So what exactly does Acne Vulgaris mean? Commonly referred to as pimples, is an inflammatory disease of the skin. This condition is very common in puberty during the teenage years. As you continue to find more about how you can cure acne, let’s learn how acne first find its way into your life…

Acne begins because of the comedo, an enlarged hair follicle plugged with oil and bacteria. The comedo is usually invisible to the naked eye and is present beneath the surface of the skin. Over time, it can grow into an inflamed lesion and the oil from the skin helps bacteria to thrive within the swollen follicle.

There are two types of non inflammatory acne: Closed comedo or white head, and Open comedo or black head. Here are 4 types of inflammatory acne:

• Papule – Referring to the mildest form of acne that appears on the skin. It looks like a small, firm pink bump.

• Acne Conglobata – Refers to severe bacterial infection that develops mostly on the back, buttocks and chest.

• Pustule – These are small round lesions containing visible pus. They loo red at the base and yellowish or whitish at the center.

• Nodule or Cyst – Tend to be large and painful. Usually, there’s pus lodged deep within the skin. The nodules may persist for weeks or months with the contents hardening into a deep cyst. These nodules and cysts are harder to treat and often leave stubborn scars.

So what are the main causes of acne? They are normally caused by hormones like androgen, production of extra sebum, follicle fallout, bacteria and inflammation. To control and cure acne, you should observe the following steps:

1) Don’t ‘over-wash’ your skin. This can cause healthy skin to become dry, thus irritating the acne prone areas. Over-washing may also stimulate extra oil production and strip off the natural oils on your skin.

2) Avoid alcohol products to tone your skin. Alcohol is a strong astringent that strips the top layer of the skin thus causing sebaceous glands to produce more oil.

3) Do not squeeze, pop or pick the acne with fingernails, pins or any other thing. This is a no-no as it can lead to acne scarring. Picking the acne with your fingers or objects forces the bacteria deeper into the skin and can lead to permanent acne scars.

4) Wash your face after exercise or workout. The heat and moisture trapped against the skin creates an ideal breeding ground for the spread of bacteria.

5) Consume food rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin B-2, Vitamin B-3, Vitamin E and Zinc like eggs, nuts, liver, milk, fish and leafy green vegetables.

6) Adequate sleep and a life without stress and emotional anxiety can help to cure acne. Keeping your mind relaxed can help to control the stress levels in your life!

7) Avoid make-up while exercising as perspiration can lead to dirt being trapped and collected on your skin.

Though laser surgery is often used to reduce the acne scars left behind by acne, it does not guarantee a stop to acne breakouts. Treating acne with azelaic acid, salicylic acid, tropical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide is also common for some people. A large number of people have begun to explore natural acne treatments and herbal acne treatments over the traditional medications to cure acne. This includes the use of natural acne skin care, organic oils and herbal lotions.