Don’t Let Acne Scar Your Mind
Acne is a skin problem that generally starts when oil and dead skin cells clog your pores and plug the hair follicles. Acne can appear in form of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or zits and appear on neck, face, chest, back or shoulders. Severe acne can be distressing as they leave scars behind. Though acne is common in teens, yet they can affect anyone.
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Causes – Increased hormone levels in boys and girls during puberty causes the sebaceous glands around hair follicle to enlarge. This produces more sebum which in turn causes acne. In women hormonal changes during pregnancy and use of oral contraceptives can affect sebum production. Eating food high in fat, carbohydrates and oil can also increase the risk of acne. Using oil based skin products and makeup can also be another reason of getting clogged pores.
Acne can be stubborn, but not impossible to treat.
Treatments - Acne can be treated, depending on the severity of the acne - mild, moderate or severe. The basic principle of most acne treatments is to reduce oil production in skin, fight bacteria causing infection, speed-up skin repair and reduce skin inflammation. Generally, the treatment takes time and possibilities are that skin might get worse first.
• For mild acne gentle cleanse with warm water and mild bath soap or some antibiotic soap. Mild lotions that have benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid might help.
• Consult doctor if home remedies and small treatment don’t work. For moderate to severe acne doctor can prescribe you oral antibiotics and oral retinoids or drain large pimple and cysts. You might also be prescribed with antibiotic lotion and creams.
• There are cosmetic procedures like chemical peels and microdermabrasion that may control acne. This treatment may cause redness, scaling and blistering initially, right after treatment. But in a month or so fresh skin appears with scars gone away.
Prevention- These are small, every day practices that can help to prevent the occurrence of acne
• You must gently wash your face everyday. Use skin products wisely only after knowing your skin type.
• If you think that your acne gets worse if you sweat then avoid heavy activities. Take a refreshing shower soon after you think that you have sweated a lot.
• Try to wash your hair often if your hair is oily. Don’t let them fall on your face.
• Try to avoid hair care products such as gels, cream rinses, mousses, and oil based product.
• Avoid touching your face time and again
• Stop wearing acrylic clothes, wear pure, loose fitting cotton wear.
• Avoid putting excessive makeup and remove it before you go for sleep.
Acne can be an emotional distress, but don’t let it to take a toll on your mind. Timely treatment and staying extra cautious about preventive measures can help you avoid them.
(Guest post by Micheal John)