4 Simple and Effective Solutions to Help Prevent Acne on Your Face
First, let's start by defining what acne is and how it forms. According to skin experts, "your skin produces too much sebum, a thick, oily substance that acts as a natural lubricant, but too much of it blocks your pores." What is a pore, and how is it defined?
A pore is a small hole or opening that allows fluid to pass through. In humans, pores are those tiny holes that provide us with pleasures such as underarm sweat and, when clogged, pimples.
There are two types of acne: acne vulgaris and cystic acne.
The most common form is called "acne vulgaris." It appears on your face, chest, shoulders, or back as blackheads, whiteheads, or red blemishes.
Cystic acne, however, presents as painful cysts or firm, painless bumps. Fluctuating hormones caused by puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause, or the birth control pill often allow for fluctuations in sebum production, which can trigger a flare-up of either Vulgaris or Cystic Acne. Other culprits include emotional stress, clothing that rubs against the skin, and, of course, people taking certain medications, such as steroids. But genetics can also play a major role in the onset of acne in our daily lives.
Can you find a good treatment for your acne? Yes, a good treatment exists, as there are many types of acne treatments on the market. Some work, but it will take time to see results. Others don't and can therefore affect your skin. But, the best acne remedy should work effectively if you take the time to research the right one.
First, some immediate solutions include finding an over-the-counter cream or gel formulated with benzoyl peroxide. However, it works by mildly irritating the skin, which can promote the shedding of dying skin cells. This type of cream helps care for your skin by reopening clogged pores. Benzoyl peroxide also kills bacteria that infect clogged pores.
Second, use alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic acid, removed from the outermost layer of skin to help keep your pores clear and unclogged. You can opt for a cream, lotion, or gel containing at least 8% glycolic acid.
Third, another tip for effective healing is to prevent the pimple from forming. For example, as soon as it first appears, wrap an ice cube in a piece of plastic wrap and hold it on the area at least twice a day, or preferably every hour, but no more than five minutes at a time. The effect will be amazing because the cold will reduce redness and alleviate inflammation.
Finally, take some aspirin pills. Taking one or two 325-milligram tablets four times a day will provide great relief and can help calm an acne breakout by reducing inflammation.
Here are some techniques and tips you can follow to help prevent acne and keep your skin clear and healthy.
Look forward to our next episode on "Alternative Solutions to Effectively Cure Acne."
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Research:
1. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by: "Thomas Bartram"
2. Home Remedies Treatments for Everyday Health Problems by: "Reader's Digest"
3. https://acne.org/acne-treatments