Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder that to some degree afflicts about 80 percent of all Americans between the ages of twelve and twenty-four.
The sebaceous glands, located in each hair follicle or tiny pit of skin, produce oil that lubricates the skin. Sebaceous glands are found in large numbers on the face, back, chest, shoulders. If some of the oil becomes trapped, bacteria multiply in the follicle and the skin becomes inflamed.
Blackheads form when sebum combines with skin pigments and plugs the pores. If scales below the surface of the skin become filled with sebum, white heads appear. In severe cases, whiteheads build up, spread under the skin, and rupture, which eventually spreads the inflammation.
The exact cause of acne is not known, but factors that contribute to the condition include heredity, oily skin, and androgens. Other factors are:
- Allergies
- Stress
- the use of certain drugs (especially steroids, lithium, oral contraceptives, and certain antiepileptic drugs)
- Overconsumption of junk food, saturated fats, hydrogenated fats, and animal products
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Exposure to industrial pollutants (machine oils, coal tar derivatives, chlorinated hydrocarbons)
- Use of cosmetics
- Monthly menstrual cycles
- Over washing or repeated rubbing of the skin
The skin is the largest organ of the body. One of its functions is to eliminate a portion of the body’s toxic waste products through sweating. If the body contains more toxins than the kidneys and liver can effectively discharge, the skin takes over. In fact, some doctors call the skin the “third kidney.” As toxins escape through the skin, they disrupt the skin’s healthy integrity. This is a key factor behind many skin disorders, including acne.
The skin also “breathes.” If the pores become clogged, the microbes that are involved in causing acne flourish because they are protected against the bacteriostatic action of sunshine.
- Dirt
- Dust
- Oils
- Grime from pollution
Clog the pores, but this can be eliminated by washing the skin properly. A body pH that is too high, or too alkaline, also fosters the nesting and breeding of acne-causing bacteria.
Nature’s treatment for acne control and prevention, containing carefully selected herbs to:
- Treat Existing Acne Skin Eruptions
- Prevent Future Breakouts
- Improve Skin Appearance
- Reduce Scarring
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