What Is Acne Vulgaris?

So what is acne? Acne is an immensely common skin condition that affects people of all ages and has a broad range of levels in regards to severity. The scientific term for acne is acne vulgaris, which literally means, "common acne." There has been a significant amount of controversy as to the exact cause of acne; for instance, dermatologists once claimed that eating greasy foods and chocolate was to blame for pimples.

More recent research has suggested that hormonal fluctuation in the body may be the main cause of acne, such as during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, and times of stress when the skin tends to be more oily. When dead skin cells and sebum (the natural oil produced by glands in the skin) clog pores, acne forms and can become quite severe if left untreated. Fortunately, there are various treatment methods, from facial cleansers with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, to natural remedies like tea-tree oil and apple cider vinegar. Some of them are more effective than others and some will be effective for some people and not to others. It depends of what kind of acne you have.

How Is Acne Usually Treated?

Dermatologists generally recommend to begin treating acne with a dailyskin care regimen before utilizing the more extreme or hazardous modes of treatment, such as laser therapy or dermabrasion. A daily skin careregimen is essential for preventing and treating acne, as well as maintaining a proper balance of oil within the skin. Acne begins forming about 90 days before it actually appears above the surface of the skin, which means that even during times when no acne can be seen, a dailyskin care regimen should still be strictly adhered to. An example of a basicskin care routine is as follows:

1. Choose a mild facial cleanser depending on the severity of acne and wash in the morning and at night.
2. After each washing, pat dry and apply a toner or astringent to the entire face with a cotton ball and let dry.
3. Apply an acne medication cream or gel directly to any pimples or the entire face if needed.
4. If dryness becomes a problem after a few days, begin applying an oil-free moisturizer as a fourth step.
5. For body acne, choose an exfoliating acne body wash and implement during every shower or bath.

Not all acne products are created equal, and each person reacts differently to certain acne medications, which means it may take some trial and error for an individual to locate an effective acne treatment. In addition, it can take upwards of a few weeks to a month before substantial results are experienced. After such treatment has been tried and failed, it may be time to make an appointment with a dermatologist who can devise an acne treatment specifically tailored for each patient.

What if you just can't get rid of your acne?

I know how hard it can be to get rid of acne, but if you really want to get rid of your acne you need to learn some strategies that work amazingly well.

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