Having an acne-riddled face can be daunting to your self-esteem and confidence. Many feel self-conscious enough to disguise these inflamed and painful lumps and bumps with all manner of makeup. However, all this does is clog up the pores even more and lead to new breakouts.
To manage acne, it is worth taking a moment to understand what’s going on below the surface of your skin.
Acne is formed when hair follicles get clogged with oil and dead skin cells. The overproduction of oil is caused by androgens, a type of sex hormone that increases in production specifically during puberty. This results in an overgrowth of “propionibacterium acnes” – a type of bacteria that thrives on oil and sebum.
Other hormonal changes occurring in your body that could also trigger the formation of acne are related to the use of birth control pills, a girl’s natural menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
The use of heavy makeup, hair dyes or greasy hair products, including sweating profusely, living in areas with hot and humid weather and any form of stress have all been cited at some point or other as triggers to acne too.
Acne starts off as a whitehead or blackhead – the mildest form of acne. If the blocked pore bulges, you have a whitehead; if the clogged pore stays open and the top sports a black-dot due to oxidation to air, then you have what is called a blackhead.
Whiteheads and blackheads however have nothing to do with skin being “dirty” as is the common belief. If the clogged pores become inflamed, it forms small red bumps on the skin called papule.
If the bump is filled with white or yellow pus, it is called pustules and picking at it can cause scars and dark spots to form.
Nodules meanwhile are large, painful and firm bumps, which when filled with pus, develop into cysts.
Acne dos and don’ts
DON’T SQUEEZE: Squeezing acne raises the risk of infection and scarring. So resist the urge under all circumstances.
DON’T APPLY TOOTHPASTE: This could very well trigger a further acne breakout or even an allergic reaction.
DON’T RUSH TO GET A FACIAL: Facials using light chemical peels may improve the look of acne, but bear in mind the results are not immediate. It is normal for your skin to look more irritated, red, dry and inflamed immediately after the treatment. So if you have a big event coming up, schedule your facial several weeks ahead.
DON’T WEAR TIGHT CAPS, HEADBANDS: Trying to camouflage inflamed skin with a tight-fitting cap or headband only causes a build-up of heat and friction that in turn will make your acne breakout look even worse.
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DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained here with other sources, and review all information with your physician. Please do not disregard professional medical advice or delay treatment because of something you have read here. FMT is not responsible and liable for any damage caused through information obtained here.