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How Should People with Acne Care for their Skin?
Acne is a common skin condition that afflicts more than 85% of people
between the ages of 12 and 24. Some adults suffer acne well into their
40s. There is no cure for acne, although there are numerous treatments
for helping to prevent serious outbreaks. Treating your acne and blackheads
can also help improve your appearance and self esteem as well as prevent
the development of lifelong-pitted scars.
Acne begins with sebaceous glands secreting excess oil and flooding
the follicle. When the oil presses up close to the skin and hardens
to form a plug this is called a blackhead. A blackhead is not caused
by dirt. The black color is the oil and skin debris accumulated at the
opening the gland. Whiteheads are formed in similar manner, but the
plug is much deeper under the skin.
treatments for acne include:
Acne sufferers may employ mild exfoliates such as scrubs to gently
remove excess dead skin cells, but should avoid seriously abrasive products
because the irritation can cause the areas of acne to spread out and
increase.
Mild cleansers, such as soap, remove excess oil, debris and dirt from
the surface of the skin. While dirt is not a cause of acne, the interaction
between dirt, sweat and other debris can contribute the infections suffered
by plugged pores and lead to mild inflammatory acne. Many over the counter
topical cleansing pads contain salicylic acid alone or in combination
with benzoyl peroxide. Used two to three times daily, they can help
dry out and remove excess oils secreted by the sebaceous glands.
Using products such as pore strip pads may remove the hardened sebum
plugs found in blackheads and whiteheads, but they do not do anything
to treat the excess oil that is produced. In caring for your skin, you
should employ the following methods:
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- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Drink plenty of water
- Vitamins
- Wash with mild soap and water once or twice daily
- Use mild exfoliates and avoid abrasive cleansers
- Use an over-the-counter product containing salicylic acid
- Mild alcohol washes may produce similar effects to salicylic acid
The most important thing to remember about treating acne is to remember
to not pop or burst the blackheads, whiteheads or pustules without the
supervision of a physician. While a seeming relief, trauma to the pore
area can actually open it to infection by skin-based bacteria and further
outbreak of acne or scarring.
Washing with mild soap and drying the skin out may leave it feeling
a bit red and tender, while also a tightening effect is normal. Women
should use water-based cosmetics in favor of the oil based as well.
For moderate acne, these methods will help keep the skin supple, and
avoid aging and scarring.
If the acne is severe and doesn’t respond or the skin becomes
more inflamed and irritated, it is always best to consult a dermatologist.
Other Resources:
American Dermatology
Association
Acne.net
BringHealth.com
A
Guide to the Treatment of Acne
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