J. Novak - Acne Treatment Guide

ACNE TREATMENT GUIDE

ISBN: 9781617925689

CONTENTS

DISCLAIMER

CHAPTER 1: WHAT IS ACNE

1.1 Understanding Acne

1.2 Who gets acne?

1.3 Acne Myths

CHAPTER 2: TYPES OF ACNE

2.1 Infantile Acne

2.2 Acne in Teens

2.3 Acne in Adults

2.4 Severe Acne

CHAPTER 3: CAUSES OF ACNE

3.1 Hormones

3.2 Genetics

3.3 Candida Overgrowth

3.4 Dry skin residue

3.5 Build up of Toxins

3.6 Foods that cause Acne

3.7 Other Factors

CHAPTER 4: TYPICAL ACNE TREATMENTS

4.1 Over the counter remedies

4.2 Antibiotics

4.3 Other medical treatments

4.4 Surgical Procedures

4.5 Dermabrasion

4.6 Chemical Peels

4.7 Laser Treatments

CHAPTER 5: NATURAL ACNE CURES

5.1 Lifestyle Changes

5.2 Diet and Eating Well

5.3 Hydration

5.5 Detoxification

5.6 Natural Remedies

5.7 Hints and Tips

5.8 Fasting

CHAPTER 6: MAINTAINING RESULTS

6.1 Daily Regime

6.2 Food supplements

6.3 Eliminating stress

6.4 Exercise

CHAPTER 7: CONCLUSION

Disclaimer

This book is copyrighted to Jude Novak. You cannot sell nor redistribute this digital book in any other form without prior permission from the copyright holder.

All attempts have been made to ensure that the information provided within these pages is accurate. But the author, publisher and copyright holder assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies or misinterpretation of the information provided.

Further, the author, publisher and copyright holder may not be held responsible for the actions inspired by the contents of the book. This book may not be considered to be an alternative healing method for any diseases or problem.

The information herein may not qualify as professional advice of any sort. Therefore, all interpretations and application of the information is the sole responsibility of the reader. It is also the sole responsibility of the reader to ensure that the application of the information does not infringe on any laws.

There are no guarantees provided that the techniques in this book will help readers achieve their goals. Only the reader can ensure this.

Chapter 1: What is Acne

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is one of the most common skin disorders in the US. It is a universal scourge that has impacted millions of people, regardless of gender, age and ethnic divisions.

Acne is characterized by the development of pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and pustules. It could occur on the face, neck, shoulders, back and/or the chest. Rarely does acne march beyond this to other areas of the body.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for acne. Thats the bad news.

But, the good news is that the development of acne can be arrested effectively. The methods are not exactly conventional, straightforward or easy. But, it can be done effectively and it is possible to have clear, beautiful skin.

So, what exactly is acne? Technically, acne is a disease that afflicts the oil glands in the skin. The uppermost layer of the skin contains tiny pores. Just below this layer, there are numerous oil glands (sebaceous glands) that are connected to the pores through a slim canal called the follicle. The follicle typically carries a hair. It could also contain oil and dead skin. Under normal circumstances, the dirt collected within the follicle is transported out through the pores.

At times, the sebum mixes with the hair and the dirt or dead cells trapped in the follicle to form a lump and clogging the pores. When this happens, bacteria grow within the follicle. The bacteria break down the lump, inflaming the area. This causes a pimple to grow. The lump that forms within the follicle is called a comedo. Most people develop comedones. Whiteheads and blackheads are non-infected comedones. These are the mildest forms of acne. In extreme cases, deep lesions or cysts are formed on the skin.

The inflammation within the follicles may vary in severity and it depends on various factors like the damage to the inflamed cell wall, the amount of infection etc.

Although acne is mostly seen in teens, it can afflict adults and young children too. It is not known why some people develop acne while others do not. Experts feel that many things come together to develop acne. However, acne is mostly seen in people who have oily skin or acenic skin (skin that produces more dead cells). Acne can make sufferers look older and less attractive. Even though the disease is not fatal, it can leave ugly scars on the skin, which in turn has a deep impact on the mind of sufferers. This explains why many people are desperate to get rid of acne.

1.1 Understanding Acne

Acne is very common. In fact, it is so common that you would think there would be no confusion surrounding it. But, the truth is most people do not know the basics of acne. Understanding acne and recognizing its different stages in growth is the first step to fight acne.

There are five stages in the development of acne:

- Comedo

- Papule

- Pustule

- Nodule

- Cyst

Comedo: This is the beginning stage and it occurs in almost 100% of the world population. These are nothing but blackheads and whiteheads. In case of blackheads, the comedo is open and you can see the blackish surface of the plug. In the case of whiteheads, the surface is plugged or it is so narrow that it cannot be seen.

Papule: These are small bumps on the surface of the skin. Very small papules may be almost invisible but may result in a sand-papery feeling on the skin. Papules happen when the body reacts against the acne.

Pustule: This is a tender lesion that contains pus. This pus is a mixture of white blood cells, bacteria and dead skin. The pustule could also contain a hair in the center.

Nodule: This is an inflamed follicle. Here, the inflammation progresses to the deeper layers of the skin, thereby leading to the formation of scars. Nodules are generally painful. These are a more severe form of acne.

Cyst: This is the most severe form of acne. A cyst contains liquid or semi-solid material containing white blood cells and dead cells along with bacteria. Cysts are very painful and they almost always lead to severe scarring.

1.2 Who gets acne?

Legend has it that King Tut, the boy king from Egypt, had jars and bottles of pimple remedies in his tomb. This only goes to show that our ancestors too suffered from acne. Regardless of race, ethnicity and sex, nearly 100% of the population suffers from the occasional outbreak after a particular age. A blackhead, whitehead or the occasional pimple cannot be ruled out at any age. But, there are certain periods when acne is more prevalent:

Age: Puberty is the most vulnerable time. Young boys and girls over the age of ten may start developing acne almost suddenly and for no apparent reason. The problem might get worse as these preteens progress into their teens. In some people, acne goes away on its own and acne clears up by the early twenties.

But, as far as acne is concerned, there is no thumb rule. It could continue beyond the teenage years or it could develop only in adulthood. In fact, some people develop acne for the first time in their thirties and beyond! In some people, acne might subside after their twenties only to reappear with added strength in their thirties or forties.

Sex: Acne affects both the sexes equally. However, there are slight differences. For instance, men are prone to have more lasting and severe forms of acne than women. So, acne in teenaged boys may continue far longer than it does in adolescent girls.