Do you have acne? Have you ever wondered what causes acne and how to get rid of them? Have you ever popped a pimple only to, later on, require intervention from a skin doctor to remove the pigmentation or scarring? Do you want to know some of the tips on how to prevent acne from a certified dermatologist? Then look no further because here are some of the most important things to know about acne.
Acne, also known as Acne Vulgaris, is a long-term skin condition that occurs when hair follicles are clogged with dead skin cells and oil from the skin. Although it is a physiological condition, when it occurs repeatedly or severely, it can lead to cosmetic concerns as well as reduce the quality of life and confidence of the affected person.
Let’s look at the top 10 causes of acne and the top 10 ways to prevent it in no particular order.
Top 10 Causes of Acne
- Diet:
⦁ Eating too much carbohydrates with a high glycaemic index can lead to acne. Foods like white bread, white rice, pasta, sugar, maple syrups, anything made with white flour like pastries and cake, soft drinks have a high GI.
⦁ Dairy products: A recent study found a positive association with acne for the intake of total milk and skim milk. It may be because of the presence of hormones and bioactive molecules in milk. - Stress:
People tend to have acne breakouts during periods of stress due to increased hormone production to fight the stress stimulus. - Makeup:
Sometimes makeup can cause as well as worsen acne and clog your pores. It depends on what type of makeup you use and whether you wash it off at the end of the day. Reduce the damage by using fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, sheer or light coverage makeup. - Brushes:
Bacteria can accumulate on makeup application brushes that aren’t cleaned regularly so make sure to clean your foundation and concealer brushes once a week and other brushes 1-2 times per month.
Most people do not clean their brushes as frequently as they should or at all. There are a few ways you can clean them, which include:
⦁ Run your makeup applicator under lukewarm water and rinse your brush thoroughly. In a bowl of water, add clarifying shampoo. Dip the applicator in the water. Rinse the brush until the water is clear. Air dry your brush.
⦁ Use a traditional makeup brush cleaner and follow the product instructions. - Other Medicines:
Sometimes, Acne can be caused by certain medicines so be sure to consult your dermatologist to clarify. - Bacteria:
P. acnes is one of the bacteria which plays an important role, both directly and indirectly, in the development of inflammatory acne. - Hormones:
Hormonal shifts (mainly increase in androgens) are directly related to acne. The breakouts that occur can often be below the nose, along the jaw, and even the neck at times. - Sebum and Oil:
The normal function of sebaceous glands is to produce and secrete sebum, a group of complex oils. Increased sebum excretion and changes in the lipids are the main events in acne pathogenesis. - Home Remedies:
Although some home remedies may be beneficial to treat acne, most of the time, there can be worsening of the lesions or other complications of trying home remedies. - Pregnancy:
Acne is known to occur during pregnancy, usually during the first and second trimesters. This is due to an increase in hormones (androgens) which can make the sebaceous glands grow and produce more sebum.
Top 10 Tips To Prevent Acne.
- Cleansing:
Cleansing your skin with the right type of cleanser is an important part of the daily anti-acne routine. The skin needs some natural oils to remain healthy. Cleansing too often can result in over-dryness and irritation. Generally, cleansing twice a day is sufficient to remove dirt, excess oil, and makeup without stripping the skin of the natural oils. In addition, if you’ve been exercising, are sweaty or dirty, it is recommended to cleanse your skin. And make sure to wash your face before bed to cleanse away the grime and oil from the day and leave your skin ready for the acne medications. - Sun Protection:
Prolonged sun exposure can increase the shedding of dead cells on your skin’s surface which causes plugging of pores. This can lead to acne. Heavy sunblocks may cause breakouts as they are occlusive, meaning they form a film on the skin. One should use a non-comedogenic sunscreen to avoid breakouts. To read more about sunscreens, click here. - Drink lots of water.
Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day is beneficial for skin health. - Diet Tips:
Swap brown rice for white rice or use a mixture of brown and white rice.
Eat wholegrain or multigrain bread instead of white bread.
Eat oats instead of regular cornflakes.
Eat apples, pears with skin on – skin is rich in fiber and antioxidants (but be sure to wash thoroughly before consuming)
Include more Vitamin A, C, and E in your diet.
Vitamin A: Supports the immune function and provides proper growth and differentiation of cells. It is also good for the eyes.
Vitamin C: Good for immune function and skin health. Helps prevent the damaging effects of harmful free radicals thereby preventing damage and aging of the skin.
Vitamin E: It has antioxidant properties and also prevents the damaging effects of harmful free radicals. - Tips to manage stress:
Prioritizing workloads, exercise & yoga, music, talking things out with family and friends. - Sleep:
Ensure you are getting sufficient sleep of at least 7-8 hours because the body repairs itself and recovers while you sleep. - Cell Phones:
⦁ Use an earpiece instead of putting your phone directly to your face.
⦁ If prefer not to use an earpiece, make sure to clean your phone regularly. You can use a microfiber/lint-free cloth or cotton swab spritzed with alcohol. - Avoid Touching Your Face:
Even after you wash hands, avoid touching your face. If you are a student, and you study with your hand resting on your face, then that can also cause little breakouts. - Do not squeeze acne/Prevent Scarring:
Do not rub or pop the acne or there can be scarring or pigmentation. - Consult a skin specialist:
Sometimes, breakouts can occur despite taking the best care of your skin. It is important to consult a dermatologist near you so that the doctor can diagnose the condition and find any underlying causes of the acne as well as suggest the latest treatment which will help to clear the skin as well as prevent further breakouts from developing.