Acne is nothing but outbreak of pimples, black heads, white heads or boils. This is actually linked to too much sebum (the oil that keeps the skin moist). Sebum can plug a hair follicle, forming a black head or white head. A bacterium that grows behind this plug is called a pimple. Acne is more common among teenagers, but anyone at any age can get them too.
Causes of acne:
- If you have family history of acne
- If your male hormones increase chiefly during puberty
- If you take drugs such as lithium or corticosteroids
- If you use creams, oils, makeup, or other products that block the skin's pores
- If you are a woman, they can occur when you undergo hormonal changes from the menstruation periods, pregnancy or the pills
- Stress, poor cleaning habits and bad diet may not cause acne but they can make the already existing ones worse
Symptoms:
- Ongoing outbreaks of reddish blemishes on the face and sometimes on the ches, shoulders, neck, upper back, or buttocks
- Spots that have a dark, open center (blackheads)
- Bumps under the skin (whiteheads)
- Whiteheads that rupture (pimples)
- Boil like lumps (nodules)
Prevention:
- Because genetics and hormones are the factors in acne, doctors believe you cant prevent it
Cure:
- Wash the affected area twice a day with a mild scent free soap.
- Don't wash too often, this can make the acne worse
- Shampoo your hair often. Oily hair can make acne worse. Keep long hait off your face and shoulders
- Shave as seldom as possible. Men with pimples should avoid nicking pimples. Always use a fresh blade to shave
- Use hypoallergenic, scent free makeup. Make sure you remove all the makeup before going to bed
- Try an over the counter treatment with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid
- After exercising wipe off the sweat with a moist towel, or take a shower or bath. Do the same if you sweat a lot during a day
- Wear a sunscreen, by choosing one carefully. If you have an oily skin then sunscreens with coconut oil and cocoa butter can make them worse
- Don't rest your face in your hands while reading, working, or watching TV
- Avoid contact of the phone against the cheek. Try cleaning the receiver often
- Don't pop, pick, scratch or squeeze the pimples. This can lead to scars
Why you need home remedies for Acne
- If your acne doesn't get better after 2 to 3 months of over the counter treatments
- If you have many pimples, if your acne makes you shy or ashamed, or or if you have signs of scarring
- If you think you may have Rosacea (a rash around the cheeks and nose)
