Acne is a skin condition that causes skin inflammation that manifests as pimples or skin rash.
A common reason behind this affliction is the formation of clogged pores that lead to irritations, which multiply either in the presence of hostile environment or hormonal imbalances. While acne is most common among teenagers, it can be a source of frustration for many adults as well. But how can one control this affliction? Here are some best practices for acne prevention and control that may help you move beyond this adolescent-adult problem.
Prevention and control - Unfortunately, because there is no cure for acne, prevention and control is the only way forward. If you've tried everything from skin ointments to blood tests, you can beat the acne with a good skin care routine that incorporates three basic steps. Clean, treat and protect.
Cleansing - The first step is as simple as gently cleansing your skin on a regular basis, also using a good cleansing product to gently wash away dead skin cells and impurities. If your cleanser contains proven acne fighters like benzyl peroxide or salicylic acid it is an added benefit. Wash once or twice a day, including after exercising. However, avoid scrubbing or repeated skin washing. Rubbing, whether with a towel or your hands, will only aggravate the problem.
Treating - It is imperative to treat the skin with something that minimizes bacteria (like benzoyl peroxide) or slows down the shedding of skin cells (like salicylic acid). Avoid greasy cosmetics or creams. Take off make-up at night, and when buying anything that touches your skin - look for water-based formulas.
Protecting - Try not to squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub the pimples. Although it might be tempting to do this, it can lead to skin infections and scarring. Avoid wearing tight headbands, baseball caps, and other hats. Shampoo your hair daily, especially if it is oily. Comb or pull your hair back to keep the hair out of your face.
Be aware of how your food intake affects the acne: A lot of well-wishers will have you believe that what you eat is causing the acne. While this might have some foundation in reality - deep fried foods cooked in low quality oil has been known to affect skin texture - it isn't the sole reason behind acne. Identify which foods irritate your skin or digestion into resulting in acne growths and avoid them. Despite the popular belief that chocolate, nuts, and greasy foods cause acne, research does not confirm this idea. Diets high in refined sugars may be related to acne, though.
Medication and home remedies - Several home remedies have found their way into acne prevention and control, without much foundation in science and belief. If you find that your acne is a result of topical skin issues like clogged pores, try home remedies that solve the specific problems of poor skin texture. Therefore, if oily skin is causing skin formations, rely on homemade skin packs like Fullers Earth to reduce the greasiness. If dry skin is causing breakouts, then rely on milk-based, drying face packs that relieve your skin with moisture.
Your skin is an extension of your physical and mental health: Many times it just boils down to what you are experiencing physically and mentally. Stress and hormonal imbalances are the leading causes behind acne that refuses to go away with the early 20s. If topical treatments, skin texture solutions and homemade packs don't solve the problem, then make an appointment with your physician. Remember - if you can't solve it with an ointment or a dietary and exercise routine, then there's more to it and there's always an expert who can help diagnose the situation.
Prevention and control - Unfortunately, because there is no cure for acne, prevention and control is the only way forward. If you've tried everything from skin ointments to blood tests, you can beat the acne with a good skin care routine that incorporates three basic steps. Clean, treat and protect.
Cleansing - The first step is as simple as gently cleansing your skin on a regular basis, also using a good cleansing product to gently wash away dead skin cells and impurities. If your cleanser contains proven acne fighters like benzyl peroxide or salicylic acid it is an added benefit. Wash once or twice a day, including after exercising. However, avoid scrubbing or repeated skin washing. Rubbing, whether with a towel or your hands, will only aggravate the problem.
Treating - It is imperative to treat the skin with something that minimizes bacteria (like benzoyl peroxide) or slows down the shedding of skin cells (like salicylic acid). Avoid greasy cosmetics or creams. Take off make-up at night, and when buying anything that touches your skin - look for water-based formulas.
Protecting - Try not to squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub the pimples. Although it might be tempting to do this, it can lead to skin infections and scarring. Avoid wearing tight headbands, baseball caps, and other hats. Shampoo your hair daily, especially if it is oily. Comb or pull your hair back to keep the hair out of your face.
Be aware of how your food intake affects the acne: A lot of well-wishers will have you believe that what you eat is causing the acne. While this might have some foundation in reality - deep fried foods cooked in low quality oil has been known to affect skin texture - it isn't the sole reason behind acne. Identify which foods irritate your skin or digestion into resulting in acne growths and avoid them. Despite the popular belief that chocolate, nuts, and greasy foods cause acne, research does not confirm this idea. Diets high in refined sugars may be related to acne, though.
Medication and home remedies - Several home remedies have found their way into acne prevention and control, without much foundation in science and belief. If you find that your acne is a result of topical skin issues like clogged pores, try home remedies that solve the specific problems of poor skin texture. Therefore, if oily skin is causing skin formations, rely on homemade skin packs like Fullers Earth to reduce the greasiness. If dry skin is causing breakouts, then rely on milk-based, drying face packs that relieve your skin with moisture.
Your skin is an extension of your physical and mental health: Many times it just boils down to what you are experiencing physically and mentally. Stress and hormonal imbalances are the leading causes behind acne that refuses to go away with the early 20s. If topical treatments, skin texture solutions and homemade packs don't solve the problem, then make an appointment with your physician. Remember - if you can't solve it with an ointment or a dietary and exercise routine, then there's more to it and there's always an expert who can help diagnose the situation.
Reference: Beauty related books
lovely post ... splly for people lyk me who r troubled by acne every now n then