Acne : Causes you wouldn’t have Considered Seriously

Acne, medically known as Acne Vulgaris, has been, since ages, a part of skin woes. It is a part of growing up among teens, but adults too can experience the annoying condition. Though myths abound that one should let acne take its own course of healing, dermatologists advice that it is not always the best way out. If you do not treat acne, dark spots and a blotchy skin would be the unwelcome after effect, once it clears.

Possible causes of acne

You are not alone in having acne. 40-50 million Americans suffer from it at some point in their life. Young adult men and women get it. Some women in their middle age too put up with it.

Many of us think that acne is just pimple. Blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules and cysts also come under acne. It can appear on the back, chest, neck, shoulders, nose or upper arms.

Acne occurs when a pore in your skin is clogged. This clog can occur from dead skin cells that rise to the surface of the pore. When your body produces a lot of sebum (oil) to keep your skin from drying out, the dead skin cells stick together and are trapped inside the pore.

Not all is lost when you get it. Here, we will run you through some common causes of acne that you can easily watch out for. Though there is no one-size-fits-all approach to acne treatment, rest assured you could control it.

Skin care products with clogging ingredients

A known cause of acne breakout is lanolin, a greasy ingredient found in many face creams designed to moisturize skin.

Oil-based creams and moisturizers clog pores. To avoid acne, watch out for cosmetic ingredients like algae extract, cocoa butter, coconut oil, mink oil and wheat germ oil.

Go in for a water-based moisturizer/cream instead. Some concealers now contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which help to fight acne. Make it a habit to remove makeup regularly.

Excessive use of spot treatments

Won’t it be a real assault on your skin if you are going to try too many spot treatments at a time? Miracles do not happen overnight. Give a purge period of at least six to eight weeks for any product to work on your skin. Keep a note of which product works for you.

Scrubbing skin too hard

Are you using face scrubs frequently to keep your skin dry? Contrary to what you think, excessive exfoliating could strip your skin of its natural oils. Your skin may go on an overdrive, producing more oil when it is dry.

Picking at your pimples

Keep your hands off! Picking at your pimples is the quickest way to push bacteria and oil further into the skin. Popping causes swelling and scars that would become another concern. Consult with a certified aesthetic medical practitioner if acne scars are worrying you.

Eating ‘unhealthy’

Takeaways and processed foods loaded with high levels of fat, refined sugar, and artificial preservatives could possibly lead to acne breakout.

Go natural. Try adding salmon or tuna, chia seeds, almonds and complex carbs like brown rice, barley and quinoa to keep your skin blemish-free. Load up your plate with deep colored veggies and fruits for a good supply of vitamin A and C.

Bottling up stress

Is your final test round the corner? Are you worried about your new relationship, or any other? Such anxieties cause an imbalance in your hormone levels; that is reason enough for your skin to break into acne.

Keep cool. Find ways to relax your nerves: yoga, swimming, gardening, salsa or walking; anything that lightens you up would serve the purpose.

Acne myths

Myth 1: Eating chocolate causes acne.

Fact:  The culprit is not the chocolate but the sugar and dairy in it. Be sure to pick up dark chocolate with cocoa content 70 percent or higher.

Myth 2: Only teens suffer from acne.

Fact: Dermatological studies have revealed that 20-49-year old women reported having acne. Blame it on the hormonal surge a woman experiences during first period and perimenopause.

Myth 3: Make up worsens acne.

Fact: Powder-based mineral foundations with ingredients like silica, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide absorb oil and keep your pores clog-free.

Myth 4: Use of moisturizers worsens acne.

Fact: If you apply a lightweight moisturizer every day, your skin will stop producing oil.

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