I've been gettig a large quantity of questions regarding acne. What causes acne? What can you do to prevent acne? How can you treat acne? Here we go.
What causes Acne?
Acne is a disorder of a specialized unit the skin posseses called the "pilosebaceous unit." This unit consists of a hair follicle, a sebaceous gland, the erector pili and the hair. We know that the hair basically grows from the follicle and the erector pili make the hair stand up but what is this sebaceous gland? It makes sebum. This sebum is responsible for keeping the skin moisturized.
Propionibacterium acnes is a bacteria that is present all over your skin all the time. It loves sebum and uses it to grow. You have white blood cells in your body. These white blood cells are attracted to the
Propionibacterium acnes. The more
P. acnes you got the more activity these white blood cells will be havin'. When you see inflammation and papules its a result of an enzyme released by the white blood cells. Obstructed follicles is a major reason behind acne. Ever notice how a small razor cut on your skin ends up all bumpy?
How can you prevent Acne?
Sometimes some people really can't prevent it. Whether it be genetic or environmental there are thousands of reasons for unclear skin. If you suffer from some serious acne consult a physician. If you're like many of us and just have blemished skin here and there these tips will drastically improve your appearance.
- If your a guy and still shave with typical store bought cartridge razors, switch over to a safety razor.
- Women too, consider a safety razor. Also, quit waxing. Consider laser hair removal.
- Don't be a dirt bag. Wash your bed sheets and your pillow covers weekly.
- Sleep with a clean cotton towel on your pillow. Rotate it around so you're sleeping on a "fresh" surface every night.
- Keep your hair clean.
- Stop touching your face. It's disgusting and you're just smothering filth all over it with your hands.
- Don't use aftershaves with alcohol bases, they dry your skin out and hyperactivate your sebaceous glands.
- Don't over due it on face cleansers. Everyone is unique. I naturally have oily skin, I use an exfolient twice a week.
- If your skin is shiny and tight you're washing it too much.
How can you treat acne?
If you've got some serious acne, you need to consult a physcian. If you're like most of us check out these acne treatments below.
- A good exfolient works wonders. Use it.
- Disposible wipes are cheap and effective at getting dirt and filth off your face thoughout the day.
- Switch over to a DE razor.
- I didn't know people actually do this, but use hot water when you wash your face. I got a message from someone who though hot water caused acne. Weird I know.
- Keep your face happy, don't let it get to dryed out. How? Though?
A great recipe for a homemade oil is below. I've been using it for a while now with great results. There are a lot of preshave oils out there on the market, and they are all ridiculously expensive. I take some olive oil, some baby oil, and a bottle. 5 parts olive oil, 2 parts baby oil, mix them in a container and youre set. Check the picture out below.
Before you shave, wet your face with some nice hot water. Get your bottle, and drip about 5 drops into the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together, then smear your face up. Hit it all. Don't add more than 5 drops, its unecessary. Continue shaving like you normally would. Give it a few days and you'll start to notice how insanely soft and smooth your skin is. The oil helps as a preshave, and as a post shave because it'll keep your skin happy. Olive oil? Yeah, its been around for five THOUSAND years and the egyptians used it, so it has to be good. I'll put this conconction up against ANY preshave oil on the market and win hands down. Its actually got a great smell and probably costs less than 25 cents a bottle. What are your questions?
