There are several types of acne, but the most common form occurs during adolescence, when young adults experience a dramatic increase in hormone levels. These hormones signal the skin glands to produce more oil. When this oil mixes with dead cells, it can clog pores in the skin and can also trap bacteria. The result is often a raised tissue area characterized by swelling, redness, and pus. These bumps are also known as "acne," a symptom most commonly associated with acne.
To understand acne you need to know how your skin works. There are oil glands in the pores of your skin. When you reach puberty, there is an increase in hormones called androgens. Excess hormones cause your oil glands to become overactive, enlarge and produce too much oil or sebum. When there is too much sebum, the pores or hair follicles get blocked by skin cells. The increase in oil also results in overgrowth of bacteria called eubacterium acne.
Acne can occur anywhere on the face, neck, back or chest, and in severe cases can lead to social isolation, or emotional and physical scarring. Although mild acne cannot be completely prevented, you can take three steps to reduce acne: , .
1:Wash your face as soon as possible: , (
Cleanse your skin gently. Every day, wash your skin with lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing your face too vigorously or washing your face too often. Doing so can make your acne worse. Also, avoid using skin and hair care products that contain excess oil. Instead, use water-based skin care soaps that gently cleanse your skin, such as Neutrogena or Dove.
2:Apply topical ointment on problematic areas twice a day:.(....)
Apply topical ointments: Apply a nonprescription topical ointment to problematic areas at least once a day, but no more than three times a day. One of the best products is Clearasil because it contains both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide works to unclog pores, while salicylic acid helps to remove blemishes caused by peeling off the top layer of skin. Products that contain tea tree oil (commonly found in gels, creams and lotions) or alpha hydroxy acids are also desirable. However, remember that if you use too much of a product, your acne may get worse. So limit your applications to less than three times a day unless otherwise directed by the doctor.
3:Avoid the following: , (
Be sure to avoid the following actions that can cause acne flare-ups: overexposure to the sun, wearing tight-fitting items that rub against the skin, over-stressing, frequent touching of the face, working with oils or harsh chemicals, excessive sweating, hair braiding on your face, or use of hair care products that contain oils. Also, avoid squeezing the pimples. Squeezing pimples can lead to infection and/or a prolonged scarring.
While mild acne is annoying, it will eventually pass. Most people will outgrow acne in their early twenties, so there is reason to be optimistic. Make each of the above steps a part of your routine, and you will be able to control your acne. However, people with more severe cases of acne should consult a dermatologist.
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