Coping with Acne and Spots
Acne and spots are some of the most common skincare problems that affect teenagers and indeed some adults. It most commonly appears at the ages of 13-14 years however adult onset acne can also be seen. A lot of you will suffer from acne throughout some stage in your lives especially during puberty however there are lots of things that you can do to take care of your skin to control your acne.
Why Do You Suffer From Acne?
Acne is a result of blockages in the pores in our skin usually at the opening of the hair follicles. In puberty there can be an increase in specific hormones that our bodies secret. This often results in an over production of sebum produced by the sebaceous glands in our skin. Sebum is a greasy oil-like substance that blocks the pores on the surface of the skin. The dead cells that line the hair follicles then clump together forming whiteheads and blackheads.
What Can You Do To Keep Your Skin Clear?
Although acne is primarily caused by underlying excessive hormone secretion there are lots of things you can do to help minimise these effects.
If possible try to avoid:
- Working with oils or grease
- Medicines that can aggravate acne (Talk to your doctor or pharmacist)
- Scratching or picking at the spots
- Excessive sweating
- Greasy foundation or excessive make up
On a daily basis you should:
- Cleanse your face each morning and night with water and/or a cleanser with a mild antiseptic
- Make sure that all washes or scrubs you use are oil free. You do not want to be adding excessive oil onto your skin
- Try and allow your skin to breathe although if you must wear make-up, make sure it’s oil free and remove make-up with a cleanser as soon as possible
- Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables
- Aim to drink up to 2 litres of water each day
Why Is Your Acne Getting Worse
Sometimes despite these measures you may have acne which is getting increasingly worse. Always remember not to aggravate your skin by excessive scrubbing or picking. If you find that your acne is getting worse you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about the treatments available. Treatments usually include oral hormones and oral or topical antibiotics. Your doctor may decide that you are suitable for one of these types of treatments. But remember you must always practice a good skincare routine to help make sure your skin is oil free every day.
For more advice on coping with acne or spots please drop into any Irwin’s Pharmacy in Cork or call us on 021 430 4165.
photo credit: Derek K. Miller via photopin cc