Table of Contents
What Is Acne?
Acne is called “common acne” sometimes. This is because nearly everyone suffers from a pimple outbreak at some point in life. In the latter part of this article, we would talk about Acne Symptoms.
An Acne starts when greasy secretions from the skin’s oil glands plug the tiny openings for hair follicles. If these openings are large, the clogs take the form of blackheads. These blackheads are small, flat spots with dark centers. Then, if the openings are small, the clogs take the form of whiteheads. These whiteheads are small, flesh-colored bumps. Both of them can develop into swollen, tender inflammations or pimples or deeper lumps or nodules. Nodules associated with serious acne cases are strong swellings under the skin’s surface that become inflamed, tender, and sometimes infected.
Even though acne is still largely a curse of adolescence, approximately 20% of all cases occur in adults. Acne usually begins during puberty, between the ages of 10 and 13 and tends to be worse in people with oily skin. Usually, teenage acne lasts for five to ten years, normally going away during the early 20s. It occurs in both sexes. However, boys tend to have the most severe cases in their teen age. Also, women are more likely than men to have mild to moderate forms into their 30s and beyond.
Causes of Acne
Before we go on to share some of the Acne Symptoms, let’s talk about some of the causes. The causes of acne are not fully understood yet. Even though stress can worsen acne, it clearly does not cause it. Some of the causes of Acne are:
#1. Hormones
Common acne in teenagers begins with an increase in the production of hormones. Both boys and girls produce high levels of androgens during puberty, including the male sex hormones that include testosterone. Testosterone gives signals to the body to produce more sebum. Sebum is the oil produced in the skin’s oil glands.
#2. Bacteria
Acne Symptoms
In this part of this article, we will talk about some Acne Symptoms.
The first of the Acne symptoms we will look at is persistent, recurrent red spots or swelling on the skin. Generally, we know them as pimples. This swelling might become inflamed and filled with pus. Furthermore, they usually appear on the face, chest, neck, upper portion of the back or shoulders.
The next on our list of Acne symptoms are Blackheads. These are dark spots that have open pores at the center.
Whiteheads are also Acne symptoms. They are tiny white bumps beneath the skin that have no obvious opening.
Red swellings or lumps (known as papules) that are visibly filled with pus are also Acne symptoms.
Lastly, nodules or lumps under the skin that are inflamed, fluid-filled, and often tender are Acne symptoms as well. These nodules might become as large as an inch across later on.
Tips For Preventing Acne
Now that we have talked about the causes and symptoms of Acne, let’s talk about how we can prevent it. Here are some tips for preventing acne:
1. Keep Your Face Clean
Washing your face twice daily to remove impurities, dead skin cells, and extra oil from your skin’s surface whether you have acne or not is important. Washing more often than twice daily is necessarily not better as it might do more harm than good. Use warm water and a mild facial cleanser. Using harsh soaps like deodorant body soaps can hurt already inflamed skin and lead to more irritation.
Furthermore, avoid scrubbing your skin harshly with an exfoliating glove, a washcloth, or loofah (a coarse-textured sponge). Gently wash it with either your hands or a very soft cloth. Rinse well always, and dry your face with a clean towel. After use, toss the towel into the laundry hamper. This is because dirty towels spread bacteria. Additionally, use the washcloth only once.
2. Moisturize
A lot of acne products contain ingredients that dry up the skin. Hence, always use moisturizers that minimize dryness and skin peeling.
Again, look for “noncomedogenic” on the label, which means it should not cause acne. Additionally, there are moisturizers made for oily, dry, or combination skin.
3. Use Over-the-Counter Acne Products
To start with, you don’t need a prescription to use these acne products. A lot of them have ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, or lactic acid, which curb bacteria and make your skin dry.
Also, they may dry or peel your skin so begin with a little amount first. After a while, you can adjust how much you use and how often.
In addition, another option is the new OTC topical retinoid gel (Differin 0.1% gel). It actually works to keep the acne from forming. Carefully use these products if you have sensitive skin.
4. Use Makeup Less Often
During a breakout, try not to wear foundation, powder, or blush. However, if you wear makeup, wash it off at the end of the day. If you can, use oil-free cosmetics without added dyes and chemicals.
Furthermore, choose makeup products labeled as “noncomedogenic,” meaning it should not cause acne. Carefully read the ingredients list on the product label before purchase.
5. Don’t Put Just Anything On Your Hair
6. Keep Your Hands Off Your Face
To begin with, avoid touching your face or propping your cheek or chin with your hands. This is because it cannot only spread bacteria, but you can also irritate the already inflamed facial skin.
Furthermore, do not pick or pop pimples with your fingers, as it can cause infection and scarring.
7. Reduce Your Exposure to Sunlight
The ultraviolet rays of the sun can increase inflammation and redness. It can also cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark discoloration). Some medications for acne might make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Reduce the time you spend in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Also, wear protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts, pants, and broad-brimmed hats.
Whether you have pimples or not, apply SPF 30 or higher and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with 6% zinc oxide or higher at least 20 minutes before sun exposure always.
Look out for “noncomedogenic” on the sunscreen product label to reduce the chances of new pimples. Lastly, read the ingredients on the product label to know exactly what you’re putting on your skin.
8. Feed Your Skin Well
A lot of experts agree that certain foods, like chocolate, do not cause pimples. Still, it is wise to avoid greasy food and junk food and add more vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole grains to your diet.
Also, dairy products and foods high in processed sugar might trigger acne. Hence, try to avoid them.
9. Engage In Exercise Daily
Exercising regularly is good for your whole body, including your skin. During exercise, try not to wear clothing or use exercise equipment that rubs your skin as it might cause irritation. Make sure you shower or bathe immediately after you exercise.
10. Chill
There are studies that connect stress with the severity of pimples or acne. Check yourself well to discover what’s making you feel stressed and look for solutions.
If there are any doubts, check with a dermatologist to see if you need more treatment to prevent or stop acne.
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Regards,
Just Health Care Tips.
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