What Your Acne Does Not Tell You
What to Do if I Have Acne
First and foremost, it is important to understand that acne is a common skin condition. Most people have acne, which also frequently occurs during our teenage phase. Here are some helpful information to know why does this occur and how can it be managed.
Understanding your acne and pimples
Acne is caused when you have overactive glands. These glands produce an oil-like substance known as sebum. While we all have active glands, they are often over-activated during our teenage years which can cause the sebum to clog your hair follicles and cause inflammation, which shows up as pimples. While you can have acne anywhere, it is most common for acne to show up on the face, neck, back, and upper chest.
Common causes of acne
You often notice acne during your teenage years, which this is the time that your body will undergo hormonal changes which can often result in acne. Furthermore, if you are a lady and have begun your period, you realise that breakouts tend to occur at the beginning of your period cycle.
Acne can also be caused by high stress levels, along with the type of foods that you may be eating. In some people, acne can result from our favourite high fats and sugar foods. If you are currently taking certain medications such as steroids, or using oil-based products on your skin, this can also contribute to worsening acne.
How do I make acne go away?
Don’t experiment with your skin! Although home remedies such as toothpastes or other similar products are found online, these are often not intended for use on your skin. Fortunately, there are proper treatments available for acne that does the job without causing your skin to be significantly damaged afterwards.
Untreated acne can also lead to scarring over time, so it is important to find the right solution which depends on the severity of your acne.
- Mild acne: You can try topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics or Vitamin A cream.
- Moderate to severe acne: Your best option would be to take oral medication, but speak to your doctor to determine which option works best for you. He or she may recommend antibiotics, oral contraceptives, or isotretinoin.
Ways to prevent or reduce acne outbreaks
It is possible to reduce outbreaks with some of these simple lifestyle changes.
- Practice good skincare habits such as washing, moisturising and protecting your skin with sunscreen. These essential steps make up the foundation of taking care of your skin.
- When it comes to skincare, choose non-comedogenic products and pick products that are dermatologist-recommended. Do some research and pick the right products.
- Wash your face twice a day using a gentle face wash and make sure that you use water or lotion-based moisturisers.
- Finally, it is recommended to pick a sunscreen that provides SPF of at least 40.
- Follow a balanced diet that is low in fat and added sugars can be beneficial for your skin.
If you experience flare-ups every now and then, avoid picking or squeezing the area, which can lead to more scarring down the road. You may also share with your doctor about your current medications or existing skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, which may be contributing to your acne.
Any hormonal pills, steroids, thyroid, or mood-stabilizing medication can worsen your acne, so be sure to review any of these medications with your doctor.
Keeping clear long-term
Acne can be embarrassing and frustrating, but don’t give up just yet. With proper treatment and the right lifestyle measures, you can always minimise these unfriendly breakouts and enjoy the clear and healthy skin that you deserve.
References
- Tan, A. U., Schlosser, B. J., & Paller, A. S. (2017). A review of diagnosis and treatment of acne in adult female patients. International journal of women’s dermatology, 4(2), 56–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.10.006
- Baldwin H. (2020). Oral Antibiotic Treatment Options for Acne Vulgaris. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 13(9), 26–32.
Reach Out To Us!