Adolescent girls or even adult women may be faced with aggravated acne problems during the commencement of their menstrual cycle. The occurrence of pimples, whiteheads and blackheads are generally heightened about 10 days before menstruation begins. This is due to the hormonal fluctuations in the body. The effect can be reduced and controlled to some extent by the use of specific contraceptive pills. (Again, please consult your doctor before using any prescription medicines.)
Your body needs to be constantly flushed properly. Drink as much water as you can to keep your body and skin clean and fresh. Along with consuming water, drink naturally sweetened fruit juices every day. This will help to make you look attractive by giving you a radiant skin.
You should also take care to avoid milk products and red meat. These food items are not easily digestible and lead to severe acid formation. The waste materials are not discarded easily thereby leading to the formation of acne. Again these products make the level of hormones shoot up and further aggravate acne problems. It is wiser to opt for fat free meat and soymilk or nut milk.
There are various remedial measures that can be taken at home. These are easy to follow and are absolutely safe. Perhaps the simplest way to keep excessive oil at bay is by washing your face at least twice daily with lukewarm salted water. The salt in the water will help in reducing the production of oil in your skin and at the same time will not enhance the acne problem.
Exercising is a good way to stay healthy. But remember to take a wash after exercise. The moisture and heat trapped against the skin becomes a perfect breeding ground for spreading bacteria. Avoid wearing makeup during exercises and do not wear garments made exclusively with nylon.
There are various ointments and lotions available in the markets that help in fighting acne. Most of these products contain benzoyl peroxide that is a bleaching agent. These may be effective for a short-term cure but they may damage your skin and make it dry and rough if the bleaching content is too high. If you are still keen on using these bleaching products take care to use only the mild ones.
Even after acne is cured, it often leaves behind a scar that can mar your beauty. Treating acne scar is essential to have a clear and fresh face. Two of the commonly used methods to treat blemish are Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion. In Dermabrasion, the top layer of the skin is removed by the use of a high speed rotary wire brush or a diamond coated fraise. Microdermabrasion on the other hand blasts tiny crystals on the skin and rubs it using a rough tool. Both these methods are carried out by cosmetic surgeons.
Acne, usually referred to as pimples, is an inflammatory skin disease. Acne starts appearing on the skin because of a comedo, an enlarged hair follicle plugged with bacteria and oil. The comedo is placed beneath the skin surface and is invisible to the naked eye. Under favorable conditions, it germinates into an inflamed lesion. The bacteria inside the follicle flourish due to oil production from the skin.
Hormonal activity is another major factor for the occurrence of acne. Excessive output of hormones from the adrenal glands and activities like the menstrual cycle are chief causes. Using medication containing halogens, exposure to high level chlorine compounds, use of antibiotic steroids, accumulation of dead cells of the skin, scratching and skin irritation are other general causes for the appearance of acne.
Never try to pick or squeeze the acne in any way. Instead of bringing the bacteria out, it rather pushes it back deeper into the skin and makes the area appear red and inflamed by spreading the infection. Squeezing pimples -- or "popping zits" -- can also leave behind permanent blemishes even after the acne dries off.