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By Dr Brigid Monda
The skin is one of the body’s most valuable assets. Apart from being the largest organ, which performs a number of vital body functions, it is also a medium of attraction. That is why it needs to look good always.
So any condition that makes it look unattractive will always be of concern — like acne vulgaris or pimples.
Acne vulgaris is an infection of the Sebaceous glands. These skin glands secrete skin fat or sebum, which keeps the skin supple and elastic and also acts as a water-proofing agent preventing excessive water loss from the skin’s surface.
Sebum causes greasy skin and sets the stage for acne to develop. Acne develops when the passage through which the sebum reaches the surface of the skin is blocked and the sebum accumulates in it.
Worse in men
Soon, the bacteria normally found on the surface of the skin infect it and pimples form. The largest numbers of these glands are on the face, shoulders, chest and back and that is why pimples appear here most often.
Sebaceous glands increase in size and produce more sebum when stimulated by hormones, particularly androgens — the male hormones which reach their peak during puberty. Women too produce androgens but in much smaller quantities than men so they too suffer acne but of less severe forms.
A hormonal imbalance in an older woman can also cause pimples. Acne cannot really be cured so treatment is aimed at controlling the infection, giving the skin time to heal and making the scars fade.
There are many treatments in the market for acne. Most work as mild antiseptics while others work to open up the blocked pores.
Low doses of antibiotics over a prolonged period of time have also been used because acne is an infection.
Essential oils
The oral contraceptive pill also helps because it reduces the size and secretions of the sebaceous glands. Also, some particular brands have a drug specific for blocking the secretion and action of androgens.
Unfortunately these can only be used in women. Essential oils can be great allies in the fight against mild to moderate acne as well.
Tea tree oil, Bergamot oil, Clove oil and Rosewood oil are excellent examples. They have antibacterial properties, are fast acting in clearing up acne and calm the affected area. Rosewood is excellent for people with excessively oily skin because it helps reduce sebum production and limits breakouts.
Some things to note: Everyone can get acne and it can persist into adulthood. Don’t pick pimples because you spread the infection.
Don’t be tempted to strip the skin of its oil as this causes the oil glands to go into overdrive, making the acne worse. See a dermatologist if you have persistent acne with redness, discomfort and slow healing.
If you have oily skin, take heart; breakouts tend to reduce as you get older and may disappear altogether.
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