CAUSE OF ACNE

I have pimples; how do I get rid of them?

Adult acne is more difficult to treat, as skin needs a different kind of care. Acne treatment prescribed by doctors is often meant for younger, rather oily skin. The skin of adults is drier and may already show signs of aging or be sensitive. As we age, our skin’s ability to produce collagen slows down, which causes dryness and slower skin regeneration. This increases the risk of developing acne scars.

1. Therefore, the most important thing to focus on is finding the right kind of skincare product for your skin type and age. To begin with, look for the word ‘aqua’ or ‘water’ in the ingredients list, as this shows that the product is water-based and also appropriate for acne-prone skin.
2. You should also look for the word ‘non-comedogenic’ on cosmetic products, as this indicates that the product does not clog pores.
3. Strong cleansers, tonics, and exfoliating products tend to irritate skin with acne; cell regeneration can be accelerated with products containing salicylic or glycolic acid.
4. In addition to an inventory of your skincare products, you should also review your eating habits. Different surveys suggest that dairy products and foods containing a lot of fat and/or carbohydrates may cause inflammatory reactions, including pimples.
5. Different sources also suggest that acne-prone skin is a sign of an antioxidant deficiency. Therefore, it is recommended to drink clean water and review your diet. If your diet does not provide enough antioxidants, consider taking them as a supplement.
6. Several topical and oral treatments are also available. These are prescribed by the family physician, dermatologist, or gynecologist (antibiotics, hormonal treatment, retinoids), and if all other methods fail, you could consult your family physician.

 WHAT ARE ADULT ACNES?

Let me begin by telling you that adult acne is not an unsolvable problem. Adults often consider acne insoluble and are not aware of the remedies and treatments to get rid of it. But let me tell you, a healthy diet and lifestyle can cure anything, and even if it doesn’t get cured after this, here are a few tips to cure acne from the roots and also to prevent it from happening. Please remember to follow these basic steps to prevent acne.

1] CLEAN YOUR MOBILE SCREEN EVERY DAY.

Do you know how often in a day you press your mobile against your cheeks? Or how often do you touch your screen and then unknowingly touch your face? If you consciously count, it might be more than 15 times in a day. Consistently touching your cheeks with bacteria-laced objects can lead to breakouts. But why just blame our phones? Touching your face with your hands when you are out or not washing your hands after coming back home are all causes of breakouts. As a habit, regularly sanitize your phone and wash your hands at least three times a day, especially after coming back home.

2] WASHING YOUR FACE TOO OFTEN.

You should definitely wash your face 2-3 times a day, but after washing your face, if you use a toner that makes your skin dry, then your body reacts by producing more oil, and oily skin leads to breakouts. Do not forget to moisturize your face with an oil-free moisturizer every time you wash your face. Moisturizing will definitely help you avoid this problem.

3] INDULGING REGULARLY IN FOOD WITH HIGH–GLUCOSE

No, you do not have to give up your pizza, pasta, and chocolate entirely. You can definitely have a cheat day and enjoy your favorite junk food. But if you're one of those who enjoys their junk every day, maybe you'll have to cut down on gluten. Gluten increases blood sugar levels, which in turn results in acne. So if you are regularly breaking out, I highly suggest you cut down on your gluten intake and cut down on the fried food as well.

4] MAKE SURE TO PUT AN OIL-FREE SUNSCREEN EVERY TIME YOU STEP OUT.

The UV rays of the sun can cause inflammation, redness, and hyperpigmentation, which is also known as dark discoloration. Try limiting your time in the sun to avoid this problem, and in case you have to step out, do use a good oil-free sunblock. Ideally, you should be using SPF 30, and do not forget to put on your face and hands at least 30 minutes prior to stepping out in the sun.

5] EXERCISE DAILY

You should exercise daily, or at least five times a week in general, for good health and not just to avoid pimples, as regular exercise is good for your whole body. Exercise relieves stress and releases the hormone endorphin, which, overall, makes you feel stress-free and happy. This also helps reduce your acne.

6] CHILL AND DO NOT STRESS OUT UNNECESSARILY

As I told you in my earlier points as well, stress is one of the major causes of pimples. Studies have shown a link between stress and making pimples and acne more severe. So do find out what is causing stress in your life and then look for a solution for the same.

7] CHECK YOUR SCALP AND WHAT YOU PUT IN YOUR SCALP

Avoid using fragrance, too much oil, or hair gels in your hair. If these products get on your skin and face, they can block the pores and irritate your skin. Use a gentle conditioner and shampoo, and preferably they should be paraben and sulfate-free. If you are in the habit of applying oil to your scalp and hair, then do not apply a lot of oil to your hair, and definitely do not keep this oil in your hair for a longer period of time; 12 hours is more than enough. This oil eventually comes down on your skin and face and starts clogging your pores and irritating your skin. Also, wash your hair at least twice a week to keep it clean and oil-free.

8] MAKE UP FREE

If you do use make-up regularly and are breaking out, maybe this is one of the major reasons for your breakouts. Use minimal make-up when you have acne. Limit your use of foundation, blush, and loose powder. Do not forget to wash off your make-up thoroughly at the end of the day. Make-up residue will clog your pores and surely cause make-up the next morning. If possible, use oil-free natural make-up that has limited use of chemicals. These products will not be very heavy on your skin. Do not just remove the makeup with a face wash, as it will not come out completely.

Make sure you have an oil-free make-up remover; you need to use it with a cotton ball or make-up-removing wipes. After using make-up remover, you can wash your face with a soap-free cleanser and then rub some ice on your face. This will lower the inflammation, relax your skin, minimize enlarged pores, and stimulate blood circulation.As a practice, definitely rub your face with ice every day after coming back home. I hope this blog has helped you understand the cause of acne and will help you make minor changes in your life, which will in turn help you reduce your acne. Wait for my next blog; it will tell you about how to reduce acne with basic things available at your house.