Acne is a condition in which the pores of the skin become clogged. Dirt and bacteria are trapped in the pores due to excess oil produced by overactive oil glands. While clogged pores can happen to anyone, acne is typically considered a teenager condition.
While the areas of the body commonly affected by acne are the face and shoulders, it can actually happen on almost every area of the body. Excessive sweating, greasy cosmetics, hair products and lotions, stress and hormonal changes can bring on acne. Food was once thought to trigger breakouts, but it does not seem to be the case.
There are some self-care tips that can help to reduce acne’s effects.
· Wash the affected areas with a non-drying acne soap twice a day
· Remove makeup at end of every day
· Use shampoo every day and don’t allow conditioner to remain on skin
· Keep your hands away from your face
· Don’t pick at the pimples as this can lead to infection
· Don’t use greasy creams and lotions
Over-the-counter medications and treatments are available to help get acne under control. Benzoyl peroxide is a popular ingredient as well as salicylic acid and sulfur. These ingredients work to kill the bacteria in the pore and rid the skin of excess oil.
When OTC medications do not provide acceptable relief, ask your doctor about prescription medications that can be used to clear up troublesome acne. Oral and topical antibiotics are sometimes used to treat acne as well as Retin-A and Accutane. Women of childbearing age should be cautious about the use of some of these medications as they can lead to birth defects.
Cosmetic treatments of skin peeling and microdermabrasion might be suggested as a means of getting rid of the scars left behind from acne. Sun exposure has been shown to give a bit of relief of the symptoms of acne, but too much exposure to ultraviolet rays can be dangerous.
While the areas of the body commonly affected by acne are the face and shoulders, it can actually happen on almost every area of the body. Excessive sweating, greasy cosmetics, hair products and lotions, stress and hormonal changes can bring on acne. Food was once thought to trigger breakouts, but it does not seem to be the case.
There are some self-care tips that can help to reduce acne’s effects.
· Wash the affected areas with a non-drying acne soap twice a day
· Remove makeup at end of every day
· Use shampoo every day and don’t allow conditioner to remain on skin
· Keep your hands away from your face
· Don’t pick at the pimples as this can lead to infection
· Don’t use greasy creams and lotions
Over-the-counter medications and treatments are available to help get acne under control. Benzoyl peroxide is a popular ingredient as well as salicylic acid and sulfur. These ingredients work to kill the bacteria in the pore and rid the skin of excess oil.
When OTC medications do not provide acceptable relief, ask your doctor about prescription medications that can be used to clear up troublesome acne. Oral and topical antibiotics are sometimes used to treat acne as well as Retin-A and Accutane. Women of childbearing age should be cautious about the use of some of these medications as they can lead to birth defects.
Cosmetic treatments of skin peeling and microdermabrasion might be suggested as a means of getting rid of the scars left behind from acne. Sun exposure has been shown to give a bit of relief of the symptoms of acne, but too much exposure to ultraviolet rays can be dangerous.