Acne is a common problem faced by almost all teen-agers and youth. What is
acne and why do we get them. Acne is actually caused because of hormone
imbalance. Your skin breaks out because of a hormone called testosterone.
Both men and women have testosterone in
their systems. In fact, did you
know that in order to make testosterone, boys bodies have to make female
hormones first? If you have acne, you haven't got abnormal levels of
testosterone. You've got skin that reacts abnormally to this hormone. You
start producing testosterone around the time you start sprouting body
hair. Testosterone tells glands in your skin, called sebaceous glands, to
produce oily stuff called sebum. To add to the problem the inside of the
tubes that hold each hair become gummy and get partially blocked - giving
you blackheads. Put together if sebum blocks the tubes --- you have big
acne.
So go to your pharmacist or doctor to get your acne treated. Here are a
few tips that will help you know how to treat acne at home.
1. If you have red angry looking acne, don't touch it. If you
squeeze now, all you'll do is force the contents deeper into the skin that
will make matters worst. And all you'll end up with is redder, angrier
acne than you had before. Don't do it.
2. If you have a yellow custard top? Go for it. These beauties CAN
be squeezed but there's an art to it. Here's how. Wash your hands
thoroughly to avoid trouble and infection. Put a tissue over your finger.
Why? Because you want the contents of the spot on the tissue, not
splattered all over the mirror. Using the side of your thumb and the end
of your finger, very gently start to squeeze. Don't whatever you do, use
your nails as this will damage your skin. Stop when you're applying a lot
of pressure and nothing is happening and you see clear fluid, rather than
yellow grotty stuff and the spot begins to bleed. When you've finished dab
it with antiseptic. Once the custard bit is out, the spot will heal more
quickly than an unsqueezed yellow top would, providing that you now leave
it well alone. Now wash your hands again.
3. Whiteheads and blackheads. If acne is left untreated they may
cause this problem. Here the rule is if they're black, squeeze but if
they're small, white raised lumps leave them alone. All that stuff about
clean hands, tissues and stopping if nothing is happening or you see
blood, apply here too.
Tips for acne
treatment
1. DON'T TRY TO WASH IT AWAY
Acne isn't caused by dirt. In fact people with oily skin have cleaner skin
than average because they wash it more often. But it's a fact that washing
too much can make acne worse because it makes the skin dry and sore. So,
wash no more than twice a day, using mild soap and water. If you have
patches of dry skin, don't worry about putting moisturizer on. It won't
make your acne worse. If you're still concerned, use an oil free
moisturizer.
2. DON'T NUKE 'EM
There are lots of over the counter creams, gels, lotions and potions. Most
contain a powerful bleaching agent called benzoyl peroxide. You'll find
the strength written on the label. You might be tempted to go straight for
the highest sort, working on the 'let's nuke 'em principle. The likely
result is that you'll irritate your skin like mad. It may also go all dry
and scaly on you. But if you still are willing to bleach then use the mild
one.
3. MAKE A DATE - THE TWO MONTH RULE
If you have been using over the counter remedies for two months and there
is no real improvement in your spots, this is the moment to go and make an
appointment with your doc.
4. YOUR DOCTOR - THE TWO MONTH RULE
The thing you are most likely to be given by the doctor is a prescription
for antibiotics. These will either be topical (which means something you
put on your skin) or tablets you have to take every day. Whatever
treatment your doctor or pharmacist recommends, follow the instructions
carefully and keep using for at least two months. There should be a
noticeable improvement by this time. If not, go back to discuss other
possible treatments Antibiotics are perfectly safe to take. You should
take them for at least two months and then go back to your doc. If they
seem to be working, he will probably tell you to keep taking them and give
you some more. If they aren't doing their stuff, don't despair - he has
loads of other spot busters in his black bag.
5. YOU ARE NOT AN ALIEN - BUT JUST BE PATIENT
Hundreds of thousands of teenagers seek help for acne. You are not alone.
You are not an alien. And if people really care about you, they don't even
notice your acne, however bad you think they are. But you will need to be
patient. Most treatments take time to work. At least two months. And some
treatments, like antibiotics will work well but may have to be taken for
months, or even years.
6. THE MONTHLY CURSE... OR EXAMS
Acne does tend to get worse just before a period. It's because there is a
surge in hormone levels at this time. But boys don't get away lightly
either. Being hot and sweaty (particularly after sports like football)
makes acne worse. And for everyone, stress - particularly at exam times -
is a cue for a mega breakout. This is normal - and of course, even more
reason for feeling stressed. Go chill. They'll get better - promise.
7. WATCH WHAT YOU PUT ON YOUR SKIN AND HAIR
Some beauty products are big no-nos. These include pomades and defrizzing
agents for hair that tend to cause an outcrop of blackheads along the
hairline and some of the heavier cosmetics. And be wary of suntan oils.
Not all will make you break out, but some may. Try a friend's first before
you buy. By the way, the sun might dry up acne and a tan might hide them,
but your skin is still vulnerable in the sun and needs protection.
8. CARRY ON KISSING
You can't catch acne during kissing - go for it!
9. CARRY ON EATING CHOCOLATE
It's a myth that eating chocolate and fried foods causes acne. However,
eating a good diet improves your general well-being and this is reflected
in your skin.
Common Questions asked about acne problem
Does wearing make up cause acne?
It is not necessary that wearing make up causes acne. Acne is caused
because of hormonal imbalance mostly during puberty. But you have to take
special care while you apply make up and thereafter if you have acne. Make
sure you wash any make up tools, including sponges and brushes as often as
possible as these become a breeding ground for bugs which can cause your
spots to pop up. Stop wearing make up if you have too many spots and you
can resume after you have treated them. Don't forget to clean the make up
after you come home and and make sure you cleanse your face properly each
night.
Do skin toner and moisturizer cure acne?
One thing that you need to know is acne is not caused by dirt, so no
amount of cleaning and toning is going to get rid of them. So for treating
acne you must consult your doctor and eat lots of healthy food and drink
lots of water. That is the natural way to keep you face spot free.
Is it ok to do facial?
It can be a real treat to have the facial done, as
they can be very relaxing and make you feel properly pampered. However,
you should be aware that they should not be used to help 'treat' spots, as
this can be quite dangerous if the beauty therapist is not trained.
Sometimes a beauty therapist will also squeeze out any spots and
blackheads that if it's not done properly, may cause a bigger problem than
before.
What is the best way to cover up spots?
Foundation is okay to use and may give you more
confidence if you've got a hot date, but remember to look for oil-free
one. Whatever you use to put on your skin, wash your hands or sponge
before applying foundation.
