Acne or pimples, a condition that affects almost 85 percent of all Americans at some point in their lives, is the most common skin problem in the United States. Almost 25 percent of those who suffer from acne will have permanent scars. Dermatologists usually prescribe pharmaceutical treatments to help you manage acne. Oral antibiotics like doxycycline, erythromycin, minocyline, and tetracycline can help treat moderate to severe acne by killing the pimple-causing propioniform bacteria. This type of bacteria is commonly found on the surface of your skin and blocks your pores. However, antibiotics used to treat acne are not without side effects. Doxycycline can cause photosensitivity, erythromycin has been associated with bone and tooth damage, and monocycline has been found to cause autoimmune hepatitis as well as pigment deposits in your mucous membranes, skin, and teeth.
Other treatment options are topical products like creams, gels, and lotions for mild to moderate cases. These topical treatments work by minimizing oil production and are often derived from vitamin A. The most controversial acne treatment is the drug Accutane or isotretinoin, which has been found to cause severe birth defects. This is because the isotretinoin molecule closely resembles retinoic acid, a natural vitamin A derivative that is involved in embryo development. Aside from birth defects, isotretinoin has been associated with a number of adverse side effects including blood disorders, brain swelling, cataracts, depression, erectile dysfunction, excessive bone growth, headaches, hearing impairment, heart attacks, nervous system disturbances, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, stroke, and suicidal tendencies.
How to Naturally Manage Your Pimples
Aside from the fact that conventional acne treatments are associated with harmful side effects, they do not treat the underlying causes of pimples. Fortunately, you can manage your acne without using any of the conventional methods described above. Studies show that minimizing your consumption of simple carbohydrates like grains and sugars can help improve your acne. Grains and sugars increase the production of an insulin-like growth factor known as IGF-1 in your body, which causes higher levels of male hormones. Having excessive male hormones lead to an increased production of sebum that attracts the propioniform bacteria. IGF-1 also causes the multiplication of a type of skin cells known as keratinocytes, which is associated with pimples.
Increasing the vitamin D levels in your body has also been found to help control any type of infection, including acne breakouts. The best way to get vitamin D is through safe sun exposure. You can also take vitamin D3 supplements. Stress is known to worsen any condition or disease, including pimples. Stress is believed to be capable of turning a blackhead or whitehead into a mature nodule in less than a day. Minimizing your stress levels will help prevent acne breakouts and improve your overall health. You can also try natural products like Regenerative Face Cream to help resolve mild to moderate acne breakouts. Use this facial cream twice a day in combination with a Gentle Facial Cleanser for best results. Be very discriminating when choosing skin care products because chemical-based ones contribute to skin conditions and may do more harm than good.
