Acne is a problem that starts in the teen years and can carry forward into adulthood. Almost every individual will face a few outbreaks of acne throughout their life. By understanding the causes of acne and taking measures to combat those causes, it is possible to eliminate acne and prevent new outbreaks, so read on for the ins and outs of this affliction, from beginning to end.
Though washing the face is a vital element of removing dead skin cells, dirt and oil from skin, washing too often actually causes more acne. By washing the skin several times a day, it becomes dried out and irritated. This results in more oil production in the skin and ultimately causes new acne to form.
The ideal measure to avoid over-washing is only cleaning the face twice a day. For most individuals, cleaning the face in the morning and again at night is enough to eliminate the dirt without drying out the skin. Those who have particularly oily skin should make use of oil blotting paper to pull up excess oil throughout the day rather than washing the skin.
Like washing too often, another cause of irritation and acne is using a soap that is too harsh for the skin. A bar soap or body wash is never appropriate for use on the face, because it is too harsh. Opting for a facial cleanser that is designed for the skin type will result in clearer and healthier skin.
A poor diet is another cause of acne. When the body is not healthy, the skin will show outward signs in the form of acne. Those who do not eat enough nutrient-rich foods will find that their skin likely has more acne. The ideal diet should include several fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamins and other nutrients. In particular, vitamins A and E are necessary for the healthiest skin.
Eating foods like carrots and greens, which are high in vitamins A and E, will result in healthier and clearer skin. The ideal nutrient-rich diet should include at least one fruit or vegetable from every color group. If it is not possible to eat so many fruits and vegetables, taking a quality multivitamin can also help. The supplement should only cover the gaps in the diet and should never replace vitamin-rich foods.
Hormone changes are one of the most common causes of acne. Teen acne and many cases of adult acne stem from changes to the hormones in the body. This is a particular problem for women who suffer from adult acne.
The best treatment for hormone-related acne is treating the imbalance of hormones. Depending on the situation and the age of the individual, the best treatment will vary. In many cases, women are suggested to take oral contraceptives, which help maintain hormone levels throughout the month.
Dehydration can lead to numerous problems, including dry skin that can result in high oil production and acne. The best way to combat dehydration is drinking more water throughout the day. Ideally, a diet should have a minimum of 64 ounces of water a day.
Stress is another factor involved in acne, particularly adult acne. The high stress levels of many careers and modern lifestyles can result in acne development. Reducing stress is a matter of personal interests and relaxation measures. It can range from watching a movie and playing video games to meditating or reading a book.
Fighting acne starts with identifying the major cause and then taking measures to treat the particular reason for acne development. The cause differs between individuals, but ultimately is treatable.