All You Need to Know about Acne and How to Treat It

Having acne is such a bummer. It doesn’t just ruin a supposedly flawless face, it can also hurt like hell too. Even one zit is enough to make girls panic. Can you imagine having the worst case of acne? Sounds like a nightmare right?

Acne vulgaris, the medical terminology for acne, is, in fact, the most common skin disease. This usually occurs during puberty when the sebaceous glands are being affected by increased levels of estrogens, causing them to produce sebum. To explain further, the skin cells, hair, and sebum cluster together into a single lump, and this lump gets infected with bacteria which causes swelling. A pimple begins to form once the lump breaks down.

Though the most accurate cause of acne is unknown, there are still several factors that can cause acne which are:

Age

Acne is at its worst during adolescence mainly because of the hormonal changes that teenagers experience. Research says that boys develop acne more often compared to girls. However, acne for girls run the risk of an acne outburst several times in life like before or during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopausal stage (lucky for you boys out there).

Personal Hygiene

Though it’s common knowledge that you need to observe proper hygiene which is good for your health (and the one sitting next to you), there are some who tend to take their hygiene for granted. There are also those who have sensitive skin and are prone to skin problems so they have to take extra care of their skin. Apart from bad hygiene, picking pimples also make it worse.

Dermatologists have been consistent in saying that one should avoid touching the face to prevent acne and avoid it from worsening. More so, when you have zits, pimples, or acne as the risk of spreading the infection is higher.

Cosmetics

There are certain cosmetics that contain harmful chemicals. Oil-based makeup can be harmful to the skin. Some cosmetics also contain comedogenic ingredients that can cause or make acne worse.

Environment

The air we breathe doesn’t just get into our system, it gets into our skin too. Chemicals and pollutants in the air can also skin acne. So, make sure you keep your self away from that dust and pollution as much as possible.

Lack of Sleep and Stress

There is truth in the saying, you need to get your dose of “beauty sleep.” Having the right amount of sleep is good not just to make your body healthy, but to make you look beautiful too. Not getting enough sleep, worrying too much, and mentally draining yourself may cause acne.

Acne may not be life-threatening, but every one of us wants clear and glowing skin. It can cause scars that can make one look unattractive. Just as it’s important to keep a healthy mind and body, having good self-esteem is just as important.

If you have acne and you want to get rid of it, here are a few tips and medications that can help you:

Keep Your Hands Off Your Face

The hands are the dirtiest part of the body, second to the mouth. If you want to have an acne-free face, avoid touching your face too often. It’s also a good idea to always bring a sanitizer with you. Just like what Ari said, keep your hands to yourself (but away from your face please!)

Benzoyl Peroxide

This is an over the counter drug (meaning, no prescription needed) and is effective in getting rid of bacteria. Benzoyl Peroxide is also a much affordable option for those who can’t afford expensive skincare.

Go Natural

There are many natural products that are good for the skin. Tomato, for example, helps you achieve clearer and brighter skin. An egg is also a perfect alternative for expensive facial masks being sold in the market.

There are also skin products that are made of natural oils such as tea tree oil facial cleansers. These are not harmful since they contain fewer chemicals that may cause or worsen your acne.

Embrace an Acne Remedy Routine

It’s very essential to follow and stick to a routine in treating acne. Achieving that flawless face you dream of is possible, you just need to stick to your regimen diligently. 

Consult a Dermatologist

Dermatologists are there to help with skin problems. If your acne gets worse, there’s no shame in going to your trusted dermatologist. He will give you advice and prescribe medication if needed.

We all want to look good – both inside and out. That’s why it’s important that we take care of our skin. But if these little nuisances start to appear and take residence on what used to be your flawless face, don’t think it’s the end of the world just yet. There are ways you can treat acne. You just need to stick to your routine and you can achieve that beautiful, acne-free face.