Acne Prevention

There is no better cure for any ailment than prevention. Unfortunately, there just isnt any neat prevention formula or immunization program that can completely prevent acne.

Maybe someday there will be but until that wonderful day arrives there are still some things that all teenagers and young adults can do that will at the very least help to keep acne at bay.

Nobody really knows what causes acne. Most research indicates that it is caused by hormonal imbalance but there are other contributing factors and these are the factors that those who are at risk for acne can modify.

One contributing factor to acne is clogging of the pores in the skin. There are several measures that people can take to help prevent this clogging.

One thing that young women can do is to make sure that they clean make-up from their faces thoroughly before going to bed at night.

Additionally, young women need to clean make-up brushes completely using warm soapy water and cleaning brushes on a regular basis. Old make-up that can be contaminated needs to be tossed out.

Teenagers and young adults need to be aware that squeezing, picking at or popping pustules will not cure them.

These measures only serve to worsen the acne and can lead to infection and scarring.

Pillow cases need to be changed frequently and a clean towel needs to be used to pat skin dry after it has been washed.

Fabrics tend to hold bacteria and germs can that can make acne worsen.

Changing pillowcases daily is not too often and a face towel should never be used more than once.

Keep hair pulled away from the face while sleeping. Bacteria and germs can thrive in human hair.

Another important measure that can be taken to help alleviate some of the factors that contribute to acne is to always be sure to take a shower as soon after hard physical exercise as possible.

When sweat combines with skin oils the mixture can serve to clog pores.

Acne Myths Dispelled

Acne affects almost all people between the ages of 12 and 25 to some degree.

Most cases of acne are very mild and require only the use of medications that can be bought at the corner drug store and a regimen of facial cleaning that is faithfully followed.

Sometimes acne becomes moderate to severe and a dermatologist must be consulted to clear up the acne as well as to prevent the scarring that acne can cause if left untreated.

There are many well-known and accepted facts about acne. There are also some myths that circulate. Its better to know the facts than to listen to the myths.

Myth #1:  Acne is contagious…you must not touch anyone who has acne or you will get it, too!

Fact: Acne is not contagious. Acne is what is called a “non-communicable” disease. That means that it is not contagious.

One person cannot “give” acne to another person by touching or even eating and drinking after them.

Myth #2: People just outgrow acne. Nothing needs to be done about it. Its just a normal part of the growing up process.

Fact: Although it is true that acne is very, very common among teenagers, it is not true that you just have to outgrow acne.

Nor is it true that nothing needs to be done about it and it sure isnt true that it has to be a normal part of the growing up
process.

There are oral as well as topical medications that can cure acne and prevent teenagers and young adults from having to suffer the embarrassment that it causes.

Myth #3: Sweating helps to clear up acne.

Fact: Oh boy! Is this one ever wrong! Sweating can actually worsen acne. Strenuous physical activity makes the body create more oil.

It is just part of the complex chemical process that produces sweat. This oil can make the acne worse rather than better.

Acne Fighting Products

Acne affects almost all people between the ages of 12 and 25. Products to fight acne are a very big business.

Annual sales of over-the-counter as well as prescription acne fighting products are in the billions of dollars and projected sales figures say that they are expected to continue to rise with no let up in sight.

Most of that 12 to 25 year-old age group will, at some point, buy at least one over-the-counter acne fighting product. Most will buy several and continue to do so over the course of about 12 years.

It isnt hard to see why acne fighting products are such big business. But, what are these products and how are they supposed to work?

Facial cleanser products: These products are designed to remove dead skin cells, open up pores and remove excess oils, dust, dirt and environmental pollutants. Most products recommend being used two or three times a day.

The advantage of these products over just plain soap is that they are pH balanced and thus better for the skin.

Acne Fighting Lotions: These lotions are oil and water emulsions that are only supposed to be applied to unbroken skin.

Acne lotions most usually haveAntibacterials, skin exfoliants, retinoids or antibiotics in them.

The stronger ones are available only by prescription but all can be bought over the counter that have lesser strength.

Acne Fighting Creams: Creams are semi-solid emulsions. The idea of a cream is to provide a barrier of protection while delivering anti-acne medications. Creams are also used to help retain moisture in the skin.

Acne Fighting Soaps: These soaps are always pH balanced unlike hand soap or bath soap.

They provide a method for cleaning the face that is conducive to removing excess oil without producing undue drying.