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Acne Treatment

What Is Acne?

Acne is a skin disorder. Acne occurs when excess oil (sebum) production combined with dead skin cells clog pores. Bacteria forms in the pores resulting in red inflamed pimples, pus filled whiteheads, or blackheads. There are many different forms of acne; however, acne vulgaris is the most common form. Some people estimate that as many as 80% of teens have some form of acne at one point. Sometimes people will have perfect skin in their teen years and will develop acne in their adult years.

Get the Acne Facts!

  • The causes of acne can be classified into bacteria, genetics, hormones, and clogged pores.
  • Genetics is important. If one of your parents had acne sometime in their life, chances are you will too.
  • Hormones (specifically testosterone) can cause increased oil(sebum) production clogging the pores with dead skin cells.
  • A bacterium is the main culprit to all forms of acne.
  • Hey! You're not alone, an estimated eighty percent of the people suffer from some form of acne in their life.
  • Did you know there are many varieties of acne? In fact, there are over fifty types of acne. However, the most common form is acne vulgaris.
  • Although many individuals believe the sun makes their acne better, the reality is ultraviolet rays that penetrate the skin's surface can damage the pores, closing them off and triggering acne two to four weeks after sun exposure.

Basic Acne Washing Routine

Keeping your face clean requires that you wash it two times per day, three times at the most. You must be very careful to avoid overdoing it. Skin must maintain the proper pH levels to remain healthy. Over washing will make your face dry and irritated causing more breakouts. Acne is not caused by "dirty" skin; it is the result of clogged pores infected with bacteria. Therefore, washing alone does not prevent acne. It simply serves to remove dirt and oil at the surface level.

Follow these steps:

  1. Wash your face by gently rotating soap lathered hands on your face.
  2. Use a mild nonabrasive soap.
  3. Rinse well with warm water.
  4. Face cloths may irritate the skin and carry bacteria.
  5. Using a clean soft towel, gently pat dry your face.

Touching

Hands contain bacteria that can cause acne flare-ups. Make an effort to avoid hand contact to your face during the day to avoid bacteria transfer. It is probably one of the most difficult things to avoid since much of the hand to face contact throughout the day is unconscious movement. Try to avoid rubbing, touching, or itching your face with your hands. Also be careful of the telephone. Clean it often with rubbing alcohol because it sometimes comes in contact with the face and may transfer bacteria.

Water

Water helps the body flush out toxins and transport nutrients to the body. The recommended amount of water you should drink is at least half your bodyweight in ounces of water (a 140lb. individual should drink 70 ounces/day). While water alone will not eliminate your acne it will greatly assist your skin in remaining healthy.

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