Acne is a very common problem. In fact, in the United States alone, 4-5 in every 10 individuals have acne at any one time. Pimples crop up when old skin debris accumulates around a hair follicle. In normal circumstances, the skin is able to rid itself of those plugs naturally. However, this natural mechanism can be overwhelmed by increased oil production which can cause that debris to become stickier and harder to push out of the pore. If you have an oily or combination skin type, the risk of getting acne is higher. This plug becomes a medium where pathogenic bacteria can thrive in, which then cause local inflammation.
However, it should not be misconstrued that people who have dry skin do not get pimples ever – far from it, actually. Quite the contrary even, because when you lack natural protective lipids, the skin tends to crack or peel easily. Through those openings, bacteria that live on the surface of the skin can penetrate deeper triggering a local inflammatory response to combat the infection.
Acne can be truly frustrating. Some people make the wrong decision to just let acne run its course. However, this is often not the best decision because once that pimple is gone it leaves behind blemishes which are in most cases temporary. There are several effective home remedy kits available. In most cases, solutions or creams that have the active ingredient benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid will be prescribed. Remember however that these acne treatments do not work overnight. You need to use them for four to eight weeks before you can see improvement. When pimples are due to infective processes or a hormone component, the skin doctor may include anti-infectives, isotretinoin and oral contraceptives in your treatment protocol.
While these medications are indeed effective, their major drawback is that when you stop taking them, pimples are sure to crop up again. In this regard, it is important to look for sustainable methods to keep pimples at bay. One of these preventive measures would be adhering to good and appropriate skin care regimen. The appropriateness of skin hygiene practices is emphasized because a lot of people unknowingly trigger and exacerbate pimple breakouts because they are using skincare solutions and methods which are not suitable for their skin type. For instance, if you have dry skin, do not wash your face frequently as this strips it of protective oils.
Also, remember that severe degreasing of oily skin can also make the sebum production worse. Consume an anti-acne diet as well. Anti-acne diets forego food items that are laden with simple sugar and saturated fat, and instead replace them with those with complex, slow burning carbohydrates and unsaturated fat. Following anti-acne diets entail taking in fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A, C, and E as well. No anti-acne diet is complete without adequate hydration too.
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