Do’s & Dont’s if you have ACNE

What is acne?

Acne is the most common skin condition wherein your skin pores get clogged with dead skin cells and excess of oil. Acnes are generally accompanied with inflammation at its origin site.  People in their puberty are often hit by this skin condition and it plays a detrimental role in reducing your self-esteem. Chronic kind of acne can also persist upto adulthood. Scientifically, acne is called acne vulgaris.

Signs and symptoms:

The signs and symptoms of this skin condition basically depends on its severity and how long you are suffering from it.

• Clogged pores (pimples/ blackheads/ whiteheads)
• Papules (raised lesions)
• Pustules (raised lesions with pus)
• Cysts (nodules filled with pus or fluid)

Most affected or suspected areas of acne include those parts where oil or sebaceous glands are high in number like face, upper part of chest, upper arm and back.

Causes of acne:

Genetics: It is the major of acne occurrence. This factor is the primary cause around 80% of the cases all over world.

Excessive oil production: Acne build up when base of the hair follicles get blocked due to dead skin cells and oil or sebum produced by the oil glands. So, excess of oil production simply blocks your pore and lets the dust and dirt settle onto it.

Bacteria: Our skin is already a home to numerous strains of bacteria. But few strains prove harmful for us. One such strain is Propionibacterium acnes which assists in development and spread of acne on other parts of skin.

Hormonal Changes: Excess production of a certain type of hormones like androgens promote acne development and spread making them worse with time if left untreated. Certain medical conditions like PCOS also tend to be the reason for acne. Pregnancy and onset of puberty also lead to a change in hormonal levels in both the sexes. Thus, these stages are generally accompanied by the eruption of different kinds of acne.

Menstruation, pollution, greasy cosmetics, medications that contain androgens and lithium, improper digestion are the other leading causes that promote acne development.

So the do’s and dont’s if you are suffering from acne:

1. Regular cleansing:

Cleanse your face with a face wash especially designed for controlling acne at least twice daily. But washing more than two times a day can lead to excess production of oil, thus promoting acne.

2. Toner:

Use a suitable toner according to your skin type because this will not only maintain your skin’s pH but also help you fight with developing bacteria and control excess sebum production.

Home-made toner made from Apple cider vinegar as the main constituent works good in reducing acnes.

3. Wash your Hands frequently:

Washing hands frequently with a mild soap specially before applying lotions or crèmes. This restricts the bacteria on your hands and prevents your skin from any further acne development.

4. Avoid sun exposure:

Excess sun exposure means more of harmful UV rays which not only lead excess sebum production but also it is difficult to maintain dirt-free face when you are sweating.

5. No touching:

Do not touch your face or your acne repeatedly. Touching your face with unwashed hands leads to spreading of bacteria to other parts of the face and other skin infections.

6. No squeezing

Avoid popping your acne, as it will result in the spread of that fluid to other parts of your face and acne prone area. Also, squeezing them will damage t your skin and you will end up with acne scars.

7. Lower your sugar or carbohydrate intake

Diet rich in carbohydrate has a direct effect on development and severity of acne. High intake of sugar leads to increased sebum production.

8. Reduce your intake of dairy foods

Reducing dietary intake of milk and other dairy foods makes your acne prone skin healthier.

9. Reduce Stress

Studies have proved higher levels of stress are correlated with increased severity of acne.

10. Take zinc supplement

Researchers have proved the link between lower levels of zinc and increased severity of acne in humans than those with clear skin. Oral intake of zinc supplements help in reducing your acne.

11. Do not share your make-up

One should try and avoid sharing make up items and brushes with other individuals so as to avoid getting infections from others or spreading your condition to others.

Snigdha

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