Unlike other conditions, acne does not discriminate against its victims: people of all ages, cultures, and skin types can get acne. It is most common in adolescents and young adults. An estimated 80 percent of all people between the ages of 11 and 30 have acne outbreaks at some point. For most people, acne tends to go away by the time they have reached their thirties; however, some people in their forties and fifties continue to have this skin problem. If you are one of the millions of people who suffers from this condition, here are a few tips for getting rid of acne.
Tips For Getting Rid Of Acne
Treating Acne - Specific:
- Blackheads
Blackheads frequently need some form of topical vitamin A-containing ingredient for best results. Use products containing Synthetic Retinoids. They are derivatives of Vitamin A are indispensable in acne therapy. Sinthetic Retinoids help normalize the keratinization process (the shedding of dead skin cells). Topically they help eliminate blackheads, dry up excess oils and squelch papular and pustular acne. Recommended retinol products: Afirm , Afirm 3X, and
Topix Replenix Retinol Plus Smoothing Serum 3X .
- Whiteheads
Salicylic acid helps break down whiteheads and also helps cut down the shedding of cells lining the hair follicles. Recommended products: Murad Acne Complex Kit ,
Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Complete Acne Therapy System , and Olay Professional Pro X Clear Acne Protocol System .
- Cysts
Cysts respond best to pill therapy. However, if you are pregnant, nursing, or under 13, tetracycline based medications are off limits as they can permanently stain developing teeth and may affect bone growth. If you really need oral medication, it will usually be limited to those containing erythromycin.
Tips To Keeping Your Skin Acne Free - General:
- Avoid touching your face. When you touch your face, oil residue from your fingers are deposited on the skin. This can clog pores and may lead to breakouts.
- Keep your bangs off of your forehead. Just like your hands, your hair can deposit pore-clogging oils on the skin.
- Don't queeze, pinch or pick blemishes. This can lead to the development of scars or dark blotches and skin discoloration.
- Avoid sun/bed tanning. Although a tan may temporarily mask acne, tanning can make the skin dry and irritated, leading to future breakouts. Also be aware that many medications used to treat acne actually make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light.
- Don't scrub your face or have facials if you are acne prone. These actions will traumatize sebaceous glands and lead to further acne flare-ups. The key is to clean your skin gently. If you have acne, you should gently wash your face with a mild cleanser, once in the morning and once in the evening, as well as after heavy exercise. Wash your face from under the jaw to the hairline and be sure to thoroughly rinse your skin.
- Be consistent with your treatment as it will result in a better outcome. Allow at least 6-8 weeks for any new therapy to take effect before giving up on it.
- Don't apply your acne creams, lotions, etc. on heavily like a masque (unless it is one). There is no reason that your product needs to be seen in order to work.
- Avoid the use of heavy skin care products like cocoa butter, they will smother the skin and cause your acne to flare-up.
- Choose cosmetics carefully. All cosmetics, such as foundation, blush, eyeshadow, moisturizers, and hair-care products should be oil free. Choose products labeled noncomedogenic (meaning they don't promote the formation of clogged pores). In some people, however, even these products may make acne worse. Recommended Products: Bare Escentuals bareMinerals makeup.
- When you're home remove your make-up and let your skin breathe!
Acne is often seen as just a normal part of growing up, but many people don't realize the devastating effects that acne can have on a person's self-esteem and quality of life. There is no reason why a treatable skin condition should be left alone. Although mild cases of acne may be controlled with over-the-counter products, moderate and more severe acne (such as nodular or cystic acne) may need prescription medications that a dermatologist can provide for you. If you have acne that doesn't respond to over-the-counter treatment, please check with a board certified dermatologist.
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