How to Control Acne

How to Control Acne Related Information:

Acne is a skin condition that is the bane of many teenagers’ lives. Generally beginning in puberty, this condition affects approximately twenty percent of adolescents and without the proper care and precautions can continue for a long time.

Acne is brought about by the inflammation of oil glands (sebaceous glands) under the skin. In turn, the inflammation of these glands causes the secretion of oil on to the skin. This secretion then blocks the pores of the skin blocking in dead cells and bacteria, thus the onset of acne begins.

There are some precautions you can take to control and help relieve acne. You can also find a range of prescription and non-prescription drugs on the market which can help with this condition. People who have acne should bear in mind that the condition can be eased but it can also be aggravated. Some of the factors that can worsen the condition include:

Stress
Weather / temperature
Menstrual cycle
Make-up
Perfumed or greasy face products
Diet
Some drugs

Washing your face twice daily with a very mild soap can help to ease acne. Astringent cleansers are useful because they reduce oiliness, but they are also dehydrating so it is important to moisturise afterwards with a non-greasy lotion. Ensure that you use a clean towel when washing as acne can be exacerbated through hand to face contact. And don’t be tempted to rub the skin dry as this can aggravate the condition; simply pat your face gently to dry it off after washing.

You can get some over-the-counter medication that can help to combat this skin condition. There is a range of non-prescription medications that can help to ease acne, although the effects may take a little time to show. When buying over the counter acne medication you should look for products which contain:

  • Sulphur
  • Salicylic acid
  • Benzoyl peroxide

These are ingredients that are pivotal in the treatment of acne and can help to control and ease the condition. You will find these ingredients in a range of cleansers, washes, creams, lotions and gels.

For those with severe acne, prescription medication is the usual route. Your GP can prescribe a range of medication that can help to ease the condition. These include:

  • Antibiotics (oral)
  • Anti-bacterial lotion
  • Retin-A cream to loosen the blockage of the pores/follicles
  • More concentrated creams, lotions and gels that contain the active acne controlling ingredients outlined above.

Other precautions that should be taken to help control acne include:

  • Avoiding make-up or going for very light water based products
  • Avoid greasy moisturizers and creams
  • Avoid saunas as this can spread acne
  • Avoid getting perfumed products such as hairspray on the skin
  • Washing your face after exercise or strenuous activity (where the skin has been perspiring)
Although these treatments and precautions won’t get rid of acne overnight, they should go a long way towards easing the problem and helping to keep it under control. Acne can last anything from a few months to years, but however long it takes to clear up you should ensure that you continue to take the right steps and medication towards easing it.