Acne - Causes and Treatments
Are you tired of looking at an acne covered face? Do you opt to stay in, when you want to go out, because you are embarrassed by your acne? These issues face not only teenagers; but adults as well, everyday. Acne can have long lasting effects on the skin and can also affect self image and confidence. Here are some tips to deal with your acne and hopefully rid it from your life.
Acne is caused by an over production of oil beneath your skin mixing with dead skin cells. The dead skin cells block the oil from reaching the surface of the skin causing bacteria to find a home in your pore or hair follicle and voila, a pimple. What about the myths everyone has heard about acne? Eating chocolate will cause it. Having sex or masturbation can cause it. These myths are totally without merit. Many others such as hormones, heredity and stress have not been scientifically proven.
There are many methods of controlling and getting rid of acne. Let’s start with what is on the shelves at your local pharmacy. You will find a multitude of acne medications waiting for your purchase. Which one is best for you? You will have to do some comparisons. The main active ingredient in most acne medications is salicylic acid or benzyl peroxide. Both of these are agents to dry the skin and reduce oil. If you have only a few pimples, you should find a product with a low percentage of theses ingredients. On the other hand if you have moderate acne, you should choose a product with a higher percentage of these ingredients. Follow the directions provided with the product you buy. If your skin becomes irritated, use the product less frequently or discontinue use altogether. Remember that there is no overnight cure. Continue to use the products for a month or two. If you see no improvement in your acne, it is time to move to the next step: the dermatologist.
A dermatologist is a medical doctor with a specialization in skin disorders. The dermatologist will diagnose what the severity of your acne is and what the best course of treatment will be. If topical treatments do not work, most likely the dermatologist will prescribe a form of antibiotic (oftentimes a tetracycline) to fight bacteria orally. This treatment again will not help overnight. It normally takes up to three months to see any improvements. If this type of treatment (and all others for that matter) proves unhelpful, the dermatologist will talk to you about starting a treatment with Accutane. Accutane is a pharmaceutical that will stop the production of oil in your body. Hence, if oil production is halted, acne cannot occur. This treatment is a last resort as it can have some serious side effects and has to be administered under the close watch of your doctor. On the bright side, it is very effective at eliminating acne.
Acne can cause serious harm to your skin and your self image. It can be controlled with proper treatment from over the counter products or by consulting a dermatologist. Don’t let it get you down. Research and try different treatments until you find what works best for you.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Acne
