JOIN USBut sometimes, there are a few other kinds of skin conditions that resemble acne closely but are actually quite different.
In order to identify and estimate the acne condition in various stages, there are certain features to be examined.
* Excessive oiliness on the skin
* Whiteheads which sometimes are inflamed spots
* Blackheads
* Large visible skin pores
* Little bumps under the skin (cluster of them)
Factors aggravating acne
Continual touch and picking — an on-going irritation, pressure applied, picking, and rubbing increase the acne and heighten the risk of scarring. Cooking and frying — women who cook heavy and deep fried food are exposed to flying grease or oil particles in the air and fumes. It can worsen their acne condition.
Hot and humid weather — intense heat and humidity often lead to excessive sweating. This coupled with low evaporation of sweat irritates the acne condition. Iodine-rich foods and drugs — spinach, toothpaste, asthma and cold remedies contain iodides, bromides and fluorides. Sometimes this results in an outbreak of acne and hairiness.
Use of wrong cosmetics — unfortunately, some of the skin creams, make-up products contains derivates of fatty acids and oils which are potent acne-stimulants. The biggest culprits amongst skin-care products are vanishing creams which have a high absorption rate.
Prolonged stress and anxiety — the acne condition is also worsened by stress. For example, students appearing for examination may have to cope with a sudden outbreak of acne.
Treatment
There are two aspects of the treatment, the first is the medical drug treatment and the second is the skincare suggested by an experienced cosmetologist.
Here is a good skin care regime to follow
Daily skin care
Be most conscientious in following your daily skin care routine. There must be no skipping of any step until the condition is corrected.
In the morning — wash your hands thoroughly, moisten your face with warm or running water, and wash with a medicated or antiseptic soap. Choose a light liquid cleanser with ingredients that inhibit the growth of blemish-causing bacteria. Rinse thoroughly with clear running water. Pat dry with a clean soft towel.
Saturate a cotton pad with an astringent, medicated lotion and gently press over the entire face or rinse with cool water to which a few drops of Tr. Benzoin have been added. This will freshen, reduce excess oiliness and refine the texture of the skin.
Apply a medicated cream on all pimples. One that is greaseless and skin-tinted will not be obvious on the skin. This will work to dry and heal the pimples. Apply calamine to which a drop of clove oil and mint oil has been added on all pimples.
Mid-day — repeat the morning treatment if possible. Otherwise “quick-clean” with the astringent medicated lotion and reapply the medicated cream on blemishes. Night — repeat the morning treatment. Sometimes there may be some dry area such as on the throat, under the eyes, sides of the face. Use an appropriate moisturising or lubricating preparation. Never apply an emollient cream to any blemished area.
Twice weekly — deep cleanse with a friction-wash to control blackheads and keep the pores free from clogging of excess oil. Wet the face with warm water. Pour about a teaspoonful of cleansing granules into the palm of one hand, add just enough water to work into a creamy foam. Apply to the face with finger tips, concentrate on blackheads and areas of excessive oiliness. Massage gently for a few seconds and rinse thoroughly.
Oiliness and blackheads can pose a problem on shoulders and back too. Use the cleansing granules to friction-wash this area when you are in the shower and apply a healing medicated cream to any eruptions before dressing.
The Do’s and Dont’s
* Avoid using oil based creams, ointments and make-up products.
* Do not rub, squeeze or pick pustules.
* Follow the skin care routine scrupulously.
* Do not use any beauty soaps or moisturisers.
* Try to live your life as stress free as possible.
* Supplement your diet with an additional Vitamin B12.
* Avoid deep frying while cooking as you are exposed to flying grease.
* In case of severe acne, consult a doctor.