Common Acne Treatment Mistakes
Pimples aren’t just for teens. You can still get acne well into your 30s, 40s, and beyond. In fact, 15% of adult women have acne. Just like when you were younger, causes include hormones, stress, and pores clogged by oil, skin cells, and bacteria.
Common Treatment Mistakes
There are many treatment options, from your drugstore to your dermatologist’s office. But you don’t want your quest to clear your skin to do more harm than good. Be sure to avoid these common treatment mistakes.Overdoing Washing or Scrubbing
Many people with acne feel they should vigorously wash their faces. But this can irritate the skin, making it harder to use over-the-counter or prescription acne medications. Don’t use acne scrubs that might cause more inflammation, and don’t use cleansers that strip the face of its natural oils. “When the skin is dry and inflamed, people find it harder to tolerate acne medications, and that’s ultimately counterproductive,” says Maral Skelsey, MD, director of dermatologic surgery at Georgetown University Medical Center. “Most people, unless they are perspiring heavily after sports or other activities, only need to wash their face twice daily.” Skip the scrubs and sudsy soaps, and use a gentle cleanser in the morning and at night instead.Squeezing Pimples
It may be tempting to pop that zit but don’t. It could lead to a scar or infection, or worsen your breakouts. Acne pustules and papules can extend deep into the skin, and squeezing them can cause long-term redness and a permanent depression in the skin. “It can also lead short-term to infection and an even larger pimple,” Skelsey says. If you just can’t leave that pimple alone, try a warm (not hot) compress on it to encourage the pimple to heal faster.Avoiding Moisturizer
Acne-prone skin can be dry, especially if you use retinoids to treat it. But many people with acne are wary about using moisturizer for fear it will worsen their breakouts. Use a “noncomedogenic” moisturizer to help keep your skin healthy as you treat your acne. (Noncomedogenic products don’t clog pores.)Skipping Sunscreen
“That’s a big mistake for many reasons,” Skelsey says. For one thing, your skin needs protection from the sun’s UV rays. And some acne meds make your skin more likely to burn. Just like with face moisturizers, there are plenty of noncomedogenic sunscreens available. Some are designed specifically for acne-prone skin. So wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day.Not Treating Dandruff
Don’t forget about your scalp. Untreated dandruff (aka seborrheic dermatitis) is a sneaky contributor to acne. Use a fragrance-free dandruff shampoo that has zinc, ketoconazole, or salicylic acid to help get rid of flakes on your scalp and breakouts on your skin.Using Too Much Benzoyl Peroxide
You can still use this antibacterial ingredient that targets acne- and inflammation-causing bacteria. But check the dose you’re getting. Studies show that products with lower concentrations of benzoyl peroxide are just as effective as products with higher doses of the ingredient. The difference is that lower doses, such as 3% instead of 10%, will zap zits without drying and irritating the skin.Stopping Treatment Too Soon
Some products claim results overnight, but you shouldn’t believe the hype. Acne treatment is not a 24-hour fix. At-home plans require 6-8 weeks to see improvement. And after your complexion clears, experts suggest continuing the routine to prevent future breakouts. A dermatologist can tell you when you can stop using acne treatments on your skin.
5 Easy Tips For Treating Acne
If you have even a passing interest in the topic of acne, then you should take a look at the following information. This enlightening article presents some of the latest news on the subject of acne.- Avoid Scrubbing and AbrasivesScrubbing and abrasives should be avoided. Experts have said that they irritate the skin, which should be left intact as a natural barrier against the acne-causing bacteria.
- Sun For Beautiful SkinAs you may know, the sun does kill bacteria, but it doesn't mean that it won't harm the skin. Note that the sun also acts as an astringent that dries, tightens and clogs the skin pores.
- Avoid Extremely Cold WeatherIf extreme heat causes clogging of the pores, extremely cold weather causes it as well. So, avoid extremely cold weather so you don't freeze and clog pores. It is ideal that you moisturize your face and body, and stay in temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Swimming Does HelpExercise for stress reduction by swimming in a properly treated indoor swimming pool. But, use the Ozone purified pool if possible. It is interesting to know that the swimming pool water is typically 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, which is well below the normal temperature of 98.6 degrees of your body. Therefore, the swimming water cools your whole body, including the acne-affected areas, while providing excellent exercise to the rest of you. This even reduces stress as well as physical attention.
- Think CleanChange linens, washcloths and body towels after each use. It is for the fact that they are great places for acne-causing bacteria to grow and be reapplied to the skin later. Also, wash white facial cloths, pillow covers, as well as personal undergarments daily with Vinegar, tea tree oil or essential oils of lime, lemon or orange so to lessen the acne-related bacterial development. It is also often suggested that you apply a natural detergent for washing. Indeed, there are a lot of ways to control and fight acne, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle is so far the best one to consider. It is important to note that healthy lifestyles will lead you to attain healthier skin and a healthier body. Changing your unfavorable habits will reward you with better general health, more energy, and clearer skin to show the world. If you were once afraid to make changes, please don't be.
DISCLAIMER
All the content on this blog, including medical opinion and any other health-related information, are solely to provide information only. Any information/statements on this blog are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should NOT be a substitute for health and medical advice that can be provided by your own physician/medical doctor. We at Nano Singapore Shop, encourage you to consult a doctor before making any health or diet changes, especially any changes related to a specific diagnosis or condition.
