Getting rid of Acne for good
This is a very difficult query to answer because there are so many factors involved in acne. There is some research that suggests the hormones found in dairy products and a western diet in general may be a factor, but there are many others. Hormones, heredity, greasy cosmetics, stress, humid, polluted climates, irritation to the skin, chafing, and squeezing pimples all can contribute to acne.
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What is acne and what can be done about Acne?
Dealing with acne
People make all sorts of suggestions on the best cure for acne. Some cures include putting oatmeal, honey, lemon juice, tea tree oil, cucumber, vinegar, milk of magnesia or toothpaste on your acne. Nearly every cosmetic company and personal care products manufacturers make something that is a “sure cure” for acne. If you think about it, you quickly conclude that there is no quick or easy cure for acne, because if there were one, it would be well known.Often using fewer products is better. People often make their acne worse by using too many products at a go. There is no quick solution for acne. Don’t waste a lot of money on products just because their ads say that they will cure acne. Your doctor is the best person to ask for help, and they may recommend some prescription medication or non-prescription treatment that may be suitable for you.
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What is acne and who gets it?
Acne is a skin condition that causes black, white or red spots, usually on the face, neck, chest, and back. Most people with acne are between 12 and 25 years, but some older people are also affected. Boys are usually more affected than girls. About 8 in 10 teenagers gets some degree of acne. It is often mild. It is also estimated that about 3 in 10 teenagers have severe acne that requires treatment to prevent scarring. When left untreated, acne usually lasts 4-5 years before settling by itself. Typical, mild, acne on the forehead occurs in almost all teenagers. It usually fades with time or responds well to a simple acne cream like benzoyl peroxide.
What causes acne?
Acne occurs when a tiny hair follicle is blocked by sebum, dead skin cells and dirt. When the hair follicle becomes blocked: the oil can’t come out from the sebaceous gland on to the skin, and so the bottom section of the follicle under the surface bulges up, full of oil.
Can anything else cause acne?
The above description is the cause of almost all types of acne. Rarely, some diseases in girls and women cause acne or make it worse. For instance, polycystic ovary syndrome and conditions that cause excess secretion of male hormones in the ovary or adrenal gland. These conditions cause other signs in addition to acne, like the thinning of scalp hair, excess growth (hirsutism) of facial or body hair, and other issues. Exposure to chemicals in the workplace, particularly halogenated hydrocarbons, can cause acne.
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What makes acne worse?
- Keeping in mind that the blocking of pores causes spots, you can see that putting on a lot of makeup or foundation can worsen acne. Many girls and young women try to hide their acne with makeup, which is understandable. However, try to keep it as minimum as possible and have some make-up free days to let your skin breathe. If you need to use makeup, try using products with a pH that is closest to the skin.
- Touching or sitting with your hands over your cheeks or chin will spread germs from your fingers on to your face. Try not touching your face at all, other than when applying medication.
- Picking and squeezing the pimple spots may cause further swelling and scarring.
- Sweating heavily or humid conditions can worsen acne, for example, working in hot kitchens. The extra sweat and oil possibly contribute to blocking pores.
- Spots may emerge under tight clothes. For instance, under headbands, tight bra straps or tight collars. This can be due to the increased sweating and friction under snug clothing.
- Some medications can make acne worse. For example, phenytoin (which is taken for epilepsy), steroid creams and ointments that are applied for eczema. Do not, however, stop using a prescribed medicine if you speculate it is making your acne worse but instead tell your doctor. An alternative option may be available.
- Some birth control pills make worsen the condition; others can make it better. Generally, the progestogen-only contraceptives can aggravate acne: like the mini-pill, the injection or implant in the arm.
- Anabolic steroids, which are sometimes taken illegally by bodybuilders can worsen this skin condition.
What can I do about my acne?
There are some simple and basic things you can do that cost nothing. Keep your face or any other area affected by acne very clean. Any mild antibacterial soap will help with that. Rinse the area well to remove all soap residue. Drink plenty of water – it does help to clear up acne. It is key to eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep. A healthy lifestyle will make a difference. Try to reduce the amount of stress in your life – stress contributes to acne, so also probably the more you worry about the acne and focus on it, the worse it will be. Probably the most useful and effective things you can do are to apply hot compresses to pustules and cysts and never to pick or squeeze pimples. Playing with or popping pimples, no matter how careful and clean you are, nearly always makes bumps stay redder and bumpier longer.
How long does acne really last?
It is unclear how long acne will last for each person. Many teenagers find that their acne reduces as they get older and that it nearly disappears by the time they reach their twenties. Others can have acne well into their adulthood.
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Tips on keeping acne at bay
The upside is that acne can be managed and treated, even prevent breakouts sometimes. Prevention entails taking good care of the skin.
- Your child should wash their face twice a day (and after building up a sweat) with a gentle soap and some lukewarm water. Make sure they wash it gently and do not wash too often as teens sometimes scrub a bit too hard to get rid of acne. This can aggravate the skin and make the acne worse.
- Sunscreen, moisturizers, and makeup used should be labeled “oil-free,” “noncomedogenic,” or “nonacnegenic.”
- Hair and their styling products should be kept away from the face, and try and shampoo your hair often.
- Avoid touching or picking at acne.
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting caps or clothing over the affected area.
- If good hygiene doesn’t help with the breakouts, you can try an OTC acne cream or gel. Follow the instructions carefully and don’t use it more than recommended. If the acne still doesn’t improve after a couple of weeks, they may need some extra help from a dermatologist. A doctor can recommend the best treatment and also give lots of useful tips on dealing with this skin condition.
Skincare for people with acne
- Do not wash your face more than normal. Twice a day is enough for most people. Lukewarm water and a mild soap alone is often enough.
- Some physicians prescribe medicated facial washes, be careful about utilizing strong soap you bought.
- Washing your face or body with very hot or cold water can worsen acne.
- Do not scrub too hard when washing acne-affected skin. Avoid abrasive soaps, cleansers with granules, astringent compounds, or exfoliating agents. Washing and scrubbing excessively may cause more inflammation and possibly make the acne even worse.
- Let your skin air dry, as towels can sometimes hide germs (bacteria).
- Antiseptic washes may be helpful.
- You cannot clean off blackheads. The blacktip is actually skin pigment (melanin) and cannot be removed by cleaning or scrubbing it away.
- Some topical acne treatments may cause the skin to dry. If this happens, try and use a fragrance-free, water-based, noncomedogenic moisturizing cream. Do not go for ointments or oil-rich creams, as these may clog the pores.
Some acne types heal faster than other kinds. It may take some days, months or even years depending on the cause. That is why it is crucial to know the cause of your acne. It can help you pick the right course of treatment either OTC or homemade alternatives.
