BASIC ADVICE FOR PREVENTING ACNE

 Acne is the one skin condition that dermatologists can guarantee everyone will experience at least once in their lives. Adolescents are prone towards developing the most severe cases, but the risk continues well into adulthood. The causes of acne are still undetermined, though there is evidence pointing strongly towards factors such as sebum clogging and skin damage due to bacteria. There are also several known ways that help in preventing acne.

 

Wash target areas

Experts from the hospital state that water washes away dirt and irritants on the surface of the skin, helping reduce the risk of acne. However, too much washing can cause irritation. It is advisable to use gentle cleansers and washing twice a day, targeting areas that are prone to acne development.

Don’t mess with your skin

The first thing that any dermatologist will say about acne treatment is to avoid tampering with the skin too much. Keeping it moist and clean is going to help, but picking or messing with any blemishes or whiteheads is going to cause problems. Tampering with the skin in this manner can lead to scarring or infection, making any effort in preventing acne more difficult.

Cleansers to dry excess oil

Sebum is believed to play a role in acne formation when it clogs the pores. The oil becomes trapped in the skin, forming acne. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, both common acne treatment ingredients, can be used to help remove excess sebum from the skin. Both substances are available in most over-the-counter acne gels or creams. People should take care to use only one of these active ingredients, as the combination of both on the skin can cause irritation and damage.

Minding make-up

Being mindful of one’s make-up can go a long way towards preventing acne. It is advisable to avoid the heavy use of foundation make-up, as it is known to irritate the skin. Powder-based cosmetics are also more advisable than cream-based ones because they cause fewer problems for the skin. It is important that all make-up be thoroughly washed off and removed from your face before going to sleep. The make-up can clog skin pores. Throwing away old make-up and cleaning any applicators can also help in preventing acne.

Loosen your clothing

Loose-fitting clothing is better for avoiding body pimples than tight-fitting clothing. Tight clothing traps heat and moisture, which can cause skin irritation. Looser clothing allows skin to “breathe” more naturally, and it produces less friction on the skin. It is also advisable to avoid tight straps, backpacks, helmets, and sports equipment. Excessive friction on the skin has been known to increase one’s risk of developing acne.

Avoid foods that make it worse

There is no scientific evidence that food plays a role in the development or alleviation of acne. However, if a specific food is causing the acne to worsen over time, then the sensible action is to stop eating it. There is no known correlation between the two, but dermatologists agree that there is no real harm in avoiding potential trigger foods until the acne clears up.

There are a number of ways to help in the prevention of acne, and these methods can also play a part in helping an acne treatment product work faster. It all boils down to taking better care of the skin and being mindful of what common substances can become irritants, so they can be avoided.