7 Ways To Conquer Acne
Copyright © 2005 Priya Shah
Reports show that over 90 percent of all adolescents
and almost 25 percent of all adults suffer from acne at some time.
Acne affects males and females worldwide, regardless of nationality.
The most effective methods to combat acne include
a combination of prevention and better skincare.
Here are some of the ways you can use to prevent and
treat acne:
1. Exercise
Regular exercise can help fight acne by fighting off
negative stress levels that can come from negative self-esteem and
depression. But avoid wearing tight lycra and nylon exercise outfits.
These synthetic fabrics that tend to trap body moisture and heat,
creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Stick to loose
clothing made of cotton or natural blends, and keep your sports gear
and equipment clean.
2. Safe Cosmetics
To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that can
contribute to acne, use products labeled "noncomedogenic"
or "oil-free." Opt for "hypo-allergenic" perfumes
and cosmetics to avoid allergic reactions and skin irritation. Coal
tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes can cause reactions.
Shimmering facial colors can contain a flaky mineral
called mica that can cause skin irritations and clog pores. Use a
lip gloss with a matte finish for less pore-clogging. The more the
shine, the more then comedogenic content and the more your pores can
clog.
3. Healthy Diet
Studies show that diet does not play a role in either
the cause or the treatment of acne. However, what is best for your
body is best for your skin. So make sure you get enough vitamins,
minerals and supplements that have been known and recommended to prevent
and help conquer acne breakouts. These include:
- Vitamin A or Retinol (High doses are toxic)
- Vitamin B Complex
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- L-Carnitine
- Zinc
A good quality brand name multivitamin will probably
have the recommended vitamins and minerals that you need to help with
acne prevention. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day and
making good, healthy dietary food choices.
3. Hormonal Treatment
Hormones (or a lack of them) during later years -
especially for women - can play a role in acne flare-ups and prevention.
One recent study showed that about 50 percent of women have acne,
referred to as hormonal acne, problems during the week before their
menstruation.
Treatment
options include topical retinoids, oral antibiotics and Benzoyl Peroxide
for teen years. For adults oral contraceptives or hormonal birth control
pills and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) may be helpful for women,
combined with systemic or topical treatments, prescription or over-the-counter
products and medications.
4. Healthy Skin Regimen
Avoid harsh scrubbing or over-washing, because this
can cause possible skin irritation or possible over production of
oil to replace what's washed off, clogging pores in the process. Use
products with gentle exfoliation ingredients and skip products that
contain alcohol.
5. Acne Products
Some of the more popular products on the market that
can prevent acne include:
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- Proactiv® Solution
- Salicylic Acid
- Retinoids
- Antibiotics
- Oral Contraceptives
- Anti-Androgens
- Isotretinoin (Accutane)
6. Shaving
Shaving is actually an excellent way of exfoliating
or removing dead skin to help with the prevention and spreading of
acne instead of leaving the remains to clog pores. And for some light
acne cases already in process, shaving can help rid whiteheads and
blackheads from the face. Do not shave areas taht are sore or infected.
Use a shaving cream for sensitive skin.
Shave with a sharp blade. Use gentle swipes instead
of heavy pressure and go with the flow or "grain." A single-edged
blade is better than a twin-blade razor. Electric razors may not shave
as close to the skin, but they help with the prevention of acne and
other skin breakouts and flare-ups better.
7. Stress
Stress includes external and internal stressors. External
Stressors are those that compromise your skin's ability to heal, like
oily make-up and too much sun. Internal stressors like anxiety, fear,
low self-esteem, depression and a variety of other internalized emotions,
can trigger chemical reactions inside your body that can result in
acne flare-ups and other skin irritations.
To combat internal stressors and prevent acne problems,
get plenty of rest and sleep. Try to maintain regular hours. Keep
a check list of "Things that Calm You" handy for stressful
times, like reading a book, resting, listening to music, taking a
walk, going out for an ice cream cone, etc.
Priya Shah is the editor of The
Glutathione Report and Health
Naturale. "Get Rid of Acne," is a comprehensive
report on acne treatment and remedies available at Treat
Acne
This article may be reprinted
as long as the resource box is left intact and all links are hyperlinked.
