The causes of pimples can be easily explained. In a way, acne is made up of blocked hair follicles, which is also known as a comedone. Comedones are both open (blackheads) and closed (whiteheads). Closed comedones develop when a hair follicle is blocked under the skin by debris such as oil and dirt. Due to the blockage, the pore will swell up and may cause a breach in the surface of the follicle. This leaks into the skin and results in inflammation, which usually appears as bumps on the skin with pus. In contrast with closed comedones, the surface of the follicle is open to the air.

Dead skin cells and other debris react with the air and gradually change color. This oxidation produces chemicals that turn dark in much the same way that an apple changes color when exposed to the air.

Contrary to popular belief, blackheads are not the result of dirt. Scrubbing them in an effort to “clean” them will simply irritate the skin or make the situation worse.

Acne and pimples may also have predominantly pustular or cystic sub types. Pustular and cystic acne are notable for collections of dead skin cells, bacteria, white blood cells, and oil. These forms of acne may be helped by oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics, IPL, PDT, hormone blockers, or Accutane and its generic equivalents.

Pimples are caused by three factors: bacteria, hormones, and sebum (oil). Increased adhesion of the epidermal cells also contributes to acne. Recently, some studies have demonstrated that diet may play a role in acne, although the findings are preliminary and more work needs to be done in this area.

Not every pimple is acne, and an occasional breakout should not prompt you to demand Accutane from a dermatologist. Understanding the various types of acne and the treatments for each will help you to take better care of your skin.

Conditions other than acne, including infections with yeast and unusual bacteria, can produce pimples without being acne. Rosacea can mimic acne, and even some dermatologists have difficulty distinguishing between the two.

Occupational exposures to chemicals can also lead to conditions that stimulate acne. Only a dermatologist is trained to consider these and a variety of other factors when evaluating your skin so seek professional help when you need it.

After learning the causes of pimples, check out some tips on removing acne scars and the type of acne causing food you should avoid everyday.

There are a large number of acne treatments to choose from these days. These treatments can be classified into two different types, topical acne treatments (these are applied to the affected areas of the skin) and oral acne treatments which are medicines taken by mouth. Milder types of acne can often be treatable with over-the-counter products, but more aggressive types of acne may need treating with prescription medicines. It is advisable to start using the treatments as soon as possible, early treatment can make acne scars less likely to occur.

Topical Acne Treatments

These are usually creams which the patient applies to the affected areas of skin. Topical products include topical benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, and topical antibiotics. Topical benzoyl peroxide is most often used for treating mild to moderate types of acne, topical antibiotics can also be used for treatment of mild to moderate acne. Topical retinoids are frequently used in the treating of moderate types of acne.

Benzoyl peroxide is frequently the best acne product to begin with as an acne treatment. It comes in a selection of different strengths and is most often applied to the affected areas twice daily. It can occasionally cause dry and irritated skin, applying the medication less frequently then building up to the full dose can often help to get around this problem.

Oral Acne Treatments

Oral acne treatments like antibiotics, retinoids, and hormone pills are used for cases of moderate to severe acne. Isotretinoin is often used in the treatment of severe cystic acne. The action isn’t completely understood yet, but it is believed to act by reducing the size of and the amount of sebum output by the sebaceous glands. Women who can become pregnant should not take this medication without contraception, since isotretinoin can have serious side effects on pregnant women and their unborn children.

Availability of Treatments

Benzoyl peroxide can normally be purchased over-the-counter. Topical retinoids, and topical antibiotics, isotretinoin, oral antibiotics and hormone pills usually require a prescription.

Herbal Treatments

Many people favour the use of herbal acne treatments, of which there are several available. A few of these are:

-Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is said to have anti-bacterial properties and is normally applied topically when it has been diluted to a concentration of 5-15 per cent.

-Licorice Root Extract

Licorice root extract, like tea tree oil, is believed to have anti-bacterial properties.

-Olive Leaf Extract

Extracts of olive leaf also are believed to have anti-microbial properties.

-Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract has antioxidants and bioflavonoids which are believed to be useful in treating acne.

Nutritional Changes

It has been said that a change in a person’s daily diet can help to prevent outbreaks of acne. Reducing the intake of junk food and refined foods and increasing the intake of fruit and vegetables and wholefoods has been said to reduce acne. Increasing the consumption of zinc and antioxidants has also been purported as being useful in preventing acne.

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