Acne facts

Know these acne facts

• Acne is a skin condition that consists of pimples, deeper lumps (cysts or nodules), and plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, and even the upper arms
• Acne usually begins in puberty, but the condition is not restricted to any age group. Adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s — even into their 50s — can develop acne

Acne is caused by three major factors:

1. Overproduction of oil by enlarged oil glands in the skin
2. Blockage of the hair follicles that release oil
3. Growth of bacteria, called P. acnes, within the hair follicles
   

Wash....Clean....Acne Fact #1

• Wash your face about twice each day. Do not wash it more often. Use a mild soap made especially for people with acne, and warm water. Do not scrub the skin. Experts advise the use of an OTC lotion which contains benzoyl peroxide.
• Keep your hands clean, wash them regularly
• Always wash your hands before touching your face. This includes before applying lotions, creams or makeup
• Hair collects sebum and skin residue. Keep your hair clean and away from your face
• You skin needs to breathe. If your acne is on your back, shoulders or chest try wearing loose clothing. Tight garments, such as headbands, caps and scarves should be avoided - if you have to wear them make sure they are cleaned regularly
  

Don't touch.....

• Try to refrain from touching your face with your hands. When you are on the phone try not to let the receiver touch your face - there may be sebum and skin residue on it
• Don't try to burst the pimples that are not ready. You may push the infection further down, causing more blocking and worse swelling and redness. Popping pimples makes scarring more likely
• If you have to get rid of a pimple for some event, such as a wedding, or public speaking occasions, ask a specialist to treat it for you
  

Makeup....

• Don't go to sleep with makeup on. Only use makeup that is noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic - you should be able to read this on the label. If you cannot find it, ask the shopkeeper or pharmacist. You should use makeup which does not have oil and does not clog up the pores
• If you shave  your face, do it carefully. Use either an electric shaver or safety razors. If you use a safety razor make sure the blade is sharp. Soften your skin and beard with warm soapy water before applying the shaving cream.
• Too much sun can cause your skin to produce more sebum. Several acne medications make it more likely that you will be sunburned
• Chocolate, fried foods, stress and your period do not cause acne. What they do, however, is exacerbate acne by causing your sebaceous glands to overproduce. 

Adult acne is not the same as Teen acne

• Your skin at 13 is very different from your skin at 30. As teenagers, our skin is relatively thick. As we age, our skin thins out and becomes more sensitive to products.
• The good news is skin care products come in varying strengths. If you are adult, stick to benzoyl peroxide products in the 2% range and salicylic acid gels, pads and cleansers in the 5% range. More acne facts...

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Tags

cysts,  nodules, benzoyl peroxide, Adult acne, salicylic acid