Cosmetics

Acne-A Part Of Growing Up:

What Is Acne?
Plugged pores, pimples, and deeper lumps that occur on the face, neck, upper back, chest, or shoulders are known as acne. When oil-secreting glands in the skin are clogged and become inflamed or infected this problem occurs. It is very common with teenagers and is considered a normal part of growing up though may also appear later in life. 85% of have acne. Among adults, 12% of women and 3% of men have acne. Boys face this problem more because they have more skin oils.

How Does It Occur?
Our skin functions on numerous glands, called sebaceous glands. These secrete an oil, called sebum, which lubricates the skin, keeps it soft and pliable. The protective outer layer is made up of dead cells, which are continuously shed and replaced by layers. During adolescence hormones stimulate growth of body hair. The oil glands secrete more oil. If our skin is not cleaned regularly the dead cells on skin cluster and stop the hair follicle's opening, which prevents sebum from reaching the surface of the skin. These clogged pores and produce chemicals and enzymes which promotes bacterial growth and causes inflammation. After some time the plugged follicle cannot hold its contents and bursts. This spills everything onto the skin-sebum, sheds skin cells and bacteria. This causes irritation to the skin and leads to lesions or pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and pustules.

Things That Often Make Acne Worse

1. Oil-based make-up, suntan oil, hair gels and sprays.
2. Stress.
3. Menstruation in girls.
4. Squeezing or picking at blemishes.
5. Scrubbing the skin hard.

Do's And Don'ts In Treating Acne:

1. 1. Avoid scrubbing or using harsh soaps on your skin. It irritates the openings of the oil glands and causes them to be more tightly closed.
2. 2. Avoid using oily or greasy substances on your face. They worsen acne by blocking the glands. Use water-based cosmetics and wash them off at bedtime.
3. 3. Avoid hair tonics or hair creams because when you sweat, these substances come on your face and aggravate the acne.
4. 4. It takes about 8 weeks for acne medicines to show their results. Don't be hasty and stop their use.

Personal Habits And Acne

1. Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Bacteria grows faster on damp cloth so change your towel every day.
2. Wash your hands often. Don't rest your face on your hands while you study, read, or watch TV.
3. Never squeeze, pick, scratch, or rub your pimples. It may result in scars.
4. Shampoo your hair at least twice a week to keep it clean. Style your hair away from your face, this also applies while you are sleeping.
5. Use water-based cosmetics and oil-free cosmetics. Wash them off at bedtime.
6. Wash immediately after you exercise.
7. If certain foods worsen your acne, avoid it.
8. Try and avoid working in hot kitchens where greasy foods are cooked.
9. Avoid sunburn.
10. Keep your self stress free. Try and get exercise, take a walk or talk to a counselor, if needed.
11. Keep a record of the medicines you have tried and the ones, which work. Don't give up. There is something, which will work.

How Is Acne Treated?
Keeping oil and dirt out of the pores and reducing inflammation is the treatment for acne. Popping and squeezing pimples may risk scars for a lifetime. A step-by-step approach is suggested staring with mild medications. This continues through a range of stronger medications until the one, which works is found. For mild and moderate cases topical gels, creams, or lotions are given before internal medications begin. Some medications may produce side-effects, consult your doctor and follow the label instructions. Usually doctors give the simplest effective regimen. Medicines with greater risks should be used only if needed. There are some acne medicines, which make the patient photosensitive (sensitive to sunlight). Consider your outdoor activities and discuss with your doctor. Hormone therapy works for many women. These treatments help to clear up acne by inhibiting sebaceous gland function. Usually it takes 6-8 weeks to see the results of any given treatment. And acne often worsens before it gets better. Redness, swelling in the skin, changes in skin pigment, darkening of skin in darker skinned individuals are reaction, which may take months to resolve. Don't leave your treatment regimen between appointments. It helps the doctor to figure out what works or doesn't work for you. Though not predictable the regimen for curing acne is generally well established. Consistent action and regular visits to your physician can help you get healthier skin.

Acne Prevention:
Though acne is not entirely preventable you can follow these tips for best results. Wash the face twice a day with a mild cleanser. This prevents lesions and reduces the chances of acne outbreaks and permanent scarring. It is rarely a lifelong problem but can be harmful for the individual. Regular visits to your physician and right treatment should improve acne in a matter of months.