As much as we like to deny it, appearance is of paramount important to all of us. Everyone wants to look suave, with trendy clothes and captivating natural beauty. An important role here is played by the skin.
Makeup can only go so far, hence everyone toils to have a glowing radiant skin. But, some of us are not so lucky and have to endure conditions that our beyond our control. One such problem that plagues a lot of people is acne.
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What is Acne?
Our skin contains oil glands that are responsible for producing natural oils to keep the skin moist and healthy. The amount of oil produced is contingent upon various factors. If either is upset, the glands go into overdrive and produce excess secretions.
This excess oil then mixes with dead skin, hair and dirt particles and ends up clogging the pores of the skin. Inflammation in these choked up pores leads to zits, and can, in worst case, become infected. This entire cycle is what transpires in acne.
As a result, skin outbreak of zits. They cause itching and irritation. Moreover, they also can get abraded, when intentionally pulled at or due to accidental bumping, which then leads to scarring. The skin hence contains a lot of dips and bumps and is anything but smooth.
Acne outbreak can occur almost everywhere on the body, but is most commonly found on the face, shoulders, chest and back.
It also causes the production of white and black heads as well. When the clogged pore is exposed, it can get oxidized to produce the black characteristic appearance. When however, there is a layer of skin over top, it is known as a white head. These are more innocuous as opposed to the infected and inflamed zits, as they can be rather painful.
What Are The Common Causes Of Acne?
Acne is dependent on various factors. Following are some of the conditions due to which acne appears:
1. Bacteria
Bacteria is a perpetual nuisance in the human life, and thus rather unsurprisingly, are also amongst the acne causes. When the combination of dead skin, oil and hair cause the pore to clog, the bacteria rub in the salt on this wound by infecting the zit.
Generally, the bacteria responsible for this condition is Propionibacterium acnes, but there are other strains that can lead to acne breakout as well.
2. Genetics
Genetics are also among the acne causes. People with family history of acne have greater predisposition towards suffering from it as well.
3. Medication
There are certain medicines like contraceptive pills and steroids that lead to the acne breakouts as well.
4. Hormones
The reason why so many teenagers have to, rather painfully, endure acne is because of the hormones. Puberty is the time when sex organs are developing, and the body is undergoing hormonal changes. Hence, many adolescents have to endure this rite of passage into adulthood.
Similarly, pregnancy is also remarked by hormones gone haywire. Thus, pregnant women also have to bear with acne, alongside many inconveniences imposed on them by this condition.
5. Skin Type
Oily skin is more prone to breakouts, as the oil glands are hyperactive of their own accord as well. It then complicates the condition, leading to breakouts.
6. Not Cleaning Your Face Properly
If there is too much dead skin over the epidermis, there are greater chances of acne. The dead skin cells contribute towards the buildup which helps to clog the pores on the skin.
Similarly, bacteria are also present more often when the skin is not cleaned properly, and hence the chances of acne are amplified. This is one of the most common acne causes.
7. Diet
Amongst the acne cause is also your diet; after all, you are what you eat. We often forget that our skin is also composed of cells that need adequate nourishment and also are just as gravely affected from the bad eating habits as your other organs.
People who eat diet rich in carbohydrates or sugar run the risk of skin problems like acne. Not only do they cause inflammation, but sugar also encourages the proliferation of bacteria that is bad for the body.
How To Prevent Acne?
1. Follow A Good Skin Care Routine
Having a good cleanser is very important. It helps to remove the excess oil present on the skin. A cleanser also helps in removing the bacteria as well. However, be sure to use a mild cleanser; if it’s too harsh, it will leech the oils off of the skin. Consequently, the oil glands will produce even more oil.
Moreover, an important part of skin care regimen is exfoliation. It helps to clear the dead skin cells, which are amongst the chief acne causes. But, here too be sure to not go overboard with it. Use chemical peels etc. for the face especially.
For acne on the body, it is important to shower after bouts of high sweat situation, to remove the bacteria from the skin.
2. Try Home Remedies
There are many home remedies that can help control the breakout. Aspirin is a good remedy, as it contains salicylic acid. It helps to absorb oils and curb the inflammation.
Similarly, aloe vera gel is great too. It is very soothing, and controls inflammation. It is also a good balm for the wounds incurred during acne as well. Tea tree oil is also very good remedy for acne breakout.
3. Don’t Touch The Zits
What’s worse than acne? Picking at the zits! Our fingertips have oils and bacteria on them. When we touch our face, we already are causing a problem, but picking at the zits makes it much worse. It leads to infection, inflammation and scarring.
4. Take Care Of Your Health
Eating a balanced diet full of natural foods is extremely helpful. Instead of the white complex carbohydrates, opt for the wholegrain ones. Also, while stress does not cause acne, it certainly makes it worse. Therefore, pay attention to your mental health as well.
5. Medication
Many people have a very problematic acne problem that needs a more robust action. For this, visiting a doctor is important who can devise a regimen accordingly. Retinoids are generally used to treat acne and are rather strong so should be used with doctor’s discretion only.
Some women are also prescribed birth control pills to control their acne breakouts. Others are suggested topical treatments.
Patience is key when dealing with acne, but if you want a faster solution then you should get in touch with a professional. You can book an appointment with a top Dermatologist in Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad through oladoc.com, or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your acne-related concerns.
