oil is a favorite meal for some skin bacteria that live in the follicle. Those bacteria multiply and add to the inflammation of the oil spill. Hormone production continues in adult years, and that's one reason why adults are still subject to acne.

Treatment of all acne involves unplugging the follicle and getting rid of the skin bacteria that contribute to it.

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are ingredients found in many over-the-counter acne preparations, and they can unplug clogged follicles. If they produce no results, creams, lotions and gels with ingredients related to vitamin A promote follicle drainage. Retin-A, Renova, Differin and Tazorac are examples.

The next step, if needed, is antibiotic creams and gels that come to the rescue.

The last step on the ladder is vitamin A-related oral medicines.