Getting rid of acne is an agonizing question that everyone wonders about regardless of gender. Acne is the state of the skin when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It is a misconception that only oily skin can have acne breakouts. The truth is that dryness also prompts the skin to produce oil. In either case, the skin ends up with whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. Acne breakouts can occur at any age, but most commonly, the problem is found among teenagers. According to statistics, acne is a prevalent skin condition that affects 40 to 50 million individuals every year. This state is described as “chronic inflammatory skin condition” and it occurs in many different forms.
In this article, we provide you with tips on How to Get Rid of Acne.
Teen Girl with Acne Problem
What Causes Acne Breakout?
Acne can cause emotional distress and low self-esteem. If acne is left untreated and without any medical intervention, it can cause scarring and further skin issues that may shake the confidence of individuals.
According to research, people with acne feel unattractive and are self-conscious. Acne-prone skin is tricky for makeup, and you can’t use any over-the-counter products. Here are several reasons on why acne appears:
High sebum production
This takes place when the sebaceous glands in the skin are oversensitive to normal circulating levels of hormones called androgens.
Hyperkeratinization
This happens when the cells in the hair follicle don’t exfoliate thoroughly and instead construct clumps that clog your pores.
Inflammation
As acne bacteria starts growing, they produce waste products and enzymes. These harm skin cells and emit an immune response resulting in acne.
Hormonal changes
Androgens are hormones that increase in males and females during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to increase and make more sebum. Hormonal changes, particularly in women, can lead to acne as well.
Medications
This includes drugs containing corticosteroids, testosterone, or lithium, which can increase the rates of getting acne.
Unhealthy Diet
According to research, some foods, including carbohydrate-rich foods like bread, bagels, and chips, could worsen your acne.
Not taking care of Hygiene
Not taking care of the hygiene of your skin may lead to acne, such as cleansing, toning, and using others’ towels.
Other factors
– More sunlight exposure.
– Stress and anxiety.
– Lack of sleep.
– Sleeping in makeup.
– Using unhealthy skin care products.
Tips on How to Get Rid of Acne
1. Keep your face clean
Try washing your face once or twice a day. You can use over-the-counter acne facewash. Moreover, remove all makeup and dirt before bed, so it doesn’t build up and clog your pores. Many people like to use mild cleansers and warm water to wash their face, which is also a good idea to avoid acne.
2. Astringents help acne-prone skin
Astringents work best for oily and acne-prone skin. They help ward off whiteheads, dry out oil, tighten pores and cleanse the skin. Astringents are liquid-based formulas, similar to toners. However, they’re not suitable for dry skin, as they can worsen your acne.
3. Tea-tree oil
Tea tree oil is a very active ingredient in fighting against acne, with many other benefits. It is a popular alternative to conventional treatments against acne and breakouts. With anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, it calms redness, swelling, inflammation, and acne.
Its antiseptic and soothing properties are best for both skin types.
Don’t apply directly onto your skin. Dilute 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil in your carrier oil, and then use it. You must do a patch test first. A study showed that combining aloe-vera, tea tree oil, and propolis can improve acne.
4. Chemical exfoliation
Chemical exfoliants are the best part of your skincare routine. They keep your skin looking brighter, minimize pores, and help reduce breakouts. AHA and BHA are hydroxy acids that work to repair the skin by unclogging the pores, reducing inflammation, roughness, age spots, and many other issues.
Both acids peel your skin and work as exfoliants but work differently on different skins. BHAs are more effective against acne because of their anti-bacterial properties.
You must consult your dermatologist before applying chemical exfoliants.
5. Physical exfoliation worsens acne
Do not physically exfoliate your skin when your skin has active acne. The scrubbing and rubbing may irritate the already irritated skin and worsen your skin and acne.
Chemical exfoliation and physical exfoliation at the same time on active acne is not advisable. The physical exfoliation in active acne may cause more inflammation, resulting in more acne bumps.
6. Have a healthy and balanced diet
According to an American Academy of Dermatology study, foods with a high glycemic index may increase or worsen acne. These foods are sugary and high in carbohydrates.
Eating an overall healthy diet is always the best decision, which may help clear your skin and get rid of acne.
7. Take care of your hair
Do you have oily or dandruff-prone hair? If so, then you may need to wash your hair more often.
Keeping your hair clean and not putting it on your face will favor you in preventing breakouts on your forehead and face. Some hair care products, such as pomades and gels can worsen your acne.
If you have acne on your forehead, it may be caused by oil and dandruff from your hair. Additionally, because of sweat retention, headbands that cover your forehead can too encourage acne.
8. Use moisturizers and sunscreens
Use products that contain glycerin and hyaluronic acid and are labelled as ‘non-comedogenic’- not clogging pores. Wearing sunscreen is a must before wearing makeup and before going out. Sun exposure damages and causes irritation and skin problems as well as acne. Sunburn can also cause overproduction of oils on the skin, making your acne worse.
9. Always consult a dermatologist
Consult your doctor if your acne persists for a long time and severely affects your skin. Antibiotic medicines can fight an overgrowth of acne bacteria in the skin and help you get rid of acne.
Several additional factors can also cause acne, such as hormonal changes, birth control pills, and the use of certain medications.
Take All the Possible Precautions on How to Get Rid of Acne
Other precautions and hygienic practices are also essential to stop acne growth:
● Avoid sharing anything you use on your face.
● Don’t touch your face too often. Every time you touch your face, dirt, bacteria, and oil transfer to your skin and increase the rate of acne.
● Never pop your pimples. It increases the chances of inflammation and can lead to scarring.
● Refrain from excess exfoliation.
● Reduce stress and always take care of the cleanliness of your skincare products.
Conclusion on How to Get Rid of Acne
Acne is a state of skin in which pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, etc., occur. It is not permanent and may take time to fully recover, but you can easily eliminate it with effective treatments. Do not overuse any products, and give your skin some time and let it relax. Always clean your face, eat healthy, and apply sunscreen and moisturizer. This will get rid of acne over time, but find what works best for you as we all are unique.
Don’t forget to consult a doctor and use good skincare products, and please check out our article on how to deal with hair loss here if you enjoyed this guide.
Authored by Afsheen Khan for Fujn
