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How To Prevent Acne

How do you prevent and care for acne at the same time?
(17 Apr 2007)

Acne can result from various factors. Hormonal increase is one of the most common factors that cause acne. Hormones called androgens increase in males and females during puberty resulting in increased production of sebum by the sebaceous or oil glands in the body.


Genetic factors could also prove to be a cause of acne. Hormonal increase also takes place a few days before menstruation in women. Intake of birth control pills may also have an acne breakout as a side effect. Hormonal fluctuations may also occur during pregnancy. Emotional stress is a factor that may also trigger acne. Certain medication may also contribute in aggravating existing acne. Use of old or expired cosmetics may clog the skin pores and allow for bacterial infections, leading to spread of acne. Environmental factors such as smoke and other pollutions may also lead to pimples and acne.
It is important not to pick or squeeze the pimples as this only worsens the conditions. Changing towels and pillow cases on a regular basis will also help to prevent build up of bacteria which could cause the acne to spread. Hair strands contain oil in them and hence it is important to keep hair away from the face. Regular showers are recommended in order to clean the skin of sweat and dirt accumulation. It is also advisable to remove makeup from the skin at night as this may block the skin pores. Regular exercise enhances circulation of blood and the absorption of oxygen by the skin. The best way to keep the skin healthy is to consume an abundance of water. This helps to flush out harmful toxins from the body.

There are several home remedies that you can use to prevent acne and keep your skin healthy. A good face pack is made with cooked oatmeal. You may also apply this on the face for about 15 minutes every day. Rose water and lime juice applied to the skin with the help of a cotton ball helps to clear the skin of acne producing bacteria and germs. Garlic is very effective in treating infections and rubbing the affected areas of the skin with a clove of garlic will be helpful. A paste made of avocado and water may also be applied to the skin. Ground orange peel mixed with water can also be applied to the pimples. Juice of fresh mint leaves applied at night is very effective in treating skin infections.
answered by G M on 2 Mar 2010, 11:43:18

 

Acne is an unpleasant skin that can occur at almost any age and is usually characterized by painful unsightly red swellings on the face and sometimes on the chest. There are numerous causes to acne but one of the more common reasons for the skin condition is the buildup of bacteria and sebum produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Painful acne that is widespread must be treated with the help of a dermatologist who will be able to determine the cause of it and prescribe the right medication for it.

In addition to the prescribed medicines by a doctor to treat acne, it is also important to take extra care of the skin. Skin with acne is usually sensitive towards certain chemicals and hence care must be taken while washing the face using certain skin products. Choose face products and that are specially treated for acne related skin conditions. Certain skin emollients and moisturizers can help in relieving the burning sensation around the acne infected skin. Most dermatologists recommend the use of mild skin care products to take care of acne.  Blackheads or whiteheads that form the surface of acne must not be plucked or squeezed as it can lead to further inflammation or secondary infection.  Avoid heavy makeup or the use of cosmetic products as these are likely to aggravate the skin condition.

Consult with your dermatologist in helping to select and use the right kind of cosmetic products. Lastly but most importantly, drinking plenty of water throughout the day is believed to be highly effective in getting rid of toxins from the body that further help in reducing acne inflammation. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is also highly recommended by medical experts as these are believed to contain essential vitamins and minerals that help in building healthy skin.

Some herbalists recommend an application of tomato juice and honey as a topical emollient for treating acne. Some others suggest a blend of cinnamon powder with honey as an application on the affected area. Apple cider vinegar is also believed to have beneficial results on acne and certain folk remedies recommend the use of diluted apple cider vinegar as an application on acne infected skin. Although most natural treatments and herbal remedies are believed to be tried and time-tested their efficacy is doubtful. More importantly, one must check for the incidence of allergies of a particular ingredient before the use of any home remedy applications. Some of these ingredients may aggravate the skin condition and hence it is important to consult a dermatologist or medical expert before resorting to home treatments.
answered by M W on 22 Apr 2009, 12:31:59

 

Following steps may be taken for prevention and care of acne

Gentle washing of affected areas once or twice every day.

Avoidance of abrasive cleansers.

Limited use of makeup and moisturizers; with avoidance of oil-based brands altogether.

Oily hair should be shampooed often

A healthy, well-balanced diet should be eaten. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be eaten.

The face can be washed gently, twice daily with a soap Calendula officinalis, or other substances that are useful against acne.  

Affected areas should not be handled excessively. Pimples should not be squeezed , as this may contribute to scarring, as well as spreading the acne lesions.

Emotional stress should be kept in check.

answered by Dr on 20 Apr 2007, 6:14:22

 

  • Mix lime juice with equal proportions of rose water. Apply this on face and leave it for 30 minutes. Wash with warm water. This is an effective remedy for acne.
  • Apply toothpaste (not gel) on the acne and leave it overnight. This will help in reducing the swelling.
  • Extract juice from fresh mint leaves and apply it on face. This will help to reduce your acne.
  • Blend cucumber and apply the paste on your face and wash it after 15-20 minutes. This will help to prevent acne and also refresh your skin.
  • Wash your face 3 times in a day to keep it clean and oil free and have clean bowel habits to prevent acne.
  • Avoid oily/fatty or junk foods, refined wheat (White flour) and its products, colas, sugar, chocolates, candies pastries, strong teas, coffees, pickles and smoking.
  • Include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole wheat breads and lots of water in your daily diet.
answered by S P on 17 Apr 2007, 5:37:12

 

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