Acne, or in medical terms acne vulgaris, is every teenager’s worst nightmare. acne vulgaris translates to “common acne” which indicates the presence of whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed pimples. This skin problem kicks off during the puberty years when the body experiences several changes in preparation for adulthood. Hormonal levels fluctuate during these years and this indirectly causes acne vulgaris. Hormones cause an over production of oil in the sebaceous glands but this is not enough to cause acne vulgaris. The problem starts when oil combines with the dead skin cells from the lining of the hair follicle, blocking the pore opening and producing comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). To make matters worse, bacteria joins in and makes the comedones red and swollen, producing acne vulgaris.
acne vulgaris is very unappealing and this can make acne sufferers look down upon themselves. This is very crucial, especially for teenagers because they are at the stage at which appearance is very important. Throughout the world, acne vulgaris is one of the causes of teenage suicides.
Mild to moderate cases of acne vulgaris can be easily treated by some simple skin care regimens and over-the-counter medications. However, severe acne vulgaris may need to the knowledge and skills of a dermatologist. Here are some skin care tips and medications to help solve your problem with acne vulgaris.
Cleanse, tone, and moisturize.
Letting your skin shine uncontrollably is a major no-no. Wash your face with a mild cleanser but be careful to overdo it since excessive washing can dry out your skin, making sebaceous glands produce more oil and acne vulgaris. Washing your face two to three times a day is enough to remove excess oil and dirt.
Use a toner to control shine throughout the day. However, choose a product that does not contain alcohol as this can dry out your skin. People with acne vulgaris are wary about using moisturizers but even oily skin needs to be moisturized. Select moisturizers that are light and oil-free to prevent the formation of acne vulgaris. Also, read the label of all the products that you put on your skin, including your makeup and see to it that they are labeled ‘non-comedogenic’; this means that the products do not clog pores and cause acne vulgaris.
Mind your habits.
We usually fail to realize it but there are habits that contribute to the production of acne vulgaris. It has been said over and over again that we should avoid touching our face with our very dirty hands; doing so will only spread the bacteria and cause comedones to become inflamed. No matter how tempted you may be, do not pick your zits. This will cause deep scarring and may even cause infections since bacteria on our face may travel down to the blood stream. Also, use clean towels, bed sheets, and pillow cases.
Eat a balanced diet.
Just like other body parts, the skin needs nourishment and you can get these essential nutrients by eating the right foods at the right proportions. You need the right amount of fats to maintain the structure of the skin cells and the correct amount of vitamins and minerals to keep your skin healthy and radiant especially when you have skin problems such as acne vulgaris.
Exfoliate.
Using an exfoliant is necessary if you have acne vulgaris because clearly, your hair follicles produce so much dead skin cells. A gentle exfoliation will scrub away all these dead skin to reveal a smoother and glowing skin. Be sure to rub the exfoliant gently because most exfoliants already have a coarse texture and do this at most twice so as not to damage the face’s delicate skin.
Be cautious about using different anti-acne products all at once.
Benzoyl peroxide is a common product that can eliminate acne vulgaris by killing the bacteria present deep down the pores. Salicylic acid, on the other hand, removes the dead skin cells that are trapped inside the pores to prevent blockage. Clindamycin is an anti-bacterial product and sulfur works to dry out acne vulgaris. These are all effective to fight against acne vulgaris but please, do not use them all at once. You will be wreaking havoc on your skin. Try using moisturizers with tea tree oil; this product has anti-bacterial properties but also works to soothe the inflamed skin due to acne vulgaris.
It may seem like acne vulgaris is very difficult to treat but by following these simple tips, you will see that your skin will be clearer in no time.