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Tip! Exfoliating your skin will keep it free from bacteria and debris, preventing an outbreak of acne in the future.
Acne is a common skin problem which most often appears during the teenage years. Commonly known as pimples, acne usually sees on the face but can also happen on other parts of the body such as the back, neck, the shoulders and chest. Even though 99% teenagers experience acne at some point, it is a condition which also affects adults. Acne is universal- it affects males and females almost equally and seen in every race.
Acne Vulgaris is in fact the proper name for acne. Characterized by lesions, it breaks out on the skin. The lesions can be whiteheads, blackheads, or cysts which form because of clogged pores. It most commonly occurs during puberty. This is due to the fact that during this time the body produces an abundant supply of an oily substance called sebum. Sebum is important to keep the hair and skin soft and lubricated. But what happens during puberty when the body produces more sebum i.e the excess can clog pores and leave the skin feeling oily.
Tip! You can work on exfoliating your skin to remove all those dead cells that the acne is feeding off of.
Another exception that occurs during puberty is the excess production of follicle cells. The dying cells quickly builds up and combines together with sebum to form whiteheads. This mixture of oil and dead cells produces a breeding ground for bacteria which leads to redness and swelling in the afflicted area that are known as pimples. Acne is an extremely common problem which affects about 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24. 1/4 of these people have acne on other parts of the body besides the face- most commonly the back and neck areas. 40% of acne sufferers look for medical attention because of the severity of their breakouts.
The most common area for pimples to flare up is the so-called 'T zone' of the face. This combines the forehead, the nose, and the chin, although acne may also appear on the cheeks and other parts of the face.
The second most common zone for acne to appear is the back, followed by the neck, the chest and the shoulders.
Acne can be a problem for differnt individuals because it affects appearance and self image. Since teenagers are particularly vulnerable concerning their self-image and prone to acne, acne causes depression and reduced self-confidence. It may even force them to withdraw from social interactions and feels anger and frustration.
Tip! Picking or popping your pimples pushes germs further under your skin, which could cause more redness, throbbing, and maybe even a horrible infection.
Thankfully, modern treatments for acne are there. The first line of defence is top keep the skin clear and oil free. This can be achieved by gentle washing with soap and water twice a day.
There are also varieties of medical treatments for acne, that can be both prescribed and over-the-counter. Severe acne conditions can be cured by a dermatologist. The doctor can prescribe ointments to be used directly on the skin as well as drugs like antibiotics to ambush the bacteria causing pimples. A dermatologist can also provide valuable advice about diet and lifestyle changes to help in combating acne.
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