Acne is a skin condition that causes pimples and spots on the face. A person can also get acne on the back, neck, shoulders, and upper arms. Pimples, blackheads, cysts, and whiteheads are the type of acne. Most people get acne problems during puberty. Acnes are not dangerous but can leave scars on your skin. Your skin faces acne problems when the sebaceous glands activate during puberty. Acne can be caused due to lots of reasons.
Your skin has pores that are connected to the oil glands. Follicles are small sacs that connect the glands to the pores. The glands produce oil that is known as sebum. This sebum carries dead skin cells to the skin surface. Skin hair goes through the follicle out of the surface. Pimples appear when the follicle gets blocked and oil builds up under your skin. Sebum, hair, and skin cells are stuck together and get infected with bacteria that result in pimples. You can also get acne problems due to the rise in androgen levels. Some other reasons behind acne can be cosmetic, menstruation, certain medications, or hormonal changes.
Treatment option for mild acne
You can treat your mild acne using OTC medications. Most of these medications are available in creams, gels, lotions, soap, etc. You can apply creams and lotions if you have sensitive skin. If you have oily skin, you can apply alcohol-based gels. These OTC have active ingredients like resorcinol, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, retin-A, azelaic acid, etc. Always start with the lowest strength. Applying these OTC can cause skin irritation, burning sensation, and redness. You can apply ice after cleaning the face. In case the skin is irritating a lot then see a doctor.
Treatment option for moderate to severe acne
Your dermatologist will prescribe you some gels or creams to treat the acne. But if the acne problem is not reduced with these gels or creams, he may suggest other medication. To treat an inflamed cyst, your dermatologist may use diluted corticosteroid. It speeds up healing time and prevents scarring. Your doctor may also suggest oral antibiotics. You have to take these medicines for around 4 to 6 months. These antibiotics help fight bacteria and reduce inflammation. If a woman is getting acne problems due to overactive glands then the doctor may prescribe oral contraceptives. But before taking these contraceptives, you should visit a gynecologist.
Homeopathy
Some natural medications are also available to treat acne issues. One of the best natural treatments is homeopathy. These medicines are fully safe and provide good results. Look for homeopathy doctors in New York and get the proper treatment. Common homeopathic remedies for acne problems are Pulsatilla, Silicea, Sulphur iodatum, etc.
Best ways to prevent acne breakdown
Wash your face twice a day
If you have oily skin and pimple breakouts often then you have to keep your face clean. Don’t forget to wash your face twice a day. When you wash the face in the evening, make sure you are removing all dust and makeup from the face. If you work outside or travel a lot, you need a good face wash that can clean and remove all dust particles from the face. Don’t wash the face more than twice a day unnecessarily, it can make the skin dry.
Use products depending on your skin type
Just because your sister is getting better results from a product doesn’t always work for you. Before applying any cosmetic or skincare product, know your skin type. Oily skin is more prone to acne. But people with any skin type can face acne issues.
Oily skin: Your skin looks shinier in the evening
Dry skin: Flaky and tight skin.
Sensitive skin: Often reacts to cosmetics and is prone to rashes and discoloration.
Combination: Oily skin on forehead, chin, and nose whereas other areas are dry.
Before you use any new product, check whether it is good for your skin type or not. If you have sensitive skin and you use a salicylic acid wash, your skin may start irritating and you can face more acne problems.
Stay hydrated
If you want to have clear skin, drink lots of water. When your body is dehydrated, your skin looks dull. Dehydration can also trigger oil glands and they start producing more oil. Due to excess oil, you will face acne breakdown. Once you start drinking water regularly, you will see a natural glow on your skin.
Limit your makeup
When a pimple appears, people often use makeup to cover it. But this can cause more damage to the skin. The pimple will take more time to heal or it may leave a scar. Use a good skincare routine for fast healing. If you have to apply makeup, go for non-comedogenic products that will cause less harm to the skin. Don’t forget to remove all makeup before going to bed.