Acne (acne vulgaris) is among the most common of all skin disorders, affecting nearly 85% of all people living in the United States alone. Unfortunately, myths concerning this condition are just as popular as the condition itself.

For example; have you ever been advised to avoid certain foods to prevent a breakout, or repetitively washed your face, hoping a cleaner face would stop the development of pimples? How about increasing water intake and exercise? If you said yes to one, or even all of these questions, its likely that using various techniques to prevent the onset of acne is of primary importance in your "daily grind."

Although acne is not considered a serious detriment to one's health, the psychological trauma and general feelings of inferiority caused by the condition can prove devastating.

What's more, there is currently no cure for acne. Both of these facts emphasize the importance of developing an understanding as to what actually causes the condition, and applying the proper treatment options when acne "breakouts" do occur. Dermatologists the world over suggest that with today's nutritional and medicinal advancements, virtually every case of acne can and should be resolved.

Acne is the term used by dermatologist to define plugged pores, pimples, or deeper lumps, that occur on the face, back, chest, neck, or shoulders. The severity of acne ranges from mild to severe, encompassing spots of acne to painful nodules and cysts. Subcategories of acne include;

• Acne Rosacea
• Acne Conglobata
• Acne Fluminans
• Gram-Negative Folliculitis
• Pyoderma Faciale

Causes:

Although the exact cause of Acne remains unknown, doctors believe that the condition is a result of several factors. Genetics and hormonal fluctuations, are considered the primary culprits; while stress, dietary factors, over washing of the face, and use of pore-clogging cosmetics are still being evaluated as potential causes. However, it is likely that all are interrelated, as persons with moderate to severe acne often exhaust all preliminary (e.g. face washes and creams) and secondary (e.g. medications) treatment options.

Signs of Acne:

Acne presents as external lesions upon a given area of body tissue. Comedomes, or blackheads and whiteheads, are the least severe of all legions. A blackhead refers to a comedo (plural comedomes) that is open, and the whitehead, or "zit," is one that is closed. The more severe lesions include papules and pustules, as well as the most painful of all lesions, nodules and cysts. The latter two (nodules and cysts) often initiate a response by the individual to receive consultation from a dermatologist because of varying levels of discomfort. Cysts and nodules can also manifest simultaneously as a combined, more severe form of acne known as Nodulocystic acne. Macules refer to a temporary, residual red or pink spot left by a healed lesion.

Who gets Acne?

Statistically, Adolescents are the greatest demographic affected regardless of sex, race, or ethnicity. In fact, approximately 80% of all persons between the ages of 12 and 17 will develop an occasional pimple or "breakout." Acne is usually diagnosed beginning at the age 10, and subsequent diagnosis may persist for decades. For a small percentage, this condition can prove troublesome throughout adulthood, even into the late twenties, thirties, and beyond.

Men and women are equally affected by acne. However, men are much more prone to developing more severe forms of acne. They are also less likely to seek medical attention. On the other hand, women may be at a greatest risk for intermittent acne cause by hormonal changes associated with the application of oil-containing cosmetics and normal menstruation. Other than sex, heredity is considered a strong contributing factor for acne and acne-related conditions.

The majority of acne sufferers overlook a critical influence for acne development - adequate nutrient intake. Research is currently being conducted and is studying the mechanisms responsible for regulating natural sebum production to help identify ways to effectively reduce its production. Other studies are aimed at developing immunological interventions to prevent the onset of acne-related symptoms. Actimine's proprietary blend of ingredients has been designed with this latest research in mind, helping to manage the primary causes of acne from the inside while promoting allure on the skin's surface.

Like many treatments using vitamin A derivatives, Actimine too employs vitamin A to provide a reduction in sebum production and buildup of keratin within the follicles. Actimine also addresses inflammatory concerns by providing your body with the important antioxidant-rich nutrient selenium. Selenium has been shown to be of influence in the regulation of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase. This enzyme is not only our body's most potent, naturally-occurring antioxidant and detoxicant, it also plays a critical role in the body's natural inflammatory processes.

- Zinc is an important nutrient of total skin health and is also included in Progressive Health's synergistic acne formula. Zinc gluconate, one of the most effective forms of zinc, aids in hormonal management; furthering a reduction in both sebum and keratin - two primary causes of acne formation.

- Methylsulfonyl Methane and Gum Guggul extract improve the permeability of cell walls, allowing the nutrients to be deposited in the many cellular structures affected by this condition. Gum Guggul has proven so effective in one clinical trial, in fact, that 20 patients exhibited better improvements in skin health when compared to other treatments.

The benefits of the active ingredients included in Actimine will compliment your current treatment program for the management of acne without the fear of debilitating or discomforting side effects.

Vitamin A - Vitamin A has been shown to reduce sebum production and the buildup of keratin in the follicle. Vitamin A is more effective when used in conjunction with Vitamin E and Zinc.

Selenium and Vitamin E - When there is a Vitamin E deficiency in your body, your levels of Vitamin A will stay low, no matter how much you are supplementing into your diet. When Vitamin E is restored to the diet, Vitamin A levels normalize- this is why it is important to use these vitamins in combination.

Vitamin E is important for its interactions with Selenium, which is an important antioxidant trace mineral. Selenium has been shown to have a function in the enzyme glutathione perozidase. This enzyme plays a crucial role in preventing acne inflammation. Those who experience acne usually have low levels of glutathione perozidase. After supplementing Vitamin E and Selenium into your diet, acne can be significantly diminished (1)

Zinc - Zinc is a very important nutrient for the health of the skin. Zinc is involved in the proper metabolism of testosterone. When zinc levels are low, there is an increase in the conversion of testosterone to DHT. It is known that DHT stimulates the manufacture of sebum and keratin which are primary factors in causing acne. Only certain forms of zinc have proven to be effective. These include effervescent zinc and zinc gluconate. (2)

Methylsulfonyl Methane - Has been shown to improve the permeability of cell walls which allows nutrients to flow in and out of cells with ease. This helps deliver nutrients to the cells and dispose of wastes.

Gum Guggul Ext. - Studies have shown that Guggul Ext can effectively help with nodulocyctic acne. A study with 20 patients showed that Guggul is more effective that Tetracycline. (3)