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Acne affects almost 17 million people in the United States alone, making it the most common skin disease. Acne is not a serious health issue, but it does cause lowered mental well being as it negatively effects appearance and therefore confidence and self-esteem. There is still no cure for acne, and for that reason, many scientists and doctors continue to search for answers to its causes, symptoms and treatment. It is important that you do some research as well to determine what the best treatment is for you.

Causes of Acne

Acne is an inflammatory disease that affects the pilosebaceous units, or PSU's. PSU's are most numerous in the face, back, chest and shoulders, making those areas most prone to acne breakouts. PSU's consist of a sebaceous gland connected to a canal, called a follicle, which contains a fine hair. These sebaceous glands are responsible for making an oily substance called sebum that empties onto the surface of the skin through the follicle opening, or pore. Usually during hormone imbalances, sebum levels can rise and the force of sebum output can cause injury to cells lining the sebum canal. Clogged pores, due to hardened sebum and dead skin cells, can also damage cells lining the follicle canal as sebum is kept from reaching the pore. This eventually causes bacteria buildup, pressure and the breaking down of the follicle wall. Injury to healthy skin cells within the sebum canal is the first and principal cause of acne and, consequently, the most vital to tackle in acne treatments.

Acne Treatment Options

Dermatologists and acne treatment guides usually recommend over-the-counter or prescription topical medications for those with a range of acne conditions. These are often creams or gels that are put right onto the lesion or affected area.

A common ingredient is benzoyl peroxide, found in many acne creams. Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria and dries up oil. Other popular acne treatments contain salicylic acid which is used to decrease the shedding of skin cells from the follicle walls. Sometimes doctors will prescribe acne medications. Antibiotics help to decrease bacterial development and decrease acne inflammation. Retinoid products can also be prescribed to unplug sebum canals so strong medications can more easily enter.

Unfortunately, these chemical based acne treatments tend to leave people with one or more uncomfortable side effects which can include skin irritation, burning, stinging, redness, dry skin, peeling and the risk of skin discoloration.

Natural Acne Solutions

Pharmaceutical products contain chemicals that effectively treat acne symptoms. However, many cause uncomfortable side effects and do nothing to treat the principal causes of acne. Strong products can cause irritation, dryness, and release free radicals that can further harm healthy cells. Strong acids can destroy tissue and cause peeling and dryness which can actually make acne worse.

Therefore it is time you discover the best acne treatment options which are those that provide biological answers to the initial causes of acne. Newly researched organic ingredients have been proven to naturally reduce sebum production. These incredible natural ingredients make it possible to attack acne at its source, putting a stop to all symptoms and consequences of acne before they start. This type of natural acne treatment greatly reduces the damage to healthy cells, inflammatory responses, acne lesions and acne scarring.