Acne 101: Questions, Answers, Tips, & Tricks for Improving Acne

Whether it is the pesky pimple that pops up before an important event or blackheads that never seem to completely go away, acne is always a beauty bummer. Acne is one of the most common skincare concerns for women of all ages, all around the globe.

Acne 101

When pores get clogged, pimples, zits, blackheads and whiteheads surface. They typically appear on the face, neck, chest, shoulders, and back. When skin produces too much sebum, or oil, dead skin cells get stuck together and block pores. Making matters worse, bacteria can also get stuck inside of pores, multiply and causes red, swollen, inflamed breakouts or cysts.

Not Everyone Outgrows Acne—Adult Acne

Acne is most common in teenagers going through hormonal changes associated with puberty, but it is certainly not limited to younger generations. Women may find that acne pops up during those adult stages of hormonal changes such as monthly menstruation cycles, pregnancy and menopause.

Acne is hereditary as well—so if your mom, dad, or other close family members experienced bouts of acne, you are more likely to experience problems with acne too.

Smart Skincare to Prevent Acne
● Cleanse. Wash your face morning and night with a cleanser containing salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a key acne-fighting ingredient that exfoliates the skin helping to keep pores clear. After you exercise, you should also take time to freshen up with a facial cleansing cloth. A quick swipe will remove sweat and other impurities.
● Do Not Over Wash. When you have a breakout, the temptation is certainly there to wash multiple times a day. But doing so will dry out skin, causing it to produce more sebum (or oil) leading to even more acne.
● Protect. Wear an oil-free moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15 on a daily basis to help prevent sun damage.
● Moisturize. It may feel counter-intuitive but even the most acne-ridden faces need moisture. In the evening, apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to your face, which will not clog your pores.

If your acne does not clear up after two to three months of diligent care or if you suffer from what is described as severe acne, it may be time to visit a dermatologist for alternative methods of clearing up your skin.

But don’t let this beauty bummer keep you from being your best beautiful. Clear skin is only a few products away!

Sources:
http://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/a---d/acne
http://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/for-kids/about-skin/acne-pimples-and-zits/just-what-are-pimples