Being an adolescent these days is not easy. But teenagers who suffer from acne breakouts have to deal with a lot more than the average young adult. They get teased and sometimes bullied just because of this common skin condition. The embarrassment that acne breakouts can bring about in a teen’s life can, in fact, have lasting effects.
So, just imagine what effect these acne breakouts can have on an adult. If you were one of the best employees in a company, but you have acne all over your face, chances are, this may affect your promotion. In fact, some people do not even get hired because of this. The reason? Employees represent their companies. So, these business organizations not only hire people who are the best at what they do, they also hire people who look good. Not necessarily the prettiest woman or most good looking man, but definitely one who carries himself or herself well, and definitely one who has (as in most cases), clear and smooth skin.
So, how do you prevent or treat acne?
Good skin care plays an important role in the prevention of acne.
Washing your face at least twice a day is a very basic way to start. This can be taught to a child at a very young age so that it becomes a habit. Constant washing will prevent dirt from clogging one’s pores.
When you wash or cleanse your face, do not use an abrasive washcloth. This may cause skin irritation.
Hairstyles that keep hair off of one’s face will also help in preventing acne. Hair often has dirt and can sometimes be greasy, especially during adolescence.
Always use sunscreen and avoid tanning or over exposure to the sun. Your tan may look great on you but you wouldn’t want to damage your skin later, would you?
Avoid touching your skin frequently.
If you already have an acne problem, there are a variety of ways to treat this skin condition:
Never pop your pimples as this will induce scarring.
You can purchase over the counter topical and skin care products that are especially formulated for acne treatment. These products usually contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Use non-comodogenic or non-occlusive skin care products that are, according to experts, oil free and do not clog pores.
But the best thing to do for any skin problem is to consult a dermatologist. He or she can suggest dermatological procedures such as chemical peeling, surgical extraction and phototherapy, to get rid of acne. However, if you are interested in alternative treatment, studies indicate that acupuncture can also be used as treatment for acne.