Most people develop acne at some point in their lives. Normally, acne occurs during adolescence, when hormone changes are at their peak. Acne is also commonly seen in women during premenstrual or menopausal periods. Acne occurs in any race, age, gender, social status or lifestyle.

Acne may even cause psychological effects on its victims during adolescence, when social pressure is at its highest. Because of the proliferation of advertisements and the lauding of clear-skinned models and celebrities, people who suffer from acne choose not to socialize for fear of being criticized or worse, laughed at by their peers.

Tracking The Numbers

According to statistics, more than 50% of adults are prone to acne, while approximately 90% of individuals aged 12 to 24 are susceptible. So if you suffer from acne, you are not alone. Nearly everyone has suffered from acne, at some level. The key reasons are hygiene and hormonal change. However, a person’s environment, stress and poor diet can also lead to a worsening condition.

Acne occurs when oil glands in the skin secrete an excess of oil. A hormone in the body called dihydro testosterone, or DHT, stimulates the oil glands, therefore, producing excess oil. This excess clogs your pores and prevents your skin from naturally cleaning itself and breathing properly. Once the pore is clogged by the excessive oil, blackheads, whiteheads and eventually, pimples develop. If we do not reduce DHT from the skin, the levels of this hormone could further rise and accumulate on your skin, resulting in severe acne. Although cleansing the skin is essential, the reduction of DHT will result in the best possible treatment for acne treatment and prevention.

Stress is also a contributing factor to acne. Although easier said than done, it may be beneficial to avoid stress when possible. It has been proven that happy people have higher adrenaline levels, therefore a more positive outlook on life, which can show on your skin.

Some doctors recommend frequent cleansing with substances containing either sulfur or zinc. It is also advised to eat foods rich in both of these substances. Several studies have shown that a daily dose of vitamin A and zinc can help keep a clear complexion.

A Solution

There are new and effective solutions for acne that work by controlling the production and binding DHT in the skin. As stated earlier, by controlling DHT levels, the secretion of oil by the glands can be kept under control, which in turn helps prevent the development of acne.