Over 70 million people in the United States suffer from acne so if you have acne, you’re definitely not alone and we got your back. Acne is a very common skin condition and affects about 80% of Americans from 20 to 30 years old. So no, acne is not just limited to pubescent years. It has also been found that acne is more common in boys during teenage years but women suffer more from acne in the adult age bracket.
But even though acne is a very common skin issue, it’s still very much misunderstood and a lot of people don’t know how to properly deal with it. Hopefully with this list we’ll be able to shed some light on how to deal with acne by giving you these simple and easy acne remedies.
The Root Cause
Before trying to treat acne, it is important to determine what could have caused the breakouts in the first place.
- Bacteria and clogged pores: during the teenage years, the glands just underneath the surface of the skin begin producing sebum which is our skin’s natural oils and acts as a natural moisturizer. This substance comes out of the pores but at times it may clog up these pores and provide an ample environment for bacteria to grow.
- Hormones: Hormones start actively changing during the teenage years and this shift causes different changes to happen in a person’s body, one of them being acne. Hormones also go haywire when a woman is pregnant thus also causing acne breakouts to happen. Stressful situations may also trigger these changes and cause acne.
- Genetics: A person is more predisposed to having acne if there is a history of acne in the family.
The Right Treatment
There are so many ways to treat acne but it is important to first identify what had caused the breakouts and how serious the problem is. People with moderate to severe acne need to seek help from a physician, preferably a dermatologist. Mild acne and other skin problems such as whiteheads, blackheads, and a few zits can usually be remedied at home.
- It is not advisable to scrub acne away because the skin acts as a barrier, keeping bacteria from making matters worse. Instead, try these tips:
- Wash your face gently and once again, do not scrub
- Use a gentle soap
- Wash with your hands only and not with a washcloth or any other type of tool
- It is safe to use 5% benzoyl peroxide on the affected area
- Stay away from commercially sold facial scrubs
- Abrasive pads for the face
- Do your research and don’t just buy into expensive cosmetic regimens
- Shave carefully
- Don’t pick or scratch your skin, especially on the affected areas
- Avoid sun exposure as much as possible
If you feel like you’ve done everything in your power to deal with acne at home, it may be time to seek help from a licensed physician or dermatologist.
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