The Best Skin Regimen for Acne

When you talk of acne, you think of teens as this is a part of one’s teenage years. It is a unisex problem that starts at the onset of puberty. Acne is a chronic and inflammatory problem caused by the overproduction of oil and the accumulation of bacteria. It can affect the face, neck, back, shoulders, chest, and upper arms.

Two types of acne classification include- inflammatory (pimples and cysts) and non-inflammatory (blackheads, whiteheads). Teens aged 13-24 are most affected by acne due to the puberty cycle. It can leave scars if picked or squeezed. Acne enhances due to genetic conditions as well as stress, anxiety, weather, and oily makeup.

When you talk of acne, you think of teens as this is a part of one’s teenage years. It is a unisex problem that starts at the onset of puberty. Acne is a chronic and inflammatory problem caused by the overproduction of oil and the accumulation of bacteria. It can affect the face, neck, back, shoulders, chest, and upper arms.

Two types of acne classification include- inflammatory (pimples and cysts) and non-inflammatory (blackheads, whiteheads). Teens aged 13-24 are most affected by acne due to the puberty cycle. It can leave scars if picked or squeezed. Acne enhances due to genetic conditions as well as stress, anxiety, weather, and oily makeup.

Acne Types, Causes & Treatment

Acne can be identified based on size and color-

1.       Whiteheads: They are small, white and stay under the skin.

2.        Blackheads: These kinds are found on the skin’s surface and are black in color due to oxidization.

3.      Papules: They are small, pink bumps seen on the surface of the skin.

4.      Pustules: They are found on the surface of the skin, have a red base and filled with white pus.

5.      Nodules: They are big, solid, and painful pimples found on the surface of the skin.

6.      Cysts: They are very painful as they are pus-filled inflammations that can cause scars.

Causes

During adolescence, hormones called Androgens will in general increment and prompt the oil organs to augment and produce more oil or sebum. This prompts stopping up of the hair follicles, which can prompt bacterial disease and skin break out. Different variables that disturb skin inflammation are oily beauty care products, hormonal changes, stress, certain meds, and period in young ladies.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of acne-

1. Gentle skin break out 

Gels, cleansers, cushions, creams, and moisturizers can treat mellow skin break out. Creams and moisturizers are reasonable for delicate skin and gels for sleek skin. 

2. Moderate to Severe skin break out 

A dermatologist should be counseled, as in serious cases, he can give more grounded topical creams anti-infection agents. 

He may give a corticosteroid infusion if a skin break out blister gets kindled. This will forestall scarring on break of the blister, lessen irritation, and accelerate the mending procedure.

a. Oral anti-microbials too might be endorsed for a half year in extreme cases. Anti-infection agents will assist with decreasing irritation and forestall bacterial development. 

b. Erythromycin and Tetracycline are anti-toxins endorsed to fix serious skin break out. 

c. Oral contraceptives, also are recommended to control skin break out in ladies. They are utilized for long haul skin inflammation treatment in ladies. 

These oral contraceptives are not suggested for ladies who have-

i.                   Clotting disorder

ii.                  Migraine history

iii.                Smokers

iv.                Are over 35 yrs

d. Topical antimicrobials are also prescribed in moderate to severe acne. These help to unclog pores and prevent the formation of whiteheads and blackheads.

Medicines prescribed are Clindamycin and Sulfacetamide.

Note: For cystic acne- Isotretinoin, an oral retinoid is used under supervision or it can have severe side-effects.

Prevention and Management

1.       Upgrade lifestyle- Get proper sleep, eat healthy food and remain hydrated by drinking a good amount of water.

2.       Don’t pick or pop pimples to avoid scarring and marring one’s beauty for life.

3.      Get facials done in a salon and get whiteheads and blackheads removed regularly.

4.      Use mild scrubs and exfoliants to open pores and remove dead skin cells.

5.      Integrate Retinol into your skin regime. It peels away dead skin effectively and without irritating your skin.

6.      Don’t touch the face with your fingertips, earphones, phones or anything that can transfer bacteria.

7.      Maintain hygiene before applying any lotion by sanitizing the hands.

8.      Clean your spectacles regularly as they may contain bacteria and dust.

9.      For back acne, wear loose-fitting clothes to help the skin breathe.

10.   Avoid oil-based cosmetics having comedogenic or pore-clogging ingredients. Use clean makeup tools and take makeup off before bed.

11.    Wash hair regularly to avoid the collection of dirt.

12.    Avoid excessive sun exposure as it can cause produce more sebum.

13.   Avoid electric shavers or sharp safety razors for shaving.

14.   During hot and humid months, try to prevent excessive sweating and find ways to remain cool.

15.   Last but not least, keep stress at bay to reduce an acne outbreak

Home Remedies

Sometimes some home remedies too can be useful in the management of acne. They are-

1.       Tea-tree Oil: Treats cases of mild-moderate acne.

2.       Green Tea- It is said to reduce sebum production and help calm acne.

3.      Aloe Vera- Moisturizers with aloe vera is a light treatment used to treat acne.

Good Skin Cleaning Regimen

1.       Clean face twice daily with a gentle skin cleanser

2.       Use a gel or cream with dermatologist prescribed benzoyl peroxide to kill acne-causing bacteria

3.      For acne-prone skin, apply a Sulfur-based night cream on the afflicted areas

4.      Apply a light treatment skin moisturizer twice daily and end your regime with SPF

Last but not least, acne needs patience, an upgraded lifestyle, and perseverance to get a proper cure. Teenage years are times of emotional upheaval so hormones play havoc on the skin and acne outbreaks are frequent. So, maintain good hygiene and lead a happy, healthy life to treat and reduce acne effectively.