Common Sense Acne Treatment
Author: Ted Curtis
Source: ezinearticles.com
We All Get Acne
We have all had it. Red, sore, oozing, tender, pock-marked blemishes on our face, neck, back and chest. Acne is the bane of almost all teenagers and many adults. Let’s face it, this is a condition that we could do without. Modern science has come up with some wonder drugs, namely Accutane and related products that may be prescribed for the most severe cases. But is there relief for milder outbreaks? You bet there is!
What the Heck is Acne?
Acne is a generic term for pimples whiteheads, blackheads, cysts and other skin blemishes that occur most commonly on the face and frequently on the back and chest. Technically, it is an infection that occurs when your sebaceous glands become clogged by nasty stuff like dead skin cells and undesirable oils. Sebaceous glands surround your hair follicles and are supposed to release a helpful oil called sebum that is beneficial to the health of your skin. When sebum cannot be released it backs up and becomes inflamed and infected. The plugged and infected pores become red and tender and, voila, there is your acne.
Who Gets Acne?
Almost everyone gets zits and pimples at one point in their life. Although facial blemishes predominantly affect adolescents and teenagers, about 20% of all cases occur in adults. Cases can be as mild as an occasional isolated pimple or as severe enough to cause deep permanent scarring.
Avoid Bad Oils
Undesirable oils are one reason your pores can get clogged. These oils can come from oil based cosmetics for the face and hair. They also come from cooking oil and grease that is contained in food products. You may want to consider putting the kibosh on fast food and cheese curls for awhile. To keep things short, pay close attention to the gunk you are slathering on your face and stuffing into your mouth.
Gently Clean Your Face
Cleaning your face is important, but don’t go crazy. Mild soaps are the way to go. Avoid harsh products that promise to rip away facial oils. Remember, your body produces oils that are beneficial to your skin and you want these oils to continue to flow through unclogged pores. Overzealous cleaning can irritate and damage the sebaceous glands that produce the good oils and make a bad situation even worse. The best washing strategy calls for gentle cleaning on a regular basis.
Refrain from Popping
No matter how much you want to, use some self control and do not pop your zits. In fact, do not even touch them. Your hands and fingers contain dirt, grime oil and other contaminants that will simply add to your facial blemish problem. Pimple popping may provide short term relief from the occasional whitehead, but in the long run you are more likely to cause damage to your glands by introducing infection.
Ask a Professional
Acne is a very real medical condition that affects everyone in a different manner. A lot of acne can be controlled using over-the-counter medications. You could try the “hit or miss” method or you could show a little common sense and visit a trained dermatologist. Remember, you can easily create a very bad situation explode on your face by using ill-advised products and treatments. You may be surprised at how wonderful a knowledgeable practitioner can be.
You Can Get Rid of Acne
Acne is a generic term used to describe pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, cysts and other skin blemishes. It is caused by clogged pores that get inflamed, impacted and infected. Proper skin care and gentle cleaning is the first line of defense against acne. Unnatural oils from cosmetics and foodstuffs should be avoided. Avoid touching your skin in acne affected areas and never pop your pimples. You should seriously consider consulting trained medical personnel if acne persists or becomes a serious problem.
Important Note:
Ted is Not a Doctor (and he doesn’t play one on TV)
Please know that I have no medical degree. All the suggestions made in this article are based on research of generic skin acne problems. You should be aware that every person has different conditions and you should consult trained medical personnel before you embark on any campaign acne treatment.
Ted Curtis writes Get Rid of it All. Ted treks around the globe accompanied only by his dog Skip and his trusty laptop. Read about Ted’s travels at Half of Nothing at All. Please visit Ted’s sites, learn something new, and be entertained and educated.
Cheers and happy traveling,
Ted