Dos and Don'Ts for Acne - An Insight

Introduction

Acne is the most common skin problem that everyone faces. It is attributed to hormonal factors and oily skin. According to statistics, around 80 percent of people between the ages of 11 and 30 years experience acne. Acne severity varies, with some experiencing short-lived issues and others enduring severe acne for years. Severe acne can be painful, cause swelling of the face, and negatively impact one's self-confidence. One important tip in managing acne is to complete the full course of treatment and avoid leaving the treatment in between if acne seems to get reduced. This is one of many dos. This article will provide insights on all the dos and don'ts of acne, which is helpful in combating acne. To know about all of them, continue reading.

What Causes Acne?

The most common cause of acne is the excessive production of oil. This is the reason people with oily skin more often get acne. However, there are other causes too. Acne can occur at any age and is influenced by genetics, lifestyle factors, and hormonal fluctuations. It encompasses various skin conditions, including whiteheads, blackheads, papules, and cysts.

Excess oil and dead skin cells clog pores leading to red, raised lesions. Hormonal influences, such as those during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, also contribute to acne.

What Are the Don'ts for Acne?

The don'ts of acne one should take to prevent acne are discussed below.

• Say No to Oily and Greasy Skin Care Products: Individuals who have oily skin or active acne should avoid the application of hair oil and sticky creams on the face. Any kind of face oil or heavy cream should be kept at bay. Additionally, keeping the face dry and avoiding oily creams and moisturizers can help.

• Be Careful About Diet: Individuals who are prone to acne or have active acne should avoid certain foods, such as oily foods, chocolate, milk products, and sugary foods

• Avoiding Dirt and Dust: Minimizing exposure to dust and dirt will prevent acne formation because dirt and dust can be entrapped in the pores, which results in clogged pores, which in turn can cause acne.

• Shield the Skin with Sunscreen: Always use sunscreen with a broad spectrum because it is capable of protecting from both UV-1 and UV-B ultraviolet rays. Using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is recommended.

• Be Careful with the Application of Creams: It is a very common practice to apply the cream to the face using a rubbing motion. This is not the correct method. Rubbing the face with cream can irritate the skin and promote inflammation. Therefore, one should always be cautious with the application of creams, refraining from rubbing them on the face.

• Cleansing of the Face is Crucial: While cleansing one should watch the movement. One should avoid over-washing or scrubbing the face, which can exacerbate acne. It is recommended to use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser applied with fingertips and rinsed with lukewarm water.

• Refrain from Self-Medication: Many times, individuals with active acne can self-medicate themselves without knowing the ingredients.One should always consult a dermatologist to treat their acne. Some creams that may work faster on acne can contain steroids, which may be harmful in the long run. Therefore, these kinds of creams should not be used without a prescription.

• Love the Face, but Refrain From Touching It, Particularly During Periods of Active Acne: While touching the face, the dirt can transfer from fingers to the face, which is not good for acne. One should not only refrain from touching acne but also avoid pressure on them.

• Opt for Non-Comedogenic Products: While purchasing skin care products. Always check the label. The label should say non-comedogenic. If it is non-comedogenic, it is likely that it will not clog the pores and will prevent acne. This is applicable to makeup products as well.

Extra Precautions:

• Refrain from squeezing spots to prevent infection and scarring.

• Be cautious of irritating acne-prone areas with items like bag straps, mobile phones, or helmets.

• Avoid using certain products like alcohol, exfoliants, toners, and fragrances on acne-prone skin.

• Manage expectations and avoid falling for "miracle" products, as acne treatment takes time and patience.

• Avoidance of tanning beds, especially for individuals using acne medications that increase skin sensitivity to UV light.

• Daily moisturizing with oil-free, noncomedogenic products is encouraged, especially when using drying acne treatments.

• Makeup should be removed every night, and heavy makeup should be avoided.

• Makeup should be applied after acne medication.

• Non-oily hair products are preferred to prevent clogging pores, and hair should be kept off the face.

• Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher should be applied daily, especially when using acne medication that increases sun sensitivity.

• Always remember to sleep on a clean pillow cover, as dirt can transfer from pillow to face, which can lead to acne flare up. Similarly, dirt on mobile phones can also pass to the face, resulting in acne flare-ups. Hence, one should be always careful about the cleanliness of these things.

What Are the Dos of Acne?

The measures that one should take if they have active acne on their face or they want to prevent acne are discussed below.

• The first thing an individual with acne can do is to take care of their mental health and stop over-thinking about acne all the time. Repeatedly thinking about acne and looking at the mirror a thousand times will affect mental health and lead to stress (which is not good for the skin). Hence, one should be kind to themselves and prioritize mental health.

• Cleanse the face gently twice a day with mild cleansers designed for problematic skin or as suggested by the dermatologist.

• Use sun protection to prevent irritation, especially if on acne medication.

• Utilize soothing techniques like warm compresses or cold therapy to reduce swelling.

• Try over-the-counter medications containing ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.

• Seek professional advice if home remedies and over-the-counter treatments are ineffective.

• It is crucial to seek the advice of a dermatologist because they can rule out the cause of acne, whether it is hormonal change, oily skin, diet, etc. Treating the root cause of acne will result in better treatment outcomes.

• Regular shampooing is recommended, especially for those with oily hair, to prevent oil buildup on the skin.

Conclusion

It is important to understand that facewash or soap is not a primary treatment for acne. There are multiple factors that can lead to acne. The medications can work on acne and can reduce it. However, it is likely that they may appear again if the root cause is not treated and the precautions are not followed. Therefore, following the dos and don’ts is extremely important to combat acne and get healthy and clear skin.