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subject: Preventing Acne... [print this page]

Acne is a common skin condition that almost everyone

experiences at some point in their lives.

While it is most common in teens and young adults,

over 80% experience at least some mild form of acne.

Most people outgrow their acne by their 20's, however,

some people, especially women can experience outbreaks

in their 40's.

Acne typically occurs on the face but is known to

also occur on the neck, chest, shoulders or back. It

shows up in the form of pimples, generally known

as whiteheads or blackheads. Large, deep pimples are

known as cystic lesions. These are painful lesions

in the pores, which can lead to scarring.

Elevated hormone levels, typically caused during puberty,

simulate sebaceous glands which produces sebum (or oil).

Sebum combines with dead skin cells forming a plug in the

skin's pores. Whiteheads and blackheads are clogged

pores. Cystic lesions on the other hand, are when bacteria

grows under the clogged pores with the mixture of sebum

and cells. This mixture can spread causing inflammation,

redness and pus.

Acne Treatments

While there is no cure for acne, there are a number of

treatments used to reduce or eliminate outbreaks and

hopefully prevent scarring.

- Benzoyl peroxide lotions often control mild acne and help

in preventing new outbreaks. If these treatments do not

work, a doctor can prescribe topical antibiotics to help

kill the bacteria.

- Moderate to severe acne can often be controlled by

combining topical benzoyl peroxide along with oral

antibiotics. The combination has an increased effectiveness

while decreasing the risk of developing bacteria that are

resistant to antibiotics.

- Acne with large painful cystic lesions might require a

prescription treatment of topical retinoid (vitamin A).

- Recently, light wave therapy which has been federally

approved, uses a narrow-band, high intensity blue light

to treat mild to moderate acne. It is primarily used for

conditions that have not responded to other treatments.

- Acne Prevention

It's difficult, at best, to prevent acne but there are several

things you can do at home to keep it from getting worse.

- Gently wash your face every day. Take care not to scrub

too hard or use scrubbing materials. Harsh scrubs can scratch

your pores making acne worse. Also do not wash too

often. Once or twice a day is generally sufficient.

-Avoid excessive sweating. Sweating can be hard to

avoid, however wash soon after participating in activities

that causes you to sweat.

- Wash your hair often if you hair is oily. Also try to keep

it off your face as much as possible.

- Avoid hair care products such as gels, mousses, cream

rinses or hair products that contain lots of oils. These can

actually make your acne worse.

- Use cosmetic products labeled noncomedogenic or oil-free.

also avoid shimmering facial colors. These can contain a flaky

mineral called mica that can cause skin irritations and clog

your pores.

- Use Sunscreens. Always use a sunscreen.

The sun is never good for your skin.

- Natural remedies are often great places to start followed by

a good, healthy diet. Your skin is your body's largest organ.

If what you eat is good for your body, it will be good for your

skin.

If acne persists and you are plagued by painful cystic

lesions, it's best to consult your physician.

by: vikashsurat

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