Acne is a condition of the skin that can cause those who have it quite a bit of embarrassment and stress. There are many acne treatment options on the market today, both over the counter and by prescription only. With so many options available today, just about any kind of acne can be treated successfully. Attitude is an important aspect of getting rid of acne. Once you settle on a course of treatment, you must be patient and faithful to it.
The Facts
Acne has been the bane of the existence of adolescents since time unknown. Although adults can suffer from it, too, increased hormonal activity during adolescence causes teenagers to suffer acne the most. The overproduction of sebum (oils) combined with the activity of bacteria on the skin causes pores to get clogged and irritated. These clogged pores can become blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. This is the main cause of acne. Stress and certain foods, such as greasy or fatty foods, are also blamed for breakouts at time.
Misconceptions
People with oily, acne-prone skin sometimes believe that they need to dry out their skin in order to control oil and prevent breakouts. Unfortunately, drying out skin can cause skin irritation and exacerbate the problem. It’s also important to understand that what works for one person may not work for another.
History of Acne Skin Care
In the past 25 years, the treatment of acne has grown in leaps and bounds. Even for the treatment of mild acne, there are an array of options available over the counter. But what is really impressive is the great deal of ammunition dermatologists have at their disposal to deal with any kind of acne. There are topical solutions using benzoyl peroxide; antibiotics, such as erythromycin; different types of acids such as azelaic, and salicylic; retinoids, such as Retin-A and the lists goes on. They also have oral medications, such as antibiotics and Accutane (extremely concentrated doses of Vitamin A), among others. The bottom line is the assurance modern medicine offers that any kind of acne is treatable.
Types
There are different types of acne. Acne types can range from mild to severe. Mild acne can consist of sporadic breakouts, small bumps and is more easily treated. Severe acne (also called cystic acne) is chronic, causes large, sometimes painful bumps, and generally causes scarring.
Acne can occur on different places on the body. There is body acne, which occurs mostly on the back and upper chest area. There is even such a thing as baby acne. The most common area where acne occurs is the facial area.
Regimen for Acne Skin Care
Basically, a regimen for acne skin care requires that you wash, treat and moisturize. This process should be done twice a day, in the morning and at night before bed. You should never use bar soap to wash your face. It is recommended that you use a wash designed for acne prone skin.
Use a treatment product with a drying agent on problem areas. Finally, moisturize the skin. Be sure to use a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic (does not plog pores) or is designed for acne prone skin.
There are regimens available over the counter that include all three products, or you may buy them separately. If this doesn’t work, you may want to consult a dermatologist.
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