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One of the most common problems for skin is acne. It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes spots and pimples, especially on the face, shoulders, back, neck, chest, and upper arms.
Acne is not a dangerous condition, although it can leave skin scars which are usually everyone’s main concern. It’s very common as it affects 3 in every 4 people aged 11 to 30 years.
There are several types of acne. The mildest form is the most common, and it presents as small whiteheads and blackheads on the skin. More severe forms have pustules, nodules, and cysts; they are relatively uncommon but tend to leave scars.
Causes of Acne
- Clogged pores
- Hormonal changes
- Wrong lifestyle
- Unhealthy diet
- Environment change
- Using the wrong cosmetics
- Genetics
- Stress
Tips for Dealing with Acne
- Wash your face gently twice a day using a cleanser suitable for your skin type
- Moisturize your skin after washing it
- Use oil-free products
- Change your diet! Avoid greasy foods, chocolate, pickles, and processed foods. Increase your intake of foods containing omega-3 because it reduces inflammation. Omega-3 is found in salmon, sunflower seeds, and almonds. On the other hand, zinc can form a welcoming environment for acne-causing bacteria, so avoid peanuts and pumpkin seeds.
- Drink lots of water
- Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and use sunscreen
- Exfoliate once a week
- Remove any makeup before going to bed
- Avoid touching your face during the day
- Avoid sharing makeup or skin tools, like brushes and face towels
- Wash your pillowcase regularly
- Avoid consuming alcohol and quit smoking
- Get enough sleep
- Relax! Take a bath, do yoga or read a book
Dealing with Acne
There are many products targeted to treat acne and most of them are creams and topical ointments. Medications taken orally to treat acne are usually for those people who have severe forms and those who have scars.
Some topical creams include:
- Antibiotics
- Isotretinoin
- Resorcinol – helps break down blackhead and whiteheads
- Benzoyl Peroxide – kills bacteria, accelerates the regeneration of skin, and slows down the production of sebum
- Salicylic Acid – assists the breakdown of blackhead and whiteheads and helps reduce swelling and redness
- Retin-A: helps unblock pores through increasing cell turnover
- Azelaic Acid – stops sebum eruptions and reduces bacterial growth
The modern revolution in cosmetics and skincare resulted in many new methods being used to treat acne. Many doctors now use certain types of laser treatments for acne, others find it helpful to use chemical peels or microdermabrasion. Although these options are relatively new and their effectiveness has not been fully reported, many dermatologists are seeing excellent results on their patients.
Although acne is a very common problem, we still recommend you see a dermatologist to treat it. However, you can always use everything in this article to help prevent a breakout.
Resources:
http://www.alayam.com/online/health/623879/News.html
https://www.healthline.com/health/blackheads
https://www.bioclarity.com/pages/what-are-whiteheads
https://www.verywellhealth.com/papule-definition-of-an-acne-papule-15541
https://www.healthline.com/symptom/pustule
https://www.verywellhealth.com/nodular-acne-15817