Q: I hate my face breaking out. What can I do to treat my adult acne problem?
A: To best understand why acne happens, picture
this: Most of our skin is covered with tiny follicles that contain oil-producing
sebaceous glands. Along with these sebaceous glands, we also have tiny hairs
growing up inside small canals within each follicle. The place on the skin's
surface where each follicular canal opens is called a pore.
Clear skin (without eruptions or acne) occurs when
the cells lining the canal shed regularly and are carried out by the oil
produced by the sebaceous glands through the pore to the skin's surface. A
problem begins when cells clump together, causing a plug. Then the excess oil
being produced by the sebaceous glands starts to build up behind the plug. At
the same time, the normal bacteria in the follicle start to increase, feeding on
the oil and blocking the pore. When the blockage, or plug, reaches the surface
of the skin, it appears as a blackhead, caused when the dead skin cells and oil
fill the pore and are visible. Plugs that remain just below the skin's surface
are whiteheads.
Many people have inflammatory acne, which occurs
when the skin bacteria produce irritating substances that may break into the
skin surrounding the follicle. Then "pus pimples" (small pus-filled lumps),
papules (small red lumps that protrude above the skin's surface), nodules (large
red lumps that protrude above the skin's surface), and cysts may form--this type
of acne, called cystic acne, is the most severe and requires treatment by a
dermatologist.
Fluctuating hormones can also contribute to acne
breakouts, which is why teenagers tend to break out, why women break out around
their periods, and why women may break out during pregnancy and after. Hormones
cause oil glands to enlarge and to produce more oil during puberty and beyond.
Also, the follicle wall thickens and cells clump together, blocking the
follicular canal. The areas with the largest, most active oil glands-the
forehead, nose, and chin (T-zone)--are most likely to develop acne. But acne can
also develop on the neck, back, shoulders, and chest.
Additionally, anything that puts pressure on
certain parts of the skin many bring on what is called "friction acne." This
term applies to blemishes that occur where pressure is applied to skin, such as
around the mouth of a flute player or on the side of the face and around the
chin of people who spend considerable time on the telephone, cradling it with
their face and chin.
How Do I Know if I Have Adult Acne?
Adult acne is becoming a huge problem with women
(and some men) over the age of 20. Some people complain of acne breakouts for
the first time. Others with the problem see it as a continuation of their
"teenage acne years". Regardless of whether the breakouts are recurrent or new,
they can make you feel horrible about the way you look and wreak havoc on your
self-esteem and social life. Have a dermatologist or doctor check to make
certain that what you think you have is the correct diagnosis. Many conditions
can imitate or mimic adult acne, such as rosacea, yeast infections of the hair
follicles, and breakouts resulting from the pores that have been blocked by
oil-based makeup products or leave-in hair products, such as hairspray, mousse,
and gel.
What About Acne Imitators?
Another condition that causes breakouts around the
mouth area. This noncontagious condition occurs primarily in women aged 25 to 45
years, can usually be recognized by pimply/rashy eruptions that crop up on the
chin, around the mouth, the lower part of the nose, and under and around the
eyes. It is caused by overgrowth of bacteria that normally live on the skin,
minding their own business. This type of acne often appears after a woman is
stressed, has had sun exposure, or has been using too heavy or occlusive makeup
or moisturizing products. A breakout can even come after a cold, flu, or other
illness. Check with your doctor or dermatologist.
TACTICS TO FIGHT ACNE:
-
Clean your face at least twice a day, especially
if you perspire heavily. Use a mild cleanser for in-between cleansing, such as
after working out.
-
Use only makeup and moisturizers that are
non-clogging (non-comedogenic) and use only oil-free sunscreens.
-
Clean your cosmetic brushes and makeup pads with
soapy water at least two or three times a week.
-
Avoid touching your face during the day. Keep in
mind that hands are full of microscopic bacteria that can transfer to your face
and aggravate your condition. Also, wash your hands after handling money, which
has been shown to contain a great amount of bacteria and germs.
-
Remove all your makeup before going to bed.
-
Change your pillowcases at least every few days
and wash your sheets often.
-
Avoid resting your face on the telephone, a
excellent breeder for bacteria.
-
Cleanse your telephone with an alcohol pad.
-
Use Noevir
Clear Control Line
which lifts impurities and absorbs oil with bentonite and exfoliates thick, dull
skin with salicylic acid, and controls oily skin through the day with the power
of talc.
-
Use Noevir
Clay Masque to absorb excess
oil with kaolin clay and naturally condition skin with vitamin E. Best suited
for oily skin with blackheads and whiteheads.
-
Noevir
Revitalizing Herbal Hair Tonic to keep scalp clean and healthy
OTHER TIPS ON LOOKING AND FEELING YOUR BEST:
Limit your sun exposure and use sunscreen. Don't
start smoking and stop if you already do. Try to control the amount of stress in
your life or learn coping mechanisms for reducing stress. Get plenty of rest,
eat a healthy, balanced diet, and drink alcoholic beverages in moderation.
Exercise to increase the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the skin, giving it a
healthy glow. Wear sunglasses to protect the eyes and the delicate skin around
them. Check to make sure the lenses provides UVA and UVB protection. Drink lots
of water. Take short showers and baths in warm rather than hot water, to avoid
further dehydrating and irritating the skin.
If you follow these tips and use Noevir, you'll look better longer than most of
the people you know, who don't do anything positive to fight off skin problems
which may rob them of their beauty, feelings of self-worth, and ultimately,
their good health.
If you have any questions or
comments about this topic, please contact me by
e-mail.
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