Common in teenagers and young adults, acne is a problem that not everyone grows out of. And even if you are at an age where it is normal, no one wants to let it go untreated. There are many methods to get rid of acne, some of which are more effective than others, as well as some general tips.
Excessive oil production by the skin cells of the face is the main cause for the problem. Normal amounts of oil keep the skin healthy and protected. However, levels of oil production are determined by hormones, and during puberty and for a few years afterwards, the hormones are a bit out of whack. Excess oil gathers dead skin cells to it, and the combination blocks pores in the face and sometimes other skin.
If a pore is blocked up with a mix of oil, dead skin cells, and normal skin bacteria, there is lots of food and no competition for the bacteria. They begin to grow, which causes an immune response resulting in the characteristic redness, inflammation and swelling of the area. Sometimes, this mix of immune cells, skin cells, bacteria and oil comes to a head, forming a pimple or whitehead.
Another type of blemish that can occur is a blackhead. Blackheads are also the result of too much oil production getting stuck in a pore, but because these are not infected, they do not swell or get red like a whitehead. The black color comes from the top of the oil plug being exposed to air. Oxygen in the air oxidizes the oil and turns it black.
Washing the face is important for everyone's general skin health, but washing too often is more commonly a problem than not washing enough. Once a day is the minimum required, but twice a day is actually the maximum. Washing more than this can trigger even greater oil production. Always use a face wash, not soap, as soaps are harsh and drying.
Dead skin cells are not actually the problem, but they can contribute to it. To encourage the skin to slough these dead cells more quickly and regularly, some face washes have ingredients like salicylic acid added. Use a moisturizer with these, and do not mix treatments without a doctor's approval.
If the issue is especially severe, doctors may prescribe antibiotics to get rid of acne. However, the normal skin bacteria that cause the problem are actually keeping bad bacteria away, so removing them can sometimes do more harm than good. This is why antibiotic treatment is generally the last choice.
Excessive oil production by the skin cells of the face is the main cause for the problem. Normal amounts of oil keep the skin healthy and protected. However, levels of oil production are determined by hormones, and during puberty and for a few years afterwards, the hormones are a bit out of whack. Excess oil gathers dead skin cells to it, and the combination blocks pores in the face and sometimes other skin.
If a pore is blocked up with a mix of oil, dead skin cells, and normal skin bacteria, there is lots of food and no competition for the bacteria. They begin to grow, which causes an immune response resulting in the characteristic redness, inflammation and swelling of the area. Sometimes, this mix of immune cells, skin cells, bacteria and oil comes to a head, forming a pimple or whitehead.
Another type of blemish that can occur is a blackhead. Blackheads are also the result of too much oil production getting stuck in a pore, but because these are not infected, they do not swell or get red like a whitehead. The black color comes from the top of the oil plug being exposed to air. Oxygen in the air oxidizes the oil and turns it black.
Washing the face is important for everyone's general skin health, but washing too often is more commonly a problem than not washing enough. Once a day is the minimum required, but twice a day is actually the maximum. Washing more than this can trigger even greater oil production. Always use a face wash, not soap, as soaps are harsh and drying.
Dead skin cells are not actually the problem, but they can contribute to it. To encourage the skin to slough these dead cells more quickly and regularly, some face washes have ingredients like salicylic acid added. Use a moisturizer with these, and do not mix treatments without a doctor's approval.
If the issue is especially severe, doctors may prescribe antibiotics to get rid of acne. However, the normal skin bacteria that cause the problem are actually keeping bad bacteria away, so removing them can sometimes do more harm than good. This is why antibiotic treatment is generally the last choice.
About the Author:
Find more details about how to more effective and easily get rid of acne today! You can find the information you will need to choose the best methods for achieving flawless skin when you visit http://HowDoICureAcne.org/Get-Rid-Of-Acne/ now.