Some Information on Acne Skin Care Products
Do you find that you’ve been spending a lot of money on products to treat your acne, only to have them fail. Acne is an embarrassing problem that can cause you to avoid going out with co-workers, friends and family when it flares up. It’s annoying and frustrating to look into the mirror and see only blemishes and pimples.
People of all ages and backgrounds suffer from acne. However, it’s most common in teenagers and young adults. About eighty-five percent of people between the ages of twelve and twenty-four suffer from some kind of acne. Generally, this problem goes away by the time we reach our thirties. However, for some of us it continues. Nearly seventeen million people in the United States alone suffer from some form of acne. This makes it the most common skin disease in the country.
Suffering from acne can make you nervous about going out in public, as well as overly concerned about your appearance. Many people are quite desperate to cure their skin condition. Knowing a bit about what is possible can help you combat it. Therefore, here are some basic facts about this annoying problem.
Acne is an inflammation of the skin. It results from the action of hormones on the oil glands, or sebaceous glands, in our skin. This leads to clogging of the pore and outbreaks of lesions, usually referred to as pimples. Acne lesions are the most common on the face and neck, shoulders, back, and chest.
Your genetic background is a major factor in how badly you suffer from acne. Other contributing factors include hormonal levels and the way you care for your skin. Rubbing your skin, for instance, may aggravate the condition. Many people blame foods such as chocolate and oily fried items. However, in most people, there doesn’t seem to be much connection between diet and acne. Stress and dirty skin are also frequently blamed, but don’t have a great deal of bearing on when you’ll have an acne outbreak.
Treating acne can be done in a number of different ways. You can get acne remedies over the counter, from a family doctor, or from your dermatologist.
Over the counter treatments for acne include such substances as benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur. These medications come in many different forms, including lotions, creams, soaps, pads and gels.
For many people, over the counter treatments aren’t enough. They need prescription medications. Topical medications that you may be able to have prescribed by your doctor include tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, and azelaic acid. However, these should be used in moderation, as some people suffer side effects like peeling, burning, itchiness and skin discoloration. Therefore, you should only use prescription medication on the advice of your doctor.
Prescription oral acne medication is another option you may get from your dermatologist. These medicines can help to control your acne by keeping the bacteria that cause it from growing, as well as reducing the inflammation they cause. Some of these medicines include erythromycin, sulfur, clindamycin, and isotretinoin. Like the topical medicines, these may have side effects like sun sensitivity, skin color change, dry skin, dizziness, stomach problems and lightheadedness. Rarely, a serious case of acne will call for laser treatments. However, this is almost never required.
The safest medications for general use are home remedies and over the counter medications. Prescription acne medication like Accutane is best reserved for cases than can’t be cleared up with more conventional methods. Everyone all over the world has probably suffered from whiteheads, blackheads, and other acne symptoms. Nearly everyone has to deal with acne occasionally.
Remember, acne doesn’t happen because you’re dirty, eat badly, are cursed, or are stressed. It’s a bacterial infection that some people are more genetically prone to than others. Of course, cleanliness and a good diet are always good for you, as is lowering your stress. These just aren’t contributors to your acne problem.
Antioxidants can be used against your acne problem. They help eliminate free radicals, which can promote infection and cause skin damage. Antioxidants also reduce the inflammation and redness that acne causes and help heal your damaged skin. There are some products, like Acnezine, that can be gotten over the counter, don’t require a prescription, and contain natural antioxidants. Remember, if you’re not sure about a product, be sure to consult with your doctor before using it.
In addition, other over the counter remedies include Derma Cleanse, Vilantae Vitamin B5, Philosophy, and Cellex-C. If you’re curious about these products, be sure to look up some literature on them or visit their websites to read more about their uses.
Acne treatments can help you feel better and look better too. Acne can be dealt with, and ridding ourselves of this irritating skin condition can make you feel better all around.