How Can Teenagers Prevent Acne Breakouts
What Causes Acne?
Contrary
to common beliefs, dirt isn’t the cause of acne.
Instead, they are products of overactive oil glands on the skin where a
combination of dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells accumulate causing the pores
of the skin to inflame. It is common among teens as people on the stage of
puberty have active sebaceous glands as stimulated by the hormones of both
sexes. Additionally, acne can be genetic, so if some family members have it, it
is more likely one will suffer the same acne issues.
Though acne isn’t dangerous, it can leave unsightly scars on the face.
Generally considered a bump on the skin, acne comes in different types-
blackheads, pimples or whiteheads. If the pores get clogged with some parts
bulging up from the skin, you would get whiteheads. If the pores were left open,
exposing the top surface that will later darken with the accumulation of dirt,
you have blackheads. Additionally, when your pores are open, bacteria, oil, and
dead skin cells get deeper into the skin and cause bumps that may be red or
pus-filled, then you have pimples. The presence of pus means there is bacterial
reactions. Teens have a pretty good chance to get acne. In fact, 8 out 10 teens
do, not to mention a number of adults suffering the same, are facing acne
problems. The acne prone areas of the body include the face, chest, back,
shoulder and the neck.
How to Prevent Acne Breakouts
There is no absolute way to prevent breakouts as they may be genetic in
nature. However, there are practices that help reduce the frequency and severity
of this unwanted skin trouble.
1. Clean your face.
Not having acne isn’t an excuse for you to neglect your
facial
cleanliness. It is essential to wash the face twice a day to remove dirt, extra
oil and other impurities that have found their way to your face during the
entire course of the day. I said twice as overdoing it can do harm rather than
help you. Similarly, avoid using harsh soap or scrub your face with coarse
sponges or wash cloth. They are known to hurt the skin and peel off the dermis
making it appear even more inflamed. Instead, use a mild soap or facial cleanser
with lukewarm water. Be sure to dry your face with a clean towel as dirty ones
have already served nest to bacteria.
2. Nourish your face with moisturizer. Having a clean face alone won’t keep
acne out. Washing would leave the face dry, in the same manner that products we
apply to our faces do. After washing and cleansing the face, use moisturizers to
lessen dryness and peeling. Choose the right kind of moisturizers by reading the
specifications. Settle for the ones that are noncomedogenic as it means these
are the ones that won’t clog the pores. An unclogged pore means no acne
breakout. Equally important, choose the right product for your skin type. There
are certain moisturizers made for oily, normal, dry, or combination skin.
3. Keep hands clean. Often, we blame facial products or skin types for acne
breakouts, but we don’t seem to notice how many times we have caressed our faces
with a dirty hand. The hands are the most utilized part of the body, and that
means, it carries with it different types of dirt. If we have the habit of
touching the face with our hands, we are increasing the possibility of
developing acne by implanting bacteria from our palms. Moreover, keep hands off
the face and avoid popping pimples. This contributes to more irritation and
inflammation, even scarring. No matter how tempted you are to see the bumps go,
never attempt to prick blackheads, whiteheads and pimples.
4. Choose safe hair products.
Yes! I am talking about your crowning glory. Our hair gets to touch the face
anytime, and chemicals from strong shampoo, conditioner and fragrances, setting
creams or gel can stick to the face and clog our pores. When already have acne
breakouts, this can lead to further irritation. Wash your hair regularly as oily
ones can add oil to the face. If sporting bangs, make sure to keep that portion
free from oil as it may trigger more breakouts on the surrounding areas. If you
have a long or
frizzy hair, pull it away from
the face with a clip or a ponytail.
5. Limit sun exposure.
Sun exposure in right amounts can actually help prevent breakouts. Additionally,
vitamin D that is obtained from sunlight can
do us a world of good for controlling acne. However, the damaging ultraviolet
rays of the sun not only burn
the skin but triggers acne breakouts. Avoid going out in the sun at midday as
the rays may increase inflammation. In like manner, many medications for acne
make the skin extra sensitive to sunlight. Whether you have breakout issues or
not, always apply sunscreen to your face before going out in the sun.
6. Wear less makeup.
When having breakouts, we do have this love-hate thing with our
makeup. Generally,
we rely on our trusted brands to cover up our imperfections, and boost
confidence, but in some ways, it triggers the appearance of more blemishes we
wish to conceal. During breakouts, it is advisable to avoid wearing foundation
or blush. If we must, products should be noncomedogenic and mild. Additionally,
make up applicators should be kept clean to avoid bacteria growth. Be sure to
wash the face thoroughly but gently at the end of the day. When having issues
with acne, it is best to go bare.
7. Sweat it out. Stretching your body is not only good for your muscles and
bones, it can foster healthy skin. When we exercise, sweating actually helps
clear out the pores where bacteria can grow. It is like purifying your skin from
within as it cleanses and filter the pores. Additionally, exercise can help
bring back the natural rhythm of the body and lessen the secretion of hormones
that cause acne breakouts. This activity also releases endorphins that take away
stress. Less stress means less pimples. It is wise to remember, however, that
unwashed sweat can clog pores and cause acne, so be sure to shower after
exercising.
8. Eat well.
You are what you eat. Researchers agreed that certain
foods can trigger outbreaks. When having problems with acne, limit your sweet and carb intake. Glycemic
foods can double the possibility of you developing acne or increase the
inflammation of what you already have on your face or other body parts. These
foods include ones made from high white flour like bread, pasta, or crackers.
Candy, soda or juices can also increase blood sugar that stimulates the
production of hormones causing acne. It is sensible to limit what is unhealthy
for the skin and eat non-greasy food, especially
fruits
like strawberries,
whole grains and vegetables.
9. Unwind. Our parents, friends, school, or relationships are just some of
the things that cause stress. We face stressful situations on a regular basis.
Other than the major effects of stress to our physical, emotional, and mental
health, it can show up on our skin, and acne is one of them. When we are
stressed, our brain recognizes the feeling and cause the body to release cortisol,
a stress hormone which in turn harden the hair follicles of the skin, causing
acne breakouts. As bacteria get trapped, pimples appear. When feeling down,
relax and
do things that relieve your stress. You can hang out with friends, watch a
movie, or go on a weekend vacation. Don’t let stress take its toll on you!
Laser Acne Treatment:
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10. Check out some over-the-counter products. Acne of general types does not
need prescription drugs. Do your research on the effective remedies for acne
based on your specific skin type. Many of the products available contain
salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide that kills bacteria but dry your skin. Do
some skin test by applying small amounts of the product to one or two spots to
ensure it works well on you. When it does, suit the quantity to be applied to
the level of dryness and peeling observed. When everything else don’t seem to
work, it is best to consult a dermatologist. There are even
acne laser treatments available. Remember, self-medication may only
worsen the problem.
In Conclusion:
Acne affects many aspects of one’s life more than just the skin. Though many
friends and family members would assure you this is just natural, it can
actually influence self-esteem. In the world where appearance is important, many
who suffered from acne problems would tend to shy away from social interactions,
feeling embarrassed to solicit stares. We all wanted to look great. Whether we
have a date, presentations, or job interviews, the appearance of acne pulls our
confidence down.
Disappointed about acne that never seems to go away? Popping or squeezing
isn’t the best way to get rid of this problem. It is best to maintain a clean
and healthy lifestyle to have great skin. Obsessions on proper food intake and
washing face frequently are not that helpful as well. It actually takes some
time, effort and patience to find the best ways on preventing breakouts that fit
you. When in need to sure solutions, it is advised that you see a dermatologist.
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