Acne acting up?

Learn how to keep it off-stage!

It’s morning. The curtains to your world are lifted and you’re getting set to step out and take the stage. Confident, energizing and determined to perform at your peak…till you look into the mirror. Oh no… not now, not again! Not another pimple…

Yes, acne elicits a melodramatic response every time it rears its ugly head (no pun intended). It’s a universally embarrassing condition known to men and women, regardless of age or ethnicity. Truly, acne does not discriminate! It is a chronic condition that affects nearly 90% of teens and at least 50% of adult women. But thankfully, there are various ways to combat it.

Let’s figure out the triggers.

Acne usually occurs when parts of dead skin cells combine with the skin’s natural oil under the pores and enhance bacteria build-up. The immune system swings into action, which leads to inflammation, which, in turn, results in pimples. But what is the root of this evil? It’s what we call Acne Triggers:  any form of hormonal reaction that leads to a breakout. This could be set off by drugs, depression, food choices, smoking, lack of sleep, natural body or hormonal changes during pregnancy and menstruation.

According to some studies, it could be hereditary or genetic. But thankfully, it can also be controlled.

Start with things you can do to help yourself.

Learn to avoid the following as your first step to fighting acne.

• Cosmetic agents and hair pomades as they may irritate the skin on your face.
• Medications such as steroids, lithium or any anti-epileptics and iodides.
• Accessories such as headbands and under-wire bras.
• Too much UV exposure as it may cause a breakout and ageing (Remember, exposure to the sun may either improve or flare acne).

Sometimes what you do is more important than what you don’t do. On that thought, we have lined up some simple points that you should follow in order to control your acne.

• Wash your face regularly with a mild facial cleanser that doesn’t have a strong fragrance. Make sure the cleanser contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide as they help dry up acne.
• Use oil-free moisturizers as a make-up base to keep your pores from clogging.
• Choose water-based or oil-free cosmetics.
• Avoid irritants such as hair accessories that irritate the skin on your temple and other parts of your face.
• What goes into your body is as vital as what you put on it…so avoid greasy food, too much caffeine and sweets. But eat well, eat healthy. Limit your intake of processed foods and dairy products. Instead consume those foods that are high on Omega-3 fatty acids along with vegetables. Of course, water has amazing natural healing properties, so drink as much as you can.
• Hands off! Bacteria always find ingenious ways to travel, and your fingers give them a free ride straight to your pimples, making matters worse.

Get expert help.

If your skin is prone to breakouts, you may need expert, personalized treatment at the hands of a professional.  “But aren’t there enough products, applications and treatments out there?” you may ask. Couldn’t you just ask a friend what worked for her?

Acne, sadly, is smarter than that. It finds ways to mess with you that are unique to your skin. So, what works for your friend may not work for you. You see, not everyone with oily skin is acne prone and not everyone with dry skin suffers from acne-related issues. It’s tough striking the right balance in acne treatment because some products may be too harsh on your skin while others may be ineffective. The last thing you want is to let the treatment for one skin problem, cause another! You’re safer consulting a dermatologist who’ll be able to guide you every step of the way with a keen eye on how your skin is behaving and responding.

Acne treatment begins with a deep breath and a smile.

It’s a situation, but not an emergency. Remember that acne thrives on panic. Keep calm, as stress will only worsen your condition. Regardless of how bad your condition feels to you, your physician or dermatologist can get you sorted out with common medicines such as Benzoyl Peroxide for direct application on the skin; Antibiotics and Isotretinoin; Skin Peeling Medication.

While the medicine and preventive measures work steadily and surely, breathe easy, reflect on your finer points and face the world with confidence in yourself. Wear that big smile; let it grow from deep down. Because that’s where the fight against acne is fought and won!