9 WAYS TO PREVENT YOUR ACNE

Acne according to dermatologists ‘is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones and other substances on the skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands) and hair follicles'. These factors lead to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits. Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders.
It can be prevented just by following some very simple steps. It usually involves the use of drugs, avoiding certain foods, changing your make-up, relaxing, trying hydrotherapy and avoiding certain drugs. Here are 9 simple ways to prevent acne.

1. Don't Over-wash or use harsh scrubs: Since acne is not caused by dirt, excess washing and scrubbing would not cause your acne to go away. In fact you may stimulate more oil production leading to more breakouts. Exfoliating is good, it removes the dead skin cells however using harsh scrubs would cause damage to your skin and aggravate your acne. It is okay however to use scrubs with small, smooth grains and are gentle.

2. Don't pick your acne: Picking or squeezing your acne is inviting more to come as you can force bacteria deeper into your skin leading to inflammation. It could also lead to a permanent scar being left behind. You should also keep your hands away from your face as touching your face all the time would cause the bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) that causes acne to be driven into your pores causing you to breakout.

3. Don't over-expose your skin to the sun: Small amounts of sun exposure may improve acne initially but it is not permanent. Consistent sun exposure/sun bathing would dry your skin and cause your sebaceous glands to produce more oil and cause skin to shed more old cells leading to a breakout of acne. If you can avoid being exposed to the sun, use oil-free sunscreen/products that have a SPF factor of at least 15 and are effective against UVA and UVB rays.

4. Relax when you are stressed: Though the relationship between stress and acne is still being debated, certain people say that when they are stressed they usually experience a breakout (I am one of such people). This might be due to the fact that when you become tensed adrenal glands produce the hormone ‘cortisol' which triggers the sweat glands to produce more oil. This can lead to flare-ups of inflamed papules (i.e. acne). Though you can't eliminate stress from your life, you can minimize the damage by living a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet, sleep for at least 7 hours at night, do some form of exercise every day and relax (do what makes you happy). It not only leads to great skin, it helps your overall health.

5. Sleep: It is good for you. At least 7 hours of sleep would do wonders for your skin and physical well being. This is because having a healthy, well-rested body helps build a strong immune system which not only helps you prevent acne but fights infection. So sleep and sleep well.

6. Avoid drugs that cause you to flare up: Some medications are known to cause acne. This might be a side effect of the drugs. If you are on any of such drugs and experience breakouts you should consult your doctor to discuss an alternative drug that has fewer side effects. Such drugs include Anticonvulsants like Dilantin, Corticosteroids like Prednisone, Disulfuram or Antabuse, Immuran (an immunosuppressant), Isoniazid, Quinine and so on.

7. Don't use alcohol based toner: Use a toner that does not have high concentration of alcohol because alcohol strips the top layer of your skin causing your sebaceous glands to produce more oil.

8. Use minimal make-up when exercising: Oil-free and non-comedogenic cosmetics can clog pores if worn when exercising. When going out in the sun always wear sunscreen that is oil-free and has a SPF 15 for both UVA and UVB rays, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing made of cotton. Don't sit around in sweaty clothes and wet bathing suit, remove them and change into dry clothes. ALWAYS shower immediately after exercising but if you can't try to keep a few medicated pads to wipe yourself.

9. Find an appropriate acne treatment: There are a variety of treatment plans and it is very possible that one would work for you. It is important that you start one that doesn't irritate you and stick to it before your acne becomes severe. Acne treatments include the use of salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, antibiotics, oral contraceptives.

Now that you know how to prevent your acne I hope you would practice them and obtain that blemish free skin that you desire.

For more information on how to keep your skin acne free, you can check out my blogs http://BeautyandHealthshop.blogspot.com, http://Acnespotfree.blogspot.com or http://BeautyandHealth1.wordpress.com. Hope you enjoy my postings.