Archive for April, 2009

Realistically speaking, the above title should be reframed as Acne Whys. There always are a host of factors that act as triggers for any phenomenon and acne is no exception. In fact, one should always look for causes, not a single cause, while trying to explain something or anything for that matter.

What causes acne is such a complex but often researched question. People all over the world are battling this condition and so are researchers in quest of ways to get rid of it. In trying to unearth the reasons behind acne we come across some very interesting facts.

Acne is normally associated with age. Is age the cause for acne? Not in the sense of something that we can do about. Teenagers get mild acne as a side effect of acne hormones associated with growth. It is just like getting hair growth in the underarms and face, or swelling breasts. In that sense acne is natural. Untouched, acne seems to go away on its own. Also, it does not affect every single individual.

Another reason for acne could be genetic. Some parents pass it on to some of their children genetically. Again, choice is not involved here.

For some individuals, their skin is pretty oily and this excess oil in tandem with dirt etc., blocks the pores of the skin leading to rashes and irritating eruptions. The climate of a place may also irritate an individual’s skin further.

Sometimes, acne is a result of rough pieces of clothing, straps rubbing against it constantly. The harshness of soaps and creams we use also cause acne. However, the most important reason for acne is constantly picking at your skin. This leads milder acne to get serious in no time.

Lastly, oily food and junk food also causes acne. Many people vouch for acne diet and have managed to control their acne condition.

Of those people who are prone to acne, only some reach the stage where they are faced with the problem of  ‘how do I get rid of old acne scars.’ Although it is generally true that acne leave behind ugly scars, it is equally true that these scars are generally preventable and curable as well.

Old acne scars are evidence that important acne don’ts have been neglected. Apart from not scratching or peeling, the other important don’ts are: don’t relentlessly use skin care products, consult a dermatologist instead; don’t use harsh soaps to wash your face, in fact, plain water is much better; don’t expose your skin to dry winds and sunlight for long; lastly, don’t eat fried spicy junk-food that encourages acne growth.

After the don’ts let’s elaborate upon some important acne do’s. Worrying too much about acne was one reason for formation of acne scars. So the first do is to ignore its existence at the mental level. Next is to follow a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Healthy diet free of toxicities, regular sleep and exercises, and a positive attitude is what is meant by this lifestyle. Then, armed with loads of patience, follow a simple skincare routine: Use one or two good home made natural products like cucumber juice, lemon juice, paste of fullers earth and rosewater, apple pulp and honey, papaya, or banana pulp regularly on your face.   

If you find that all this is not for you, then other alternatives are medication and or chemical peeling, dermabrasion, or acne laser therapy. Medications are available in all branches: allopathy, homeopathy, naturopathy as well as herbal. Only you should be able to reach the right practitioners and they will aptly treat your acne scars.  

But before deciding it is better to weigh the pros and cons of each treatment carefully.