To understand how to prevent acne, you must first understand what causes it. Due to popular belief, you have been lead to believe that acne is caused by eating chocolate, drinking lots of soda, or dirty skin. In fact, none of these factors will contribute to acne at all. Our body produces small amounts of oil called sebum in the sebaceous glands in the deeper layers of our skin. These glands share a duct that goes to the skin with a small hair. Acne is the result of too much oil being produced or the blockage of these ducts preventing oil from escaping the skin.
Even though there is no absolute way to insure the prevention of acne, there are several things you can do to reduce breakouts, the first of which, is washing your skin. In doing this, it helps remove surface oil and dead skin cells that can clog your pores. Even though washing your skin is a good step to prevention, it can also be bad to overdo it. Over drying your skin will only irritate existing acne. Knowing when to wash your skin is equally important. If you work in an environment with greasy food, it would be a good idea to wash your skin after your shift. Also, sweating clogs your pore so after intense exercising is another essential time to do so. The second thing you can do to prevent acne is eat healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. Your skin will only benefit from getting essential vitamins and minerals. However, do not be obsessive about what you eat.
If you already have acne, then following these steps wouldn't hurt, but you want to remove the existing acne as soon as possible. The solution you are looking for is over-the-counter products. In one research study, acne lotions containing benzoyl peroxide alone worked the best for research participants. The lotion is also one of the cheapest treatments you can buy. Acne treatment products come in all sorts of different strengths with varying ingredients. What might work for some people, might not work for you so it's best to search around.
The most common mistake people make with their existing acne is popping or squeezing them. However, I can assure you that this will not get rid of the problem. In fact, you could be pushing infected material and pus deeper into the skin, which will only cause more swelling and redness. In worst cases, it can lead to scarring that can be permanent.
If all else fails and everything you tried isn't working, it may be best to seek a doctor's advice. Doctors can prescribe specific gels, creams, or pills that you can't get over-the-counter. Although, it can be awkward talking to someone about your acne, the doctor is there to help your skin look its best. What else have you to lose?
If you are prescribed an acne treatment, you should finish using your entire prescription even after your skin has cleared up. The only time you should stop using it is if your doctor says it's okay. Otherwise, your breakouts might reoccur and you've wasted your time and money.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Acne | |
