Cutting Down on Acne Breakouts
Most people experience acne at some point in their lives. People tend to associate facial pimples with acne, but acne can also appear in the form of whiteheads and cysts. Many people experience acne breakouts on their backs, arms, faces, and other parts of their bodies. Mild acne outbreaks are very common. Many people frequently experience chronic and severe acne outbreaks.
The belief that acne is a teenage problem is a myth. While acne problems commonly begin during the teenage years, some people develop acne as adults. People who have oily skin tend to have the most severe problems with acne. Acne outbreaks are also tied to hormonal fluctuations associated with women’s menstrual cycles. Certain foods, such as chocolate, seem to trigger acne breakouts in some people.
Many people are tempted to squeeze or pick at acne breakouts, thinking they can make the affected areas go away by doing so. However, it is a bad idea to touch acne affected areas unless you are applying medication. Touching pimples or other acne breakouts can keep them from healing. Popping pimples can result in permanent acne scars that look much worse than the actual acne. Treating affected areas with appropriate skin care products is a preferable method of dealing with acne breakouts.
There are a variety of effective topical medications on the market that can effectively treat acne breakouts. The most common active ingredients in acne medications are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Formulas strong enough to treat most milder cases of acne are available over the counter. More intense treatments can be prescribed by dermatologists.
The best way to deal with an acne problem is proactively. People who are prone to acne can reduce the frequency and severity of their outbreaks by taking good care of their skin. People who have oily and/or acne prone skin should use a skin care system developed just for their skin type. As a minimum, they should use an oil-free cleanser and moisturizer at least twice every day. An astringent, or toner, is also beneficial to reduce oil build up in the pores.
Throughout the day, makeup, pollution, dirt, oil from your hands, and other environmental substances settle on your skin. Without proper cleansing, these substances clog pores and lead to acne breakouts. It is important to keep the pores clean and clear at all times to reduce likelihood of acne outbreaks. Remember that acne can occur all over the body, so showering or bathing regularly is just as important as facial cleansing.
It is also important to make sure that everything that comes in contact with your skin is clean. Transferred dirt can clog pores and lead to breakouts just as easily as environmental substances. Common culprits for acne breakouts are dirty sheets and pillow cases, and ill fitting clothing that traps perspiration next to your skin.
For many people, acne is a fact of life. However, by following a good hygiene routine and properly using skin care products designed to prevent and treat acne breakouts, you can keep your problems with acne to a minimum.
