Common among teenagers and adolescents, acne can cause social, emotional and psychological problems. Acne is just a passing phase and instead of worrying and losing your self-confidence, you should learn to deal with it. Here are some simple but effective ways to manage acne.
- Make it a habit to wash your face as soon as possible after sweating. Perspiration can worsen the condition.
- Use a gentle and non-abrasive cleanser in the area. Avoid vigorous scrubbing with a sponge as it will irritate the skin and make your acne worse.
- Steaming is great for the skin and particularly useful when you have acne. It opens up the pores and allows the skin to breathe. Steaming the face gets rid of oil, dirt and bacteria trapped in the pores that can cause infection or inflammation.
- Avoid popping acne – it won’t do any good and will worsen the condition and result in scars. Allow your skin to heal on its own.
- When it comes to cosmetics, toiletries and sunscreens, stick to oil-free, nonacnegenic products.
- Don’t use products such as astringents, toners and exfoliants as they may unnecessarily dry and irritate the skin.
- If you are using acne medication, avoid the sun as some medications are sensitive to ultraviolet rays. Avoid tanning beds too.
- Foods with a high glycemic load such as white grains and sweets are related to acne formation. So maintain a healthy, balanced diet.
If none of these strategies help and your acne makes you feel shy or embarrassed, consult a dermatologist. Dermatologists can provide solutions for existing acne and prevent new breakouts. Getting treatment for severe acne will also reduce the risk of scarring.