Acne is a skin condition characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, and pustules. These skin growths, commonly termed pimples, form whenever a pore becomes clogged with dirt and bacteria.
Once the pimple is ruptured, the debris from the clogged pore spreads to the surrounding area and causes inflammation.
What age group does Acne target?
While acne most frequently affects teenagers, it can also pop up in adults, especially women as they experience hormonal changes.
Teenagers are the hardest hit, primarily during the “hormonal” years but young women run a close second because they, too, go through so many periods of hormone fluctuations.
Birth control pills, menstruation, and pregnancy all contribute to the formation of acne in both young and middle-aged women.
How to avoid Acne problems
The best way to avoid acne problems is to keep your skin clean and free of sweat and perspiration. You should use a mild, non-drying soap (such as Dove) to cleanse your skin daily. Make-up should be removed from the face every night and if acne is present, a topical acne medication should be applied.
Keeping your hair clean is especially important for acne sufferers. Oil from your hair will get on your face, neck, and back and will contribute to breakouts. Shampoo hair on a daily basis and if it’s oily, keep it away from your face.
If you have acne-prone skin, keep your fingers and hands away from your face. Don’t be tempted to squeeze, scratch, or rub the pimples because they can easily become infected.
Instead, apply an over-the-counter acne medication containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to the affected areas. They will dry the oil and kill the bacteria, prompting your skin to heal.
Over-the-counter Acne Medications
There are many over-the-counter medications you can use to clear up your acne.
Different products work for different people so you will need to experiment to determine what works for you. These medications contain ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur.
If your acne does not clear up after using over-the-counter products, you may need to visit a dermatologist. He or she can prescribe different types of stronger medications to clear up your skin.
Prescription Acne Medications
Prescription medications used for acne include oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics, Retin-A, and Accutane. Accutane is a product you may want to avoid, however, because it carries severe, long-term side-effects.
Other Dermatological Acne Treatments
Other treatments your Dermatologist may recommend include birth control pills, chemical peels, dermabrasion, and other laser procedures.
Be forewarned, however, that Dermatologists are expensive and their procedures are often not covered by insurance policies.
The best way to avoid acne is not to get acne in the first place.
It is much easier to prevent than it is to treat.
If you are lucky enough not to have it, then take care of your entire body by getting enough sleep, watching your diet, exercising on a regular basis, avoiding excessive alcohol intake, resisting the urge to use tobacco products, and keeping yourself clean and sweat-free. A healthy body and lifestyle are important tools to use in the fight against acne or any other health concern.
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