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Dirt Doesn't Cause Acne
Dirt does not cause acne,
but it can aggrevate and amplify acne. Acne is caused by excessive
oil production by the sebaceous glands. Washing once or twice
daily with mild soap and water can be effective to remove dirt,
but there are many other factors that need to be taken in to account
to rid yourself of acne's blemishes.
Hormones,
stress, excessive heat and circulation can all excite the
sebaceous glands' production of sebum. Sebum is oil produced
and released into the follicles of the hair. It is a natural
moisturizer for the skin and the hair. A lack of sebum can
lead to dry, brittle hair and flaky skin. Excess sebum production
is released into the pores
where it hardens and forms a plug.
A healthy cross-section
of a hair follicle
P. Acnes, a bacterium that is present in the pores
of the skin and helps prevent other bacteria from infecting the area,
can break down sebum into fatty acids and consume it. When a hardened
plug of sebum clogs the pores,
it can either form a blackhead or a whitehead. Sometimes the sebum combined
with dead skin cells, P. Acnes, and dirt
inside the pore can become infected and form a pimple.
The dirt
itself is not the cause, nor is dirt
what clogs pores.
Blackheads
are not named blackheads
because they are dirty,
but because the melanin in the sebum turns black when exposed
to the air at the surface of the pore.
It is important to keep prone areas clean and to wash them
once or twice daily with mild soap and water. Washing the
hair at least two or three times a week can also cut down
on the excess oils from the hair clogging the pores
of the skin. It is highly recommended that one use a microfibber
cloth to remove oil from the skin once it's been washed
off. Pulling hair back away from the face before going to
sleep is also recommended.
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After vigorous exercise when heavy perspiration occurs, it's
important to shower and wash away the excess sweat and bacteria.
Increased heat and circulation that is generated while working
out can also stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce excess
oil. Dirt
accumulates against sweat and can help in the infection of
clogged pores,
but again, it doesn't cause them to clog alone nor does it
cause acne.
The skin needs a certain amount of oil, so avoid aggressive washing
with strong soaps. Also, avoid the temptation to pick at spots or to
pop them, as this can lead to further infection and scarring.
To minimize acne outbreaks:
- Wash once or twice daily with a mild soap and water.
- Use benzoyl
peroxide
cleansers or cleansers containing salicylic acid which will help
dry out the excess sebum, as part of a three-step acne kit. Many
dermatologists agree that this is an excellent way to control acne
for good. To learn more about three-step kits, click
here.
- Because bacteria increases the chances for acne, change into clean
clothes before and after a workout.
- Shower after a vigorous workout to remove sweat and bacteria.
- Avoid touching the face and hair with grease or oils on fingers.
- Avoid using harsh abrasives on skin as this can actually irritate
and promote acne rather than prevent it.
When we were working to determine our idea of an ideal acne-fighting
product, we chose to use 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide (no prescription needed)
as we found it was light on the skin yet highly effective. Click
here to learn more.
Other Resources:
Acne.net
American Academy of Dermatologists
BUPA Medical (http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/mosby_factsheets/acne.html)
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