Acne is a skin condition that usually occurs at puberty stage. Acne is a long term skin disease usually referred as chronic, inflammatory because it won’t just be healed totally by any medication though it subsides, temporarily. During increased shedding of dead skin cells plus the increased flow of sebaceous glands in the dermis, it can cause the sebum to obstruct the follicle openings, resulting in comedones. If clogged hair follicles infected with bacteria, inflammation and closed, pus-filled comedones may develop.
Causes:
There are a lot of factors that precipitate the formation of acne, but the rise of androgen level and genetic predisposition are thought to be of the highest reasons for acne formation. The rise of androgen level causes the growth of the oil glands which produce sebum and excessive sebum can disintegrate cellular walls in the pores inducing bacterial growth. Acne is very common to teenagers as hormone production increases at puberty stage and excessive output amount of sebaceous glands. Other causes include medication intake, hormones, menstruation, and stress.
Management:
• Keep your hair neat and clean as it accumulates oil and skin residue. Refrain from greasy hair products like coconut virgin oil and pomade
• Stop touching your face with your bare hands.
• Wash your face often with warm water and a mild soap made especially for acne.
• Refrain from excessive sun exposure as it causes further sebum production. Lots of acne medications increase the risk of sunburn.
• Do not scrub your skin, instead, use a gentle touch and product that won’t irritate the skin. Also, do not burst the pimples as this pushes the infection further down, causing hair follicle obstruction, swelling, and redness.
• Avoid popping pimples as this causes acne aggravation or makes scarring likelier.
• Hold the telephone a bit away from the face when talking, as it is likely to carry sebum and skin residue.
• Wash your hands frequently especially before applying makeup or lotion.
• If acne is at the back, shoulders, or chest, try wearing loose clothing for skin ventilation. Avoid close-fitting garments, such as headbands, caps, and scarves, or wash them regularly if used.
• Always remove the makeup before going to bed and avoid oil-based makeup products.
• Use safety razors when shaving. Soften the skin and beard with warm soapy water before applying shaving cream.
• Stay away from stressors. If not, manage accordingly.
• Prevent sweating as this triggers increase sebum production.
For severe acne, you should consult a dermatologist so proper medication will be initiated in no time.
