Acne Prevention – Do And Donts
Author: Kerwin Changbr
Source: isnare.combr
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Things to remember to prevent the worsen the growth of acne.
As stated in the previous pages, pimples are not the result of poor hygiene nor are they caused by foods. Having said this, you can aggravate your pimples and worsen your condition. So pay close attention to the information on this page so as to not deteriorate your condition further.
Dos
? Use skincare products that will not clog pores, they are usually described as oil-free and/or non-comedogenic on the package.
? Skin care should include: a mild cleanser and application of a non-comedogenic sunscreen on sun-exposed surfaces.
? Gently wash your face twice a day using mild face cleanser and pat dry.
? When you are washing your face, be sure you take the time to remove all of your makeup.
? Be patient! Treatment may take a few weeks to start having useful effects.
? Remember that all of the treatments only work by preventing new spots and that all treatments have to be tried for at least four months before you decide whether they are helping.
? Some acne products can increase the skins sensitivity to sunlight and ultraviolet light from tanning booths so use protective clothing and sunscreens and avoid tanning booths.
? If irritation, dryness and peeling occur, an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer can be used.
? If your skin is getting too irritated, red or dry while undergoing a topical treatment, then start using them every other day. It takes time for your skin to adapt to your new medicines.
? If you have long hair that touches your face, be sure to wash it frequently enough to keep oil away. Also wash your face after youve been exercising hard and sweating a lot. And try not to touch your face throughout the day.
Donts
? Avoid thick, greasy make-up over affected areas. Some make-up is acceptable but try to choose non-comedogenic cosmetics if possible.
? Resist the temptation to squeeze your acne. This can cause the area to spread and become more inflamed and therefore more likely to scar.
? Do not use harsh soaps when washing face. Vigorously washing and scrubbing will irritate your skin and only make your acne worse.
? Avoid things that may aggravate your acne such as oils, airborne grease, irritating clothing etc?
? Avoid covering yourself with thick layers of make up, and if you do, wash it off as soon as you can, certainly do not leave on overnight.
? Avoid strongly fragranced or alcohol based products.
? Avoid from hair sprays or gels, try to keep them away from your face, as they can also clog up pores.
? Acne isnt really helped by the sun, either. Although a suntan can temporarily make acne look less severe, it wont help it go away permanently. So dont soak up those rays - either under the sun or from a tanning bed - in an effort to help your skin.
? Avoid wearing hats or headbands that rub on your forehead, since this can also make acne worse.
? Avoid touching your face a lot, as your hands have oil on them and this can make acne worse.
IMPORTANT
Individual pimples can take up to 2 or 3 months to form even though they may appear to pop-up overnight. Thus, although there is often some initial improvement in the first few weeks after starting a new treatment, it takes at least 2-3 months of regular use before you can assess the full benefit of any acne treatment.br
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The Stubborn Truth About Acne
Author: Kerwin Chang
Source: isnare.com
Have you ever washed your face more than twice a day to clear up your skin? Do you avoid chocolate and greasy foods in the hopes that when you look in the mirror, you won't see another blemish? Have you ever drank more water, or avoided or increased your exercise to prevent acne flare-ups? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you're not alone.
Acne is one of the most common skin disorders affecting nearly 85 percent of all people. While the variety of effective acne treatments continues to grow, so does the number of myths about how to control the condition.
"Although new acne treatments are developed every day, a cure for acne has not yet been discovered. As such, many patients choose to self-treat or experiment with unconventional treatments," stated by a doctor. "Yet many of these treatments are based on anecdotal observations and have not been rigorously tested by science. The survey indicates that these myths are still affecting how patients care for their acne."
Myth: Poor Hygiene Worsens Acne
The relationship between face washing and acne has always been greatly misunderstood, with most individuals believing that dirt and poor hygiene contribute to acne. In fact, a recent survey conducted at Stanford University asked participants about what they thought made acne worsen, and the majority, 91 percent, mentioned poor hygiene. "If a patient believes that dirty skin causes acne, they logically conclude that washing their face more often will improve their acne," said by a doctor. "But dermatologists caution patients against washing too often, as the resulting irritation can exacerbate their acne."
To determine the scientific validity of this myth, the effects of face washing on acne were recently studied at Stanford University. A group of twenty-four males washed their faces twice a day for two weeks using a mild over-the-counter facial cleanser. Then the participants were randomly selected to wash their faces either once, twice or four times a day for another six weeks. The study found that washing the face either once, twice or four times daily did not significantly change the appearance or condition of acne, and determined that the positive effects of increased facial cleansing are minimal at best. Dermatologists continue to recommend washing the face twice daily to maintain good overall skin health.
Myths: Exercise Can Clear Acne or Exercise Can Worsen Acne
The relationship between acne and exercise continues to show high levels of individual variability. Some believe that exercise and sweating can help clean out the pores, especially on the chest and back; while others note that their skin worsens when they exercise, especially those who use special equipment that rubs against their skin.
In another study conducted at Stanford University of patients with acne, it was determined that exercise-induced sweat does not have a significant positive or negative influence on acne of the chest and back. Twenty-three male participants were assigned to three groups: no exercise, regular exercise
followed by immediate showering and regular exercise followed by delayed showering. The number of acne lesions on the chest and back were counted over a two week period and no difference was noted between the three groups. "Based on the finding of this study, regular exercise can be encouraged for patients with acne," stated Dr. Boer Kimball. "But they should avoid tight-fitting clothing and equipment. If tight-fitting equipment is required, it should be cleaned on a regular basis."
Other Acne Myths
While misconceptions about facial hygiene and exercise are still the most commonly recognized acne beliefs, the Stanford survey also found that respondents believed that poor diet and decreased sleep can negatively affect acne. In addition, more than 80 percent of participants believed that increased stress, touching the face and popping pimples exacerbated the condition. Among male and female participants, the only differences noted were that more females believed that increased stress could worsen acne and that drinking more water would improve the quality of their skin. The study also found that some beliefs that were previously popular about acne were no longer viewed as true, including the idea that tanning improves the appearance of acne.
"What this survey and these studies have shown is that substantial differences still exist between popular belief and scientific support, yet this does not change the way patients attempt to care for their acne," stated by a doctor. "It is important for anyone who is affected by acne to seek the help of a dermatologist who can diagnose and provide treatment options that are specific to the patient's skin type to effectively address the condition."
Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 14,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails.