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.
Do you have oily skin as well as long hair? Your long hair could be detrimental for your acne prone skin. The oil content in the hair attracts dirt and when the hair touches the skin on your face, neck, shoulder, etc. (this is more likely in case of long hair) the oil and bacteria problems are intensified. Shampoo your hair frequently and keep it away from your face.
It is also necessary to avoid sunscreen lotions that are oil based. However, you should not avoid the use of sunscreen completely as exposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun may prove to be dangerous for your pimples. You should use a water based UVA/UVB sunscreen with a high SPF or Sun Protection Factor.
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.
Water is considered to be very helpful in reducing oil in the skin and in protecting the skin against acne. The goodness of water can be utilized not only by washing your face with it but only consuming it in a large quantity. A minimum of 8 glasses should be taken everyday. Water helps in flushing out harmful toxins from the body and in hydrating your skin. Exercise also flush toxins and maintains blood circulation.
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.
It has been medically proved that there is a deep correlation between your skin and your level of stress. The activation of androgen causes the oil glands to produce an increased quantity of sebum or oil and as already mentioned oil is a major cause for pimples. When you are under a high level of stress the androgen production in your body is enhanced. A high androgen production may also be a result of surgery, allergy and similar physical stress too.
The market is full of a wide variety of cosmetics that have numerous types of chemicals in them. These chemicals are harmful for the skin as they take away the natural oils that are there in our skin. The natural defensive technique that works in our body starts functioning and tries to protect our skin by producing more oil. This oil clogs the pores and results in pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. Hence, you should opt for natural cosmetics and skin products.
Milk acts as natural cleanser. To avoid the use of soaps, you can soak almonds in milk and apply the paste to clean your face and neck. To stay away from acne, you can also make an herbal facial mask of lemon juice, honey, green clay and yogurt. Another way of preparing the facial mask is to mix the white part of the egg with cornflower, oats, rose water and kaolin.
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.)
In order to reduce the inflammation, you can apply packs of ice to the pimple for 2 minutes after every half an hour. You can soothe the irritation and redness by applying a dab of toothpaste on the pimple. You can even use a wet tea bag or press a wet cotton ball against the acne containing a drop of lemon. Holding it for five minutes can reduce both the redness and the swelling.
Do not use unnecessary makeup if your skin is prone to pimples. Even if you are wearing makeup, always clean it before you go off to sleep. Make use of topical cleansing pads that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or sulfur to clean excess oil. Do not use harsh cleansers and try using acne skin care products that mildly exfoliates.
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.
Increase your intake of vegetables, fruits and nuts. Regular consumption of salads, juices and dry fruits can have a miraculous effect on your skin. Try and cut down on the consumption of coffee, tea, chocolates, refined carbohydrates, sugar and other products with caffeine in it, as all these products tend to increase sebum-producing insulin in the body and enhance the problems caused by acne and pimples.