Body Acne: Treatments

Regular exercise can help fight acne by fighting off negative stress levels that can come from negative self-esteem and depression. But avoid wearing tight lycra and nylon exercise outfits. These synthetic fabrics that tend to trap body moisture and heat, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Stick to loose clothing made of cotton or natural blends, and keep your sports gear and equipment clean.

To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that can contribute to acne, use products labeled "noncomedogenic" or "oil-free." Opt for "hypo-allergenic" perfumes and cosmetics to avoid allergic reactions and skin irritation. Coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes can cause reactions.

A comedo is caused by the blocking of a pore. Once blocked, it closes up and bulges out from the skin because of the continued sebum production. The sebaceous follicle gets plugged with sebum, dead cells, tiny hairs and sometimes bacteria. If a comedo is open, it turns into a blackhead because the surface of the comedo stays open and tends to darken. If a comedo is closed, then it is commonly called a whitehead and its appearance is that of a skin-colored because the opening of the plugged sebaceous follicle to the skin’s surface is closed or very narrow.

Several types of prescription topical medicines are used to treat acne, including antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, adapalene, and azelaic acid. Antibiotics and azelaic acid help stop or slow the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation. Tretinoin, a type of drug called a retinoid that contains an altered form of vitamin A, is an effective topical medicine for stopping the development of new comedones. It works by unplugging existing comedones, thereby allowing other topical medicines, such as antibiotics, to enter the follicles. The doctor may also prescribe newer retinoids or retinoid-like drugs, such as tazarotene or adapalene, that help decrease comedo formation.

Acne can result from a combination of factors both inside and outside the body. Changes in your body can trigger acne internally. External triggers include dirt or dead skin cells that can clog pores, as well as an overproduction of oil. Therefore, it's important that your acne treatment delivers a one-two punch. Nature's Cure's two-part treatments work on both the inside and outside to eliminate acne. Because our products help to balance the body, rather than just drying up pimples, they are excellent as teen or adult acne treatments.