Puddles of dirty rain water, video games, comic books and marbles in my secret box, with all these I had made strong connections in my early carefree teenage years. I was a free spirit.
It was on my 12th birthday when I discovered that my glowing face was rendered ugly by a bold pimple on my forehead. I rushed to my dad, and he instead of empathizing with me…laughed, gave a pat on my back and said, “Good one kiddo! You’re growing up”.
And I got to know the term ACNE: A skin condition that mares one with different types of bumps including whiteheads, blackheads, red bumps (pimples), bumps that are filled with pus (pustules).
Contents
WHAT IS ACNE??
A little biology lesson here. The human skin has tiny holes or pores with serve as outlet for glandular secretions that happen beneath the skin. They are basically present there for supplying optimum nutrition to skin and keep it supple and taut. Some of these glands produce sweat that cools down skin while some, known as the sebaceous glands (basically oil glands) make sebum (an oil that moistens your hair and skin).
Normally, glands produce the right amount of sebum given the pores are fine, but sometimes a pore gets clogged up with too much sebum, dead skin cells, and germs which causes acne.
A clogged pore closes, and bulges out from the skin creating a whitehead. If a pore clogs up but stays open, the top surface can get dark and you’re left with a blackhead. Sometimes, the walls of the pore break, allowing sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells to get under the skin causing a small, red infection called a pimple. And in worse times, clogged pores open deep in the skin leading to bigger infections like cysts and folliculitis.
WHY ACNE??
Most commonly, hormonal changes during puberty causes acne due to enhanced activity of growth hormone. Heredity factor contributes too. If your parents had acne during their teens, it’s more likely that you will too. Oily skin further elevates the problem.
I am sure that you are tempted to know some steps to fight acne, but before that let’s have a look at some myths:
COMMON ACNE MYTHS
- Frequent washing can reduce acne.
- Toothpaste can help fight acne.
- Only teenagers suffer from acne.
- Acne is caused by dirt.
- Stress causes acne.
- Acne is an infection.
- Sex and masturbation can lead to acne
ACNE PRECAUTIONS AND TREATMENT
To detoxify your system and claim back your healthy skin from acne naturally, you must follow a monthly detox regime. To learn more about this, read: Yoga for Beauty – Skin Renewal Detox Tips.
- Wash your face twice a day with a mild soap but do not scrub.
- Before any medication or treatment, do consult a dermatologist.
- Be regular in taking medication or treatment.
- Stay away from oily and rich food (Healthy snacking ideas)
- Drink lots of water to flush out toxins from the system.
- Engage in some sweaty physical activity like a cardio/running or yoga to sweat out dirt.
- Cover face with a clean fabric when in dust or polluted surroundings.
- Sometimes, dandruff can elevate the problem, so keep a squeaky clean scalp always.
- Never ever pop your pimples or you’ll forever live with a dark scar left behind it.
- Avoid wearing hats, headbands or caps that rub your skin when in contact.
- Avoid putting oily or greasy substances on your face.
- Apply sandalwood paste to soothe the area and dry up the acne faster.
- Avoid touching your face. Your hands may carry some amount of oil.
- Last and most important, be patient!! It can take time to get back to perfectly clean face.
In quest to get back to a fresh, healthy skin, the above text will definitely lend a helping hand.
Stay healthy, stay happy…
References 1. Myths about acne - Health24.com 2. Acne - KidsHealth.org
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