How to deal with annoying acne

Acne is a common skin problem which tends to appear during the teenage years and is often a challenge to deal with. PHOTO| FILE| NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Acne is a common skin problem which tends to appear during the teenage years and is often a challenge to deal with.
  • In order to understand how to get rid of it, we must first get to know how it develops.

The skin is made up of pores (little openings) which can sometimes get clogged up with dead skin cells and natural oils.

These blocked up pores are known as ‘white heads’ or ‘black heads’ depending on their appearance.

Sometimes, the bacteria that live on our skin also get inside the clogged pore. The pore then becomes inflamed (red and swollen). Contrary to popular belief, acne is not confined to the face. It can affect the chest and back as well.

What contributes to acne development?

Hormones: There is believed to be an element of hormonal changes that lead to the development of acne. This is why flare ups are most common in teenagers, a few days before a woman’s monthly period and in pre-menopausal women.

Heredity: If one of your parents had acne, your chances of getting it are increased.

Medication: Drugs containing steroids, iodides and lithium may trigger skin changes associated with acne.

Occupation: Jobs in which one’s skin is constantly exposed to oils may also lead to skin changes associated with acne. This is, however, a minor factor and the skin quickly clears up once one stops the exposure.

Cosmetics: Some cosmetics and skin-care products (especially oil based ones) tend to clog the pores and cause acne flare ups.

Treating your acne

Creams and lotions: Most of these can be obtained over the counter. They tend to dry up oily skin, kill bacteria and promote removal of dead skin cells.

Look for those which contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as their active ingredient. Stronger agents derived from vitamin A such as ‘tretinoin’ are only available on prescription and should only be used after consulting a dermatologist.

Antibiotics: In cases of severe acne the doctor may opt to start you on a course of antibiotics to help kill the bacteria in the skin. The duration of use is usually longer than the average 5-7 days for regular infections.

Do not go and purchase these for yourself at the pharmacy without prescription.

This is because antibiotic resistance has increased significantly in people with acne over the years.

In addition, antibiotics are absorbed by the entire body and should only be used under the care of your dermatologist who knows how these drugs can interact with the rest of your system.

Hormonal therapy: Oral contraceptives (especially those low in oestrogen) can improve acne in women.

Chemical peels: This tends to be used in people with acne scars and involves applying of a chemical (usually acidic) to remove the top layer of your skin.

Laser therapy: Laser therapy reaches the deeper layers of skin without destroying the skin’s surface. It improves skin texture and reduce the appearance of scars.

Dermabrasion (skin abrasion): This involves removing the top layer of skin with a rapidly rotating brush. This is also preserved for severe acne which has healed with significant scarring.

Dealing with acne at home

Cleaning: Wash acne-prone areas twice a day with a gentle cleanser.

These are readily available in the supermarket and can come in either bar or liquid form.

Washing removes excess oil and dead skin cells. Avoid the temptation to wash your face four or five times a day in an attempt to keep it clean. Too much washing can irritate the skin.

Exfoliators, masks and toners that contain scrubbing particles can irritate the skin and make your acne worse. Avoid rubbing alcohol based products on the skin as this can also irritate the skin.

Skin care products and makeup: Use oil-free, water-based skin care products.

Keep your makeup kit clean and regularly change your brushes and applicators (you can wash them thoroughly between purchases).

Avoid using heavy foundation makeup. Where possible, choose powder cosmetics over cream products. Always remove your makeup before going to bed, regardless of how tired you feel.

Hands off : Dermatologists advise people with acne-prone skin not touch their skin frequently. This can cause acne flare-ups.

In addition, avoid trying to manually eliminate an acne pimple. People tend to try and get rid of acne pimples as soon as they see them by picking at them. Don’t pick, pop or squeeze the pimples as it can cause infection and the development of scars.

Clothing: If you have acne on your chest or back, wear loose fitting clothing. If you have facial acne avoid constantly being in hats, caps and helmets.

Hair care: Keep your hair clean and off your face and other acne affected areas.
Oily hair-care products can drip onto the skin and clog your pores. Care should also be taken with oil based hair sprays which can also affect the skin.

This article was first published in the Business Daily.