Acne Overview
Acne is an affliction that plagues nearly everyone at least at some point in their life, although for some it is more severe and long-lasting than for others. While most common amongst teenagers, acne can also affect preteens and adults. No matter what your age though,
acne can be very upsetting, wreaking havoc with one's self-esteem and self-confidence.
Acne is a skin condition that causes outbreaks of various types of lesions which occur as a result of changes in the skin's pores. Pores consist of a hair follicle and an associated sebaceous gland, also known as an oil gland. These sebaceous glands produce an oil called sebum, which moistens the skin. When these glands produce too much oil, the pores become clogged and acne results. Pores can become clogged with dead skin and bacteria, as well as with the oil that they produce.
Acne can manifest itself in a variety of forms. Whiteheads are clogged pores which close and then protrude from the skin as a small bump, while blackheads are clogged pores which remain open, usually with a dark surface. Pimples are caused by an infection in a pore that results when dead skin and bacteria become trapped inside the area. Finally, cysts or nodules are lumps with a deeper source that can lead to a more serious infection. These occur when plugged pores open up deep beneath the skin.
Outbreaks of acne tend to occur mostly on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. While both males and females are affected by this condition, teenage boys are more prone to severe outbreaks of acne. This condition does not pose any serious health risk; however, it can lead to scarring and often has detrimental emotional and psychological effects, usually involving lowered self-confidence.
Teenage Acne
Although a lucky few may go through their teenage years and the rest of their life never suffering from acne, or only the occasional lesion, this is unfortunately not the case for most people. Most of us will have to deal with this problem to some degree, some much more than others. While adults can also suffer from acne, it most commonly affects teenagers. The most prevalent type of acne that affects teens is called acne vulgaris, which is triggered by hormonal changes that occur with puberty. These changes cause an overproduction of oil in the sebaceous glands, leading to clogging and outbreaks of acne.
Contrary to what some may believe, acne is not caused by uncleanliness. In fact, excessive cleaning or scrubbing of the skin can actually make acne worse. Gently washing one's face twice-daily with a mild cleanser should be sufficient to keep your skin clean. Also, studies have not found any link between certain types of food and acne. Again, this is contrary to popular and long-standing beliefs. However, if you are convinced that certain types of food trigger or increase the severity of your acne, it would be best to avoid those foods. Proper nutrition will not only help to promote your skin's health, but your overall health as well.
There is no doubt that acne has a significant social and emotional impact upon teenagers. It can greatly affect one's self-image, lowering self-confidence and self-esteem. It can also make people feel embarrassed and ashamed of their appearance. While suffering from acne is unpleasant and upsetting, it does not need to take over your life. No matter what type of lesion you most commonly experience, there are steps that can be taken to prevent or reduce the severity of acne, thereby lessening the negative impacts that this skin condition can have upon your daily life.
As mentioned previously, the proper amount of daily washing can help to promote skin's health. For those with long hair it may help to keep your hair clean and away from your face in order to reduce the amount of oil transferred to your skin. For the same reason, it is also best to avoid touching your face, as the oil from your fingers will transfer to the skin of your face. Keeping hair spray and other hair products away from your face can also be helpful. Avoid wearing baseball caps or other hats if you find that they make your acne worse along your hairline. It is also advisable not to pick at or squeeze pimples or other lesions as doing so can lead to infection, scarring, and increased oil deposits on the skin.
In addition to these basic steps, there are also many medical treatment options available. Over-the-counter treatments include soaps and cleansers. These products often contain an ingredient such as benzoyl peroxide which kills acne-causing bacteria and helps to remove dead skin which otherwise might lead to clogged pores. Some products contain salicylic acid which causes skin to flake away, opening up pores. When using any of these over-the-counter medications, be sure to follow the directions closely. It is also wise to test a small amount of the product on your skin in order to determine whether or not you will experience an allergic reaction.
For acne that does not respond to over-the-counter remedies, certain prescription medications are also available. These can include antibiotics to fight acne-causing bacteria or retinoids, medications made from vitamin A that help to open up pores by causing skin to peel slightly. Certain new therapies are emerging as well, including some that employ light or zinc. If you suffer from moderate to severe acne, it is highly advisable to speak to a dermatologist. These physicians specialize in skin conditions and can assist you with finding the best treatment for you as an individual.
Acne and Makeup
While seeking the proper treatment for your acne is important, there are also ways to hide or reduce the appearance of lesions through the use of makeup when you are suffering from an outbreak. Makeup can also be used to cover and conceal scars caused by acne lesions. However, it is very important to choose the right kind of makeup and to apply it correctly in order to achieve the desired effect. When selecting a type of makeup to use, be careful to choose one that will not trigger or aggravate your acne. To avoid such occurrences, be sure to select makeup that is noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic, which means that it will not clog pores and cause acne.
Many types of cover-up products are available at local drugstores and should work well to improve the appearance of lesions and outbreaks while not causing or aggravating acne. With respect to foundations, powders are generally better for oily skin as they help to control the amount of oil on your face. Many companies also produce makeup for sensitive skin, which can be beneficial for those who suffer from acne and wish to protect their skin from any further irritation.
Once you have selected the proper type of makeup, it is also important to apply it correctly. Improper or poor application can actually draw attention to lesions, scars, or blemishes rather than conceal them. In order to achieve the best effect with your makeup, be sure to use one that matches your skin tone as closely as possible. Foundations should be used to achieve an even skin tone, and concealers can also be used if added coverage is required.
There is no need to suffer through uncontrolled acne and the negative effects that result from this condition. It is an incredibly widespread affliction, but by following a few simple treatment and makeup steps, the impact of acne upon your life can be greatly reduced, allowing you to enjoy and focus on other aspects of your life.
