Every cell has an intelligence, giving it personality and purpose. The overriding intelligence which influences the cellular personality obviously comes from the mental and physical health of a person. Cells need to be divided into two main classes; those which are concerned with purely physical needs and those which are activated by thought processes of the person and it is these which are prone to cancer.

It was stated that there are three known causes of cancer; namely, by virus, by chemical means and through radiation. It was said that there is no uniformity in the structure of the nucleus within cancer cells and that they vary with each individual. It is important to keep this fact in mind. The scientists have not found the answer as to why this is so.

Another fact to be noted was that when the chromosomes are subjected to radiation, such as an electrical charge, they become distorted and the cell dies.

We need to remember, that we influence the genes within the chromosomes by the manner in which we conduct our lives and outlooks. Also there exists a kind of intellectual link-up between our minds and the mind of a cell. Human evolution, physically, mentally and spiritually is dependant upon this.  The function of the chromosomes is to contain the genes, so that on reproduction the purpose and personality of the cell is duplicated. The reproduction thus carries with it whatever influencing it receives from life’s experience.

With the insane cell, when it reproduces itself, it brings into being, another insane cell. This is a common denominator with all forms of cancer.

This leads to the conclusion that the primary cause of cancer is psychosomatic. It is not a product of virus infection. Is it that cancer has not a physical origin at all? Is it that the cause of cancer is psychosomatic? If it is, then all the equipments and microscopes are useless for this special purpose. One cannot put emotion and frustration under the microscope.

Harry Edwards 1965

Why I don’t have a cell

by Troy Nowaselski.
Submitted in partial fulfillment to Lynda

1. - I have no friends and no one will call.
2. - Cellphones are not simply phones but address books, day-timers, cameras, video machines, photo albums, music players, gaming devices, storage units and internet browsers among other things …and losing one (which is easily done) can be both traumatic and dangerous for reasons of personal security.
3. - Cellphones can demand your attention 24/7 and often to the peril of those around you.
4. - Cellphones can be annoying and contribute to rudeness and poor manners.
5. - Cellphones increase the risk of physical harm; whether hand or vision problems or through inattentiveness while walking or driving a vehicle.
6. - Cellphone use is addictive and creates a dependency.
7. - Shutting off your cellphone is like not having one …so why really have it?
8. - If I had one I’d be cool …and I hate being cool.  Then I’d have to get a tattoo!
9. - I’m also a sucker for technology.  If I had one, I’d waste yet more of my time by calling people I don’t want to talk to. “Can you hear me now!?”

My Dad was employed in the telecommunication field and as a kid it may be the case that being exposed to ‘remote communication’ at a young age deterred me from wanting it as an adult.  I remember being able to call home from our van in the late 70’s (gulp!) …so needing a cell phone is kinda like needing a toaster; I have one, it serves me fine and I’d rather make toast at home.  Kids now however may not be so lucky – by continually expanding a ‘phones’ ability (see Number 2) the makers keep current with trends.  No one wants a cellphone because it’s simply a phone anymore …that’s boring.  Of course there are appropriate uses for them, like travel or an urgency of some type, but now-a-days most cellphone use isn’t centred around that.

Heck, are cellphones even phones anymore?  We call them ‘cells’ and have dropped the ‘phone’ part …perhaps it’s the case that cells are numbers where we can be reached physically?  “Hello.  My name is Troy.  If you’d like to interact with me physically then contact my cell.  Have a pleasant day.” -lol.  Perhaps the cell number is to eventually become our identification code of sorts?  Hummm.  Instead of tracking our ‘cell’ (which is easy to do) our ‘cell’ gets physically ‘coded’ onto us …and we’re instantly contactable (and traceable) by anyone with a ‘cell finder’.  …I’ve digressed again.

I get along though.  I have an address book (computer and scraps of paper), daytimer (computer), camera (two of them …and for different uses), video machines (computer and camera), photo albums (photo albums …and the computer), music players (many and of many different shapes), gaming devices (don’t use anymore), storage units (computer and backup drive), internet browsers (computer) …geeze, maybe I’m a little too dependant on my computer!

Oh, and a phone?  I have that too.  It’s a few steps away from my toaster.

Image from Life123.com

]]> http://designmatrix.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/complex-minimal-complexity/ Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:57:02 +0000 Michael http://designmatrix.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/complex-minimal-complexity/ http://jonnenaarala.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/some-work-related-stuff/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:34:48 +0000 jonnenaarala http://jonnenaarala.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/some-work-related-stuff/

Sometimes it is so nice to have a camera with you at your workplace and document the things you do professionally. Yesterday I did that and I think I should do that more regularly.

Co-60 source accelerator in Kuopio University hospital. We expose C3H10T1/2 murine fibroblasts to ionizing radiation (1 and 5 Gy doses). We investigate genomic instability processes which may be novel mechanisms for cancer initiation and development.

In my laboratory. Fancy Carl Zeiss Axio Imager A.1 epifluorescence microscope equipped with LED illumination system. Comet Assay IV programme package for analysing DNA damage and DNA repair.

Both photos shot with E-P1 and M.ZUIKO 14-42mm lens.

sistem listrik

Pada pertengahan kami telah melihat dampak dari naiknya harga minyak mentah pada biaya bensin lokal. Banyak orang merasa sulit untuk pengisian bahan bakar kendaraan mereka. Harga minyak yang tinggi juga dipengaruhi pemilik rumah. Salah satu biaya sistem listrik terbesar dalam Penghemat Listrik memelihara rumah adalah tagihan listrik. Karena sebagian besar perusahaan utilitas menggunakan minyak untuk memproduksi kekuasaan tidaklah mengherankan bila kita harus membayar tagihan Sistem Listrik listrik yang lebih tinggi. Satu solusi untuk mengurangi konsumsi energi rumah kita adalah dengan menggunakan energi terbarukan dengan sel surya buatan sendiri. Artikel ini akan memberikan beberapa informasi tentang ilmu tenaga Penghemat Listrik surya rumah.

Kekuasaan peralatan listrik rumah kami dengan energi terbarukan seperti sistem listrik tenaga surya semuanya dimulai pada sel surya buatan sendiri. Untuk memastikan bahwa sistem tenaga surya rumah Anda memenuhi kebutuhan sehari-hari dianjurkan bagi Anda untuk mendapatkan rumah tenaga surya panduan.

The word “hexagon” means a six pointed star or something consisting of six points. The same goes with cellular blinds. The hexagonal shape for cellular blinds is just another design and shape of many others. If you want a simple description or example of what they look like just picture a bee hive. Honeycomb blinds is another name for them because of their form, they look very much like a bee hive and many people find them fascinating and attractive.

Because they are built hexagonal they are very strong and durable. We don’t know exactly where the idea of hexagonal blinds came from but the closest guess is that it came from bees. We can only suggest that bees have the intelligence to tell that a hexagonal shape provides great strength and firmness.

You can even compare them to bee hives because the main difference between them is that cells they are made of are meant to trap air instead of honey. That is what makes them perfect insulators. By trapping in their cells they are not allowing any heat nor cool air pass through them to the inside or outside of the house.

Here are some flash tutorials from the team at Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford. They make good use of the properties of the sea urchin’s gametes for studies and learning experiences:

Fertilisation and Development

“Gametes of sea urchins yield exceptional experiences in the classroom; teachers and students alike are riveted by being able to observe fertilization, cell division and embryonic development. The gametes are easy to use, the developmental stages are readily seen with the microscope and the rapidity of fertilization and early cell divisions allows the student to ask questions and obtain answers within the bounds of a normal classroom schedule. The utility of urchins for inquiry-based science is unrivaled.”

Head on over there to have a go at some of their labs, including a neat microscope tutorial, practice with microscope measurements, fertilisation and development and a ocean acidification investigation.

After covering the animal cell, I’d like to talk just briefly about a few other types of cells.  We’ll go over plant cells and prokaryote cells.

Plant cells

Plant cells are very similar to animal cells.  Major differences are that plants have a cell wall outside of their cell membrane.  The cell wall provides structure, support, and protection for the cell.  Plant cells also have chloroplasts which are an organelle used to capture sunlight energy and make glucose (food).  The chloroplasts are what give plants their green color; chloroplasts are filled with a green pigment called chlorophyll.  The last major difference is that plant cells tend to have one large, central vacuole (when present in animal cells, they are smaller) which serves to house waste and add structural support.

Prokayote cells

Prokaryotes, organisms without a nucleus (like bacteria), are even more different from plant and animal cells.  They also lack other membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts.  Prokaryotes tend to be unicellular, unlike plants and animals.  While they do have DNA, it is in the form of chromosomes you are used to seeing; it tends to be in simple circle or tangled-looking loop shape.

When you are shopping for and comparing labels on anti aging cream products, it can be very confusing. The names of the ingredients may seem foreign to you. You may wonder what these ingredients do and if they really work. Becoming familiar with some of the ingredients used in these products will help make comparing them easier and less confusing.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids exfoliate dead skin cells from the outer layers of your skin. When dead skin cells build up, it leaves you with a dull complexion. Exfoliating these cells will leave you with younger looking skin.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is one of the strongest antioxidants on the market. It is used in anti aging creams to counteract the damage done by free radicals.

Antioxidants, such as Vitamin A, C and E, are used to protect against the damage done by free radicals. These particles result from the oxidation of cells. Free radicals cause damage to the cells and have a part in the aging process. They are also thought to play a role in certain diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants bind free radicals and stop the damage done by these particles.

Beta Hydroxy Acids work in the same way as Alpha Hydroxy Acids. The main difference is that Beta Hydroxy Acids are less irritating to the skin. Salicylic acid is the most common beta hydroxy acid found in anti aging creams.

Botanicals are plant extracts that are used in many beauty products. Some of the common botanicals found in anti wrinkle creams are ginseng, aloe and gingko. These all have regenerative properties when used on the skin.

Coenzyme 10 is a nutrient found in the cells of the skin. It works to minimize wrinkles.

Collagen is a protein that makes up connective tissue in the body. Skin is made up of about seventy percent collagen. In anti aging creams, this ingredient works to tighten the skin. This helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging of the skin.

Elastin is a protein found in the skin. It gives the skin its elasticity and resilience. Elastin helps the skin return to its original shape after movements, such as smiling or frowning. Elastin naturally decreases with age. This results in the skin not returning to its original shape and causes smile lines, frown lines, worry lines and crow’s feet. Elastin in anti wrinkle creams helps return elasticity to the skin.

Emollients are used as a moisturizer in skin care products. They are essential for helping the skin retain moisture. Emollients act as a moisture barrier to help prevent moisture loss.

Essential oils are plant oils that are used in skin care products and in aromatherapy. Lavender and chamomile are two essential oils that are used in anti aging creams. These essential oils soothe irritation in the skin.

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that is used in anti aging creams. Retinol helps build and strengthen collagen fibers in the skin. It also exfoliates the skin to help remove dead skin cells.

SPF stands for sun protection factor. This is used in some anti wrinkle creams that are intended to be worn during the day. SPFs help screen out the ultraviolet rays from the sun, which are implicated in premature aging. If your cream doesn’t contain this ingredient, be sure to apply sunscreen when you are going outside.

Learning to read labels will help take the guess work out of purchasing anti aging cream and skin care products. When you know what is in the cream and how the ingredients benefit your skin, it’s easier to find the products that are right for your skin. Reading reviews is another great way to find great products for reducing and preventing wrinkles.

It’s easy to treat dry skin cheaply, simply, naturally, yet effective, at home. The good news is that today, there are several types of treatments to choose from for your dry skin. As we age, our skin produces less of the natural oil that helps it retain its moisture.

Skin also receives less blood flow and lower gland activity. The skin is often known as “the largest organ of the human body”. Skin consists of loose connective tissue and elastin.

The outermost layer of epidermis consists of 25 to 30 layers of dead cells. The blood vessels in the dermis provide nourishment and waste removal to its own cells as well as the epidermis. The epidermis contains no blood vessels, and cells in the deepest layers are nourished by diffusion from blood capillaries extending to the upper layers of the dermis.

Dry skin is common. Environmental factors such as exposure to sun, wind, cold, chemicals, or cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps, can cause dry skin. Symptoms most associated with Xeroderma are scaling (the visible peeling of the outer skin layer), itching, and cracks in the skin. Bathing or showering too frequently, especially if one is using harsh soaps, may also contribute to xeroderma.

Natural treatment should always be the first type of treatment to consider when you want to take the best care of your skin. Cosmetics should be used carefully because they may cause allergic reactions like contact dermatitis. Use as little soap as possible limiting its use to armpits and genitals.

Use flaxseed oil or walnut oil in your salad. Concentrating on a diet of LOTS of fruits and vegetables (preferably uncooked) and no junk food, should give you an observable improvement within 30 days. Good skin is often a reflection of a good digestive system. Eat high-fiber snacks like raw nuts, raw seeds, and dried fruit, such as dates, and figs. You want to work from the inside out too.

It just takes motivation, a willingness to try it, and diligent application of coconut oil several times daily and at bedtime to see its benefits. Also use a thin layer of coconut oil under your make-up to moisturize your skin all day. If you also have eczema or acne, coconut oil will treat those skin conditions too. Use coconut oil to remove your make-up at night, like I do; it leaves a fine layer of oil to nourish your skin all night long.

Sunlight, water and air play an important role in keeping the skin healthy. Unclean skin favors the development of pathogenic organisms – the dead cells that continually slough off of the epidermis mix with the secretions of the sweat and sebaceous glands and the dust found on the skin to form a filthy layer on its surface. The skin supports its own ecosystems of microorganisms, including yeasts and bacteria, which cannot be removed by any amount of cleaning.

Call your doctor or naturopath when you feel itchy all over without a visible rash. Make sure to call your dermatologist when you have any open cuts or sores from scratching that won’t heal. With this information your dry skin should be well on its way to recovery.

Most nanoparticles for biological and medical applications are functionalized with surface peptides and proteins. But what happens to this layer inside cells is of crucial importance to their ability to target specific types or areas of cells and trigger a response.

Researchers from the Universities of Liverpool and Bordeaux think that they may have found the answer [V. Seé et al., ACS Nano 3 (2009) 2461]. Using three types of microscopy, including transmission electron microscopy, the British and French researchers looked at the localization of nanoparticles in cells and the integrity of a surface protein layer.

Are you searching near and far for a way to say “adios” to your acne scars. You could literally be staring the solution in the face. That is because researchers are now investigating ways to use your own skin cells as a dermal filler to correct facial imperfections like acne scars, indentations and deep wrinkles.

Your skin cells, or fibroblasts, make the protein collagen, which gives skin its plump, youthful appearance in addition to helping repair skin damage. However, as the skin ages, collagen production slows down and the skin produces more proteins that actually cause the breakdown of collagen proteins.

Skin imperfections like acne scarring or deep wrinkling are the direct result of the loss or destruction of collagen.

For years, dermal fillers that contain silicon or bovine collagen have become a mainstay for replacing the skin’s missing collagen and correct scars and wrinkles. Some drawbacks of these types of skin correctives are the costs that can range from $200-$350 per area treated. Moreover, the results are not permanent since they may last just six months to a year before the patient needs another cosmetic treatment.

Now researchers are taking advantage of evidence that injections of fibroblast cells promote collagen production and increase the skin’s thickness to create a new generation of skin correcting dermal fillers.

According to a recent study in “Dermatology Surgery”, researchers have cultured human fibroblasts in order treat facial imperfections like acne cicatrices and facial wrinkles.

In the study, researchers injected patients that had facial deformities like scars or indentations with living fibroblast cells or a placebo that consisted of a liquid that lacked the living cells. Study volunteers received the injections at one to two weeks intervals.

After the initial injections, investigators observed the patients’ treated areas at monthly intervals for one year. After nine months, patients who received the living fibroblast cell injections noticed a 75% improvement in the appearance of their facial marks and scarring.

Before you will see fibroblast injections at your local medical spa, this novel biomedicine will have to earn FDA approval. Nevertheless, persons who are allergic or unresponsive to bovine based collagen injections may soon have a new option for deleting acne scars and wrinkles.

Source: Weiss, Robert A, Margaret A. Weiss, Karen L. Beasley & Girish Munavalli. Autologous Cultured Fibroblast Injection for Facial Contour Deformities: A Prospective, Placebo-Controlled, Phase III Clinical Trial. Dermatologic Surgery, March 2007, vol 33, no 3, pp. 263-268(6).

Copyright (c) 2007 Naweko Nicole Dial

The use of natural or synthetic cosmetics to cover the appearance of the face and condition of the skin, like pore control and blackhead covering, is common among many cultures. As we age, our skin produces less of the natural oil that helps it retain its moisture.

The dermis is structurally divided into two areas: a superficial area adjacent to the epidermis, called the papillary region, and a deep thicker area known as the reticular region. The outermost layer of epidermis consists of 25 to 30 layers of dead cells. Our skin also receives less blood flow and lower gland activity than the other organs in our body.

When the skin loses moisture it may crack and peel, or become irritated and inflamed. Dry skin can be due to a genetic condition but it’s not common. Environmental factors, such as exposure to sun, wind, cold, chemicals, or cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps, can cause dry skin.

Certain drugs, including diuretics, antispasmodics, and antihistamines, can contribute to dry skin conditions; check with your pharmacist or doctor and read the drug insert – you can get one from your pharmacist. When the oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin, the skin becomes dehydrated. Forced-air furnaces may make skin even drier than it already is.

When the skin is dry and dehydrated, dead skin cells remain on the skin which may block pores and promote acne, zits, blemishes, or other breakouts; drink plenty of pure water. Eating fruits that are red or orange in color will help improve you skin health and help to prevent acne. I put two tablespoons of coconut oil in my smoothies, which are made with fruits only – using a base of two bananas, then adding fruit, frozen or fresh– blend well.

Cosmetics should be used carefully because they may dry out the skin or cause allergic reactions like contact dermatitis; read the labels. Natural treatments should always be the first type of treatments to consider when you want to heal and take the best care of your skin. Only use mild cleansers or mild soaps if you must use a soap or cleanser.

Apply coconut oil to irritated or chapped lips as well; it’s edible, so it’s safe and so healing to the lips. Coconut oil is the best healing, soothing, and moisturizing treatment I’ve found for dry skin; in fact all types of skin conditions, skin eruptions, pimples, acne, milia, irritations, cuts, burns, fungus, etc. To see what coconut oil can do for your skin fast, apply coconut oil several times a day and at bedtime.

When you buy coconut oil, make sure you get the kind that hasn’t been refined, processed and deodorized. If you have acne, eczema or any type of dermatitis coconut oil will treat and quickly heal these skin conditions too.

Skin that’s not clean favors the development of pathogenic organisms; the dead cells continually slough off of the epidermis and mix with the secretions of the sweat and sebaceous glands and the dust found on the skin, to form a layer on its surface. The skin must be regularly cleaned or it’ll become cracked or inflamed.

Call your doctor or naturopath when your skin feels itchy all over your body, with or without a visible rash. Make sure to call your skin doctor or dermatologist when you have any open cuts or sores from scratching that won’t heal. Usually we can take care of dry skin without seeing our doctor, but sometimes we can’t avoid it.

As we age, our skin produces less of the natural oil that helps it retain its moisture. Xeroderma, the medical name for dry skin, occurs most commonly on the lower legs, arms, the sides of the abdomen and thighs and is a very common condition.

The epidermis contains no blood vessels, and cells in the deepest layers are nourished by diffusion from blood capillaries extending to the uppermost layers of the dermis. The outermost layer of epidermis consists of 25 to 30 layers of dead cells. The average square inch of skin holds 650 sweat glands, 20 blood vessels, 60,000 melanocytes, and more than a thousand nerve endings.

Dry skin can be due to a genetic condition but it’s not common. Forced-air furnaces may make skin even drier than it already is. Dry skin can also be a sign of an underactive thyroid.

When the oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin, the skin becomes dehydrated. Dry skin can be caused by a deficiency of vitamin A, systemic illness, overexposure to sunlight or some medications. Dry skin happens more often in the winter when the cold air outside and heated air inside cause the humidity to be low.

Eating foods high in omega-3’s is particularly important for people with dry skin or acne. Get 20-30 minutes of sunshine daily on your arms and/or legs; sunshine triggers the body’s production of Vitamin D3, which is essential to having healthy skin. When the skin is dry and dehydrated, dead skin cells remain on the skin which may block pores and promote acne, zits, blemishes, or other breakouts; drink plenty of pure water.

If you use moisturizers, use the thick, oily-type which work better for dry skin. Apply cool compresses to any itchy areas. Use bath oils and moisturizers, or better yet, coconut oil, daily.

Apply coconut oil to irritated or chapped lips as well; it’s edible, so it’s safe and so healing to the lips. Coconut oil is the best healing, soothing, and moisturizing treatment I’ve found for dry skin; in fact all types of skin conditions, skin eruptions, pimples, acne, milia, irritations, cuts, burns, fungus, etc. If you have acne, eczema or any type of dermatitis coconut oil will treat and quickly heal these skin conditions too.

Dry skin contributes to fine lines and wrinkles; coconut oil helps prevent the onset by keeping the skin soft and supple. I buy coconut oil by the gallon; it’s cheaper for a whole gallon of coconut oil than a small jar of department store, name-brand moisturizer.

Functions of the skin are disturbed when it’s not clean; it becomes more easily damaged, the release of antibacterial compounds decreases and it’s more prone to develop infections. Many skin conditions can be converted into clear, healthy skin by using natural home remedies.

If your dry skin lasts for a long time and is itchy or feels hot when you touch it, see your doctor. Call your skin doctor if dryness and itching are preventing you from sleeping. Following some of the above treatments, your dry skin should be well on its way to recovery.

Acne is a devastating disease affecting millions of teenagers and adults. It looks awful, it feels even worse and it hurts. You don’t want it, you didn’t ask for it and you try your hardest to get rid of it. So why do you still have it? Read on and find out!

There are many ideas and old wives tales on how you should treat acne but the truth is you simply need to know the facts about your skin and how it works.

How your skin works
- Your skin is made up of millions of little skin cells
- These skin cells die and flake off as they age
- The dying skin cells are continuously replaced by new ones
- Your skin has small pores all over it
- Your skin produces oil which continually flows up through your pores and onto the surface of your skin
- This oil keeps your skin moisturised and protected

A common myth is that excess oil causes acne. To put it simply, it doesn’t. Oil is absolutely and completely essential to the health of your skin. Without it, your skin would age quickly and dramatically and would fall prey to all sorts of infections from the bacteria you come into contact with every day.

Acne is only created when your pores are blocked somehow. No one sends a memo to your skin telling it there is a blockage so it thinks everything is normal and keeps making oil and shooting it up into the pore.

Since the oil can’t get out, it starts building up inside your pore. Once your pore is full, it expands sideways until it’s all puffed up full of oil like a water balloon. Now that you’ve got a nice pool of oil built up in your pore it is a magnet for bacteria. Bacteria then swarm around and feed off the oil, creating pus and infection. Voila – now you have a lovely big pimple!

So what causes blockages?

1. A sudden increase in oil production
When your skin suddenly produces more oil than normal, your pores cannot release it fast enough. This creates a build up of oil in your pore, attracting bacteria and blocking the pore.
2. A decrease in the speed at which your skin cells fall off
When your skin cells reach the end of their life cycle and die but do not fall off quickly enough they block your pores, trapping oil and bacteria inside.

The thing to note is that so long as your skin is functioning normally neither of these situations should occur. But common issues like puberty, severe stress, pregnancy, hormones, poor diet and menopause can affect your skin health and make the above two situations more likely.

If you have acne, it will be caused by something (like fluctuating hormones) which is affecting your skin health. It will certainly help reduce future breakouts to tackle whatever the issue is but to deal with the acne you already have, you need a plan.

The best plan is to (a) kill the bacteria that are already inside your skin and (b) avoid future blockages. From a skincare perspective this means you need to:
- Kill the bacteria that is multiplying and living in your pores
- Dissolve the blockages already inside your pores
- Reguarly cleanse and remove excess dead skin cells
- Regulate your oil flows
- Get your skin healthy so the pores are well supported

Understanding your skin is the first step to eliminating acne. From there, proper care and the correct products will complete your plan and give you clear, blemish-free skin.

From a grain of rice to a red blood cell to a flu virus to a carbon cell, the following shows you the actual and relative sizes. Fascinating!

Use the scroll bar at the bottom of the picture to move up and down in size.

If you think your acne is just due to dirty skin or too much chocolate, you couldn’t be further from the truth…

The simple fact is acne only ever happens when
(a) Your pores block
AND
(b) Oil builds up

Chocolate categorically does not ’cause’ this to happen. An imbalanced diet might make acne more likely but it isn’t the ’cause’ (great news if you are chocolate lover).

There is no exact cause of acne. Your skin can happily go about its business shedding skin cells and producing sebum oil for years then suddenly your pores become blocked and acne appears.

There are however many situations in which your pores will have a higher tendency to block.

While trying to find the most likely reason your pores are blocking, it is very important to note that excess oil on your skin is not a ’cause’ of acne. Your face could be swimming in oil and no acne would occur if your pores were clear of blockages.

Suggested causes of blockages in pores are;

- Hormones
- Diet
- Genetics
- Vitamin deficiency
- Steroid use
- Stress
- Cosmetics

And so on… most of these suggestions result in one or both of the following,

1. A sudden increase in oil production
2. A decrease in the speed of your skin cycle

The most common cause of blocked pores is a sudden increase in oil production. When your sebum glands suddenly produce more oil than normally, your pores cannot release is fast enough onto your skin and will block, trapping oil and creating acne.

Should you be in a period of your life (e.g. teens, pregnancy, and severe stress) where your hormones are not balanced, you may suffer from sudden increases in oil and thus acne. Similarly, if your diet is not balanced, you will also suffer from this.

A decrease in the speed of your skin cycle is the most common cause of adult acne. This might be caused by work stress, diet change or even menopause.

What ends up occurring in this case is the skin is not used to how slowly the new cells are being pushed to the surface so it holds on to the dead cells for too long. These then end up blocking the pores.

We don’t know why some pores block and others don’t however we do know that once you have had acne in a particular skin area, the walls of the pores will be weaker and more prone to folding in on themselves and narrowing the exit for the oil. A small blockage that would get easily swept away by the oil in another pore might then block that particular pore.

Some types of exfoliation can help avoid a blockage in your pores from dead skin build up and we will discuss those later. The point to note now is that the surface of your skin is not flat.

Using a regular exfoliant with little beads in it from the chemist is not going to remove dead skin cells from inside the crevasses of your skin. It is most definitely not going to remove any dead skin cells that have gotten inside your pores. If you can feel the grains of the exfoliant, they are too big to get inside your pores.

Regardless of the cause of blocked pores, once the pores are blocked, the result is the same… acne.