Best Ways To Prevent Acne

Nearly all teenagers and youth have the common problem of acne. Our body produces the testosterone hormone when body hair starts to sprout. This is the adolescent period and is synonymous with acne. The sebaceous glands in the body produce sebum, an oily stuff, in reaction to testosterone. As a result, the tubes holding the hairs get partially blocked. This clogged skin pores lead to acne, pimples and blackheads. Acne treatment is time-consuming and depends on the skin types. It can be cured at home but the advice of a doctor or a dermatologist is necessary. Actually, preventing the formation of acne is the best way to treat it.

Don't be ashamed of acne or pimples. Thousands and thousands of teenagers everywhere get them. They are so common that people really don't go on noticing it on one's skin. Patience is the buzzword as treatments for acne take time to work. One must remember acne is not caused by dirt. So there is no use in trying to wash it away. Washing is necessary as it helps to remove excess oils and dead cell but too much of washing can over dry the skin. The skin needs to be cleaned gently. Gentle exfoliation, cleansing and toning help to keep it blemish-free. Non-oily moisturisers and toners can be used.

Acne tends to worsen before a menstrual cycle because of a surge in hormone levels. But that doesn't mean boys are spared. A hot and sweaty body because of indulging in lots of sporting activities makes acne worse. Remember to take a bath after exercising. Stress, mainly during exam times, leads to a breakout of acne among both boys and girls. Avoid the sun but be wary of using any kind of sun tan oil. Choose one which is oil-free. Face and other acne-prone areas need to be washed if they are sweaty or oily.

It is a myth that fried foods and chocolates cause acne. However, fried foods or too much of sweet stuff is never good for health. A balanced, healthy diet and lots of water are what is needed to keep the skin glowing. Nutrients like zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, selenium and chromium in the diet have a good effect on the skin and help to treat acne.

Blackheads and whiteheads need to be cleaned and it is best to opt for a professional beauty therapist. Oil-free foundations can be used to cover up the spots before heading for a party but the face needs to be thoroughly washed later on. One must take care to clean all make up tools regularly and avoid using the tools of others. Steaming the face over hot water under a wet towel or in a sauna to open the pores may help.

Avoid wearing tight clothes if you have acne on the chest or the back as rubbing can irritate the skin. Using 2% salicylic acid solution or 5% benzoyl peroxide solution everyday to cleanse the face can help to keep the pores open and reduce the break out of acne. Tea tree oil is an herbal alternative to benzoyl peroxide.

• Matt Thompson
• 08/05/2009, 2:59 PM
• 0 Comments