What for acne – this is a question many people ask themselves. The problem with eczema affects both teenagers and adults. In recent years, the skin problem can be seen in more and more people. Pollution, stress, alcohol and cigarette abuse, poor diet – all of these cause skin problems to appear. Acne requires special care. It’s not just about using the right products, but also a number of activities that significantly aggravate the condition of the skin. What to beware of and how to get rid of acne? Here is a short guide to help all those facing this serious problem.
How is acne formed?
Acne and pimples significantly reduce self-confidence, so many people reach for a variety of ways to get rid of bothersome imperfections. Unfortunately, some solutions can affect the skin very badly, only making it worse. Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become blocked. This leads to the formation of blackheads, pimples, papules or finally acne inflammatory lesions. The main causes of acne include:
- excessive sebum production – sebaceous glands in the skin produce too much sebum, which can lead to blocked pores,
- Excessive keratinization of skin cells – skin cells can exfoliate abnormally, creating clogged pores.
- Propionibacterium acnes bacteria naturally present on the skin, but in the case of acne it can proliferate in blocked pores, causing inflammation,
- Genetic factors – a propensity to acne can have a genetic basis.
How to care for acne-prone skin?
Acne skin care requires delicacy and an understanding of the skin’s needs. It is not only what we use that is important, but also what we do not do. On the Internet you can find a number of different ways that supposedly can work wonders. Unfortunately, some of them are only temporary remedies. In fact, these innovative ways may do more harm than good. With acne-prone skin, there are a few things to avoid so as not to irritate the skin or aggravate acne. Here are some recommendations:
- Touching the face. Avoid touching your face with dirty hands, as bacteria and dirt can make acne worse.
- Squeezing out pimples. This is a fairly common practice, but it is better avoided. Squeezing out imperfections can lead to irritation, infection and scarring.
- Use of aggressive products. Excessively drying or irritating agents dry out the skin, which eventually increases sebum production and leads to more acne problems.
- Overexposure to the sun. Many people claim that UV rays improve the complexion, but this is only temporary. In the long term, the sun contributes to skin deterioration. It is worth using non-comedogenic sunscreens.
- Washing the face too often. Excessive washing can remove natural oils and lead to overproduction of sebum.
- Using heavy cosmetics. Some cosmetics can clog pores, making acne worse. Non-comedogenic products that do not clog pores are recommended.
- Diet. Although there is no conclusive scientific evidence of a link between diet and acne, certain foods can provoke pimples in some people. It is worth observing the skin’s reaction to the products consumed and possibly avoiding those that seem to exacerbate acne.
- Stress. Nervousness increases the production of stress hormones, which can contribute to the severity of acne.
Acne skin care
What fights acne? Proper daily care plays an important role. First of all, it is advisable to use mild cleansers designed for acne-prone skin. Non-aggressive products will help remove impurities without over-drying the skin. Gentle alcohol-free tonic helps maintain skin pH and reduce sebum production. Proper moisturization with products that do not clog pores plays a key role. When going out in the sun, you should always have SPF sunscreen. It is also worth knowing the products that should be eliminated. They are:
- Heavy creams and oils, as they clog pores,
- Strong scrubs and drying agents – irritate the skin and increase susceptibility to allergic reactions,
- cosmetics with alcohol.
For the pimples themselves, it’s a good idea to use products dedicated to acne-prone skin. Cosmetics with snail mucus containing allantoin, glycolic acid, elastin, collagen, proteins, vitamins A and E and other nutrients prove to be helpful.
What not to do with acne skin – summary
Acne treatment involves a variety of methods, including proper skin care, prescription medications, hormone therapies (especially for women struggling with hormonal disorders), and in extreme cases, laser treatment or dermatological therapies. It is also important to prevent scarring through proper acne management, i.e. avoiding squeezing the lesions and refraining from aggressive cosmetics. Proper care with snail mucus can significantly improve the condition of the skin and boost self-confidence.