Have you given up and resigned yourself to the idea that there is nothing you can do to stop your pimples? Have you minimized your social life because of the dreaded thought that people might stare and find your acne disgusting? Studies show that up to 80 percent of those who seek treatment for their acne problem can actually be helped. Just take time to go to your doctor and inform him what you have been doing to fight against your pimple problem.
If you have an acne prone skin, pamper it. Be gentle with your skin and avoid vigorous scrubbing. Vigorous scrubbing can actually irritate your skin and may worsen blocked pores. The oil trapped beneath the surface of the skin causes pimple break-outs and no vigorous scrubbing can get rid of it. Instead, try gentle washing with warm water and soap then pat dry. A skin cleanser will do as well. Do it once or twice a day. Regular shampooing is also advisable since pimples often appear on the forehead. If you have oily hair, wash it daily and keep it off you face as much as possible. Avoid using hair products with oil like pomades and gels.
Don't pop or squeeze your pimples. We always have the tendency to pop or squeeze our pimple whenever it appears on our face. Avoid this bad habit and keep your hands away from your face as much as possible. Your hands usually carry germs that will further irritate your skin and popping your pimple will just cause irritation and probably skin infection.
Learn to read and understand labels. Use only cosmetics that are non-comedogenic which means they won't block pores. Make it a habit to remove your makeup each night with soap and water and try skipping the moisturizer.
Protect your skin from sunlight and avoid tanning booths. Tanning only masks your acne and it doesn't clear it. Wear sunscreens and avoid getting sunburn. Some acne treatments can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight.
If you are taking any medications, try to check with your physician or pharmacist of any complications or possible effects that the drug might cause.
There are over the counter products that can help curb your acne. Products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can help treat mild acne. Begin with the weakest formula and work your way up.
Finally, if everything else fails after a few weeks of treatment, seek your physician's or dermatologist's help. Your doctor should determine whether your problem is acne or some allergic reaction to makeup, lotions or from drugs or another skin disease. A topical or oral medication might be prescribed by your doctor to lessen the problem. In some severe cases, a hormone therapy might be prescribed as a last resort. When using drugs to combat your pimple problem, be sure to ask about side effects and any precautions you need to take. There are topical creams that increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Some antibiotics can increase your risk of yeast infections and can upset your stomach.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Acne | |
