Acne

What is Acne?

Acne is a type of skin infection that manifests as spots, often on the face, shoulders, back and chest. Acne is more common than people think – 85% of people aged 12-24 have it! We all produce oil just beneath our skin, but an imbalance in hormones can cause oil production to go into overdrive, resulting in varying degrees of acne. Bacterial infection usually results in inflammatory acne. Often, acne will clear up by itself or will improve if treated with over-the-counter remedies; however, in very severe cases, medical treatment should be sought so as to avoid long-term scarring.

• Blackheads.
• Pustules (also called pimples. They have a little white tip caused by a build-up of pus).
• Cysts (large, pus-filled lumps that look similar to boils).
• Whiteheads.
• Papules (small red bumps which may be painful).

Medical Practices

Chill out!
Acne often flares up during times of high stress, such as exams, deadlines, new relationships and new jobs. Try to avoid unnecessary stress to reduce your breakouts!

Nutrition

Exercise regularly and eat your greens!
Ok, so exercise and vegetables may not have a direct impact upon acne. But, they will keep you feeling healthy, looking great and, therefore, bursting with confidence. Just what we all need!

Hygiene Habit

Keep your skin fresh and clean!
While acne is not caused by dirt, it helps if one washes away the excess dead skin, bacteria and oil that block pores. Be careful to use water that is warm but not too hot, and to use soap or face wash that cleanses effectively, yet is gentle on your skin – not doing so can increase inflammation and make acne worse…

• Chocolate can cause acne…

  Don’t worry – there is no scientific proof that chocolate causes acne. There is also no scientific evidence that fatty or fried foods aggravate the condition. All in all, the type of food that you eat has very little impact on the condition of your skin. (Apart from drinking water, which we all know is a great way in which to keep your complexion looking healthy and hydrated!)

• The best way to get rid of my spots is to squeeze them…

  No, no, no! While squeezing your spots might make you feel (very briefly) better, it is not a good way to get rid of spots. All of that poking at your face will increase the redness of your skin, while squeezing your spots will only help to spread bacteria. Not to mention the permanent scarring you can cause from continually breaking the skin…

  For more tips from Lifebuoy on health and hygiene, read our articles.

Medical source : British Health Authority