phatdear's Blog

Diet, though not a direct cause of acne, does have an indirect effect on acne. That is why so many 'acne cures' recommend dietary changes in conjunction with whatever else they are advocating.

Because diet has an indirect effect on acne, individuals will get variable results when changing what they eat. This is because we all metabolize foods differently. Some people may be more sensitive to certain foods, and so those foods will have a greater impact on their acne than others that don't have those metabolic issues.

For example, skin with a tendency for acne has been shown to be insulin resistant. Insulin is a hormone that regulates carbohydrate metabolism, as well as playing a role in protein metabolism and fat metabolism. Insulin regulates the way our cells use the available energy in the bloodstream - so insulin makes the liver and fat cells (adipose tissue) take in some of the glucose in the bloodstream and stores it as fat.

People with insulin resistance don't respond to the normal amounts of insulin released in the body. Because the regulation of blood glucose levels (which insulin ultimately is responsible for) is so important, the pancreas starts producing more insulin when the liver and fat cells don't respond. Blood glucose levels can build up if the body still doesn't respond.

High levels of insulin can cause high blood pressure, fluid retention, and can lead to type 2 diabetes.

Thus, for those with insulin resistance, poor quality carbohydrates such as white bread, sugar, and sugary foods, may be a problem. These types of carbohydrates are digested quickly and enter the blood stream rapidly. Normally, insulin would trigger the body removing those excess blood sugars into cells. But with insulin resistance, they hang around longer in the blood, as well as causing the body to have high levels of insulin in the blood.

This is important for acne sufferers, particularly women, in that excess insulin can cause higher levels of male hormones. These androgen hormones have long been implicated in acne. They increase the oil production of the sebaceous glands, which leads to clogged pores and provides a breeding ground for the acne bacteria.

In another study, researchers implicate the high levels of refined carbohydrates (such as bread and cereals) in teenage acne. Following a similar rationale, they suggest that high levels of blood sugars increase the levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), which leads to excess production of male hormones. These male hormones then trigger acne outbreaks.

And as well as that, insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) encourages certain skin cells (keratinocytes) to increase. Keratinocytes are also implicated in acne.

References:
foodnavigator.com/news/ng.asp?id=45658

Rebecca Prescott presents this acne website with information on acne nutrition, and provides an understanding of what causes adult acne.

Acne has many forms. Although it is most commonly located on the face it can occur anywhere on the body. Cases of acne can be anywhere from mild to severe. Mild cases which can be self-treated are typically manageable. Severe cases of acne though should be treated under the guidance of a qualified health professional. A dermatologist would be the type of doctor to consult in this case.

The type of acne experienced by most people is 'common acne', its scientific name is 'acne vulgaris'. Other names you may have heard this type of acne called are whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, papules, cysts or nodules.

Blackheads occur when a pore becomes partially blocked. Sebum is the substance which causes oily skin. This along with dead skin cells and bacteria can drain to the skin's surface. This in turn causes the pigments to be exposed to air. It is this exposure that causes the black color and can take an extended period of time to clear up.

Whiteheads occur when the sebum, dead cells and bacteria become blocked in the pores completely and are held beneath the surface of the skin.

A red circle with a white or yellow center signals the appearance of pustules. While it sounds menacing this is the form of acne we know as pimples or zits.

Nodules are much larger than the other types of acne and form tough lumps beneath the skin's surface. These tend to be painful and can last for several months. This form of acne should be treated by a dermatologist as it is highly prone to scarring.

Along the same lines as the nodule is the cyst. Cysts are a form of acne that are filled with pus. Cysts also tend to be painful and can result in scarring if left untreated. Cysts should also be looked at by a dermatologist.

A rare form of 'acne vulgaris' that is extremely disfiguring is acne conglobata. This type of acne is more commonly found in males rather than females. Acne conglobata causes large lesions to form on the body, most notably on the chest, back, face, upper arms and thighs. It can also be accompanied by blackheads. It can cause damage to the skin and permanent scarring. The condition could persist for several years and could cause psychological as well as physical suffering. Another form of this is acne fulminans. Symptoms of this are fever and aching joints. The common treatment is oral steroids.

When acne is treated over a long period with antibiotics a bacterial infection can occur called gram-negative folliculitis. Symptoms of this bacterial infection are pustules and cysts.

A form of acne called Pyoderma Faciale affects females between the ages of 20 and 40. More susceptible are women in this age range who have not had acne before. Symptoms of this are painful pustules, nodules on the face and cysts. Also possible is permanent scarring. This typically will clear up within a year.

Acne Rosacea, commonly called just rosacea, typically affects people over the age of 30. A symptom of this is a red rash on the face. Also possible are other skin blemishes such as pimples. Care should be taken not to confuse this with acne vulgaris as each has a different treatment. Rosacea is more commonly found in women. However, when it does affect men it is more severe.

Michael Russell

Acne, zits, pizza face. You've surely heard all the slang out there. For many it's the thing jokes are made from. To some it is a minor convenience that will be outgrown over time. To some though, acne is much more than a minor inconvenience. It can become a serious problem. One which can not only be physically damaging, but mentally as well.

What is Acne? Acne is an affliction normally associated with teenagers. Acne appears when follicles, or pores in the skin are clogged. Oil that usually escapes to the skin's surface is then trapped, where bacteria begins to grow and acne forms.

There are different types of acne, from mild cases such as whiteheads & blackheads, to more serious and potentially disfiguring cases like, acne conglobata. Mild cases and normally easy to treat, while more severe cases, may require more aggressive therapy to control.

There is no definitive cause of acne, but there are several factors believed to play a part. The most important factor is believed to be increased levels of androgens, the male sex hormone, which increases in males and females during puberty. Another factor may be heredity, where the gene causing the development of acne is passed down from parent(s) to children. Certain drug use may also contribute, as well as certain cosmetics, which could potentially alter the cells in the follicle, causing the follicle to stick together.

Contrary to popular believe, eating chocolate or greasy food will not cause acne to form, though diet is thought to help in the prevention of acne is some people.

Treatment of typical cases of acne usually includes over the counter products containing, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid. These chemicals have proven effective in the treatment of mild cases of acne. It is advised not to pick or squeeze Acne, as you will increase the risk is scarring. Scrubbing the acne with a loofah or any other method is also not recommended, as scrubbing only makes it worse.

More severe or resistant Acne will require treatment by a licenced Dermatologist. A Dematologist may prescribe topical treatments such as Retinoids, or Antibiotics. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed, as well as hormonal treatment in severe cases, like accutane. Accutane is used as a last resort for those for which other treatments have been ineffective.

The prevention of acne may be as simple as keeping your hands and hair off your face, as your hands and hair contain oils which may contribute and contaminate the pores of your face. Other prevention tips include the reduction of stress in your everyday life, exercise regularly, as well as eating a balanced diet. Warm baths and getting plenty of sleep may also contribute in the prevention of acne. It is also advised that makeup be used sparingly and be removed completely when not needed.

Acne is a difficult affliction for some to deal with, but with the right treatments and lifestyle changes, can be managed and minimized. Some will surely outgrown it in time, but those who do not, have options to improve their quality of life.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Acne