ACNE
(PIMPLES)
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.
Blackhead: Causes and
Remedy
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