Many adults complain of having acne, particularly on the face. Acne may cause a huge impact on someone’s appearance, which may cause low self-esteem and confidence.
Some people try different ways to get rid of acne, but not all are successful in achieving a clear, bright skin. How can you successfully get rid of acne?
We list here the top 3 effective methods that you can try to get rid of acne. These methods
include avoiding conditions that cause acne, taking medications that cure acne, and facial
treatments in Singapore that effectively address acne.
Acne is caused by different factors that either an increase in the production of oil in the skin. When there is increased oil production in the skin, the bacteria known as Cutibacterium acnes accumulate in the skin. The bacteria thrive in the sebum and cause inflammation. The inflammation then causes acne. Inflamed comedones with pus may erupt and cause scarring later on.
Avoiding the factors that cause acne will benefit you in the long run. Here are the major factors
that you should avoid to prevent those acne breakouts.
Pollutants cause acne by inducing the production of free radicals in the skin. Free radicals cause damage on skin cells and cause inflammation. Inflammation in the skin will activate the release of different types of inflammatory cells, causing redness, swelling, and pus formation seen in acne.
Fine dust can also clog the skin glands, resulting in the accumulation of oil and bacteria that cause acne.
Pollutants damage the integrity of the skin, making the skin more prone to microinjuries that may lead to inflammation and eventually, acne.
Psychological stress can also worsen acne. Stress can cause hormonal changes which can influence acne breakouts. Studies have shown that acne became more severe during times of high stress.
Another factor that causes acne breakouts is hormonal imbalance. Androgens, a class of male hormones, stimulate the growth of oil glands in the skin and induce the production of more sebum. If there are more androgens than estrogens, which are female hormones, in the body, acne breakouts occur.
What causes hormonal imbalance? The most common cause of hormonal imbalance in women is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This condition cannot exactly be prevented in most cases. But women can also have increased androgen levels when using progestin- only contraceptives that stimulate the production of androgens. An example of progestin-only contraceptive is the minipill. If you notice that you are having acne breakouts while using contraceptive, consult your care provider and ask about combination oral contraceptives which have anti-androgen property.
Cosmetics and other facial products may cause a condition known as acne cosmetica. Acne cosmetica occurs when cosmetic ingredients clog pores, leading to inflammation. Ingredients that cause clogging of pores are known as comedogenic ingredients.
Clogging of the follicles in the skin leads to irritation, which may then result in the eruption of papules. People with sensitive and acne-prone skin should avoid using products with comedogenic ingredients.
Stop popping, squeezing, and touching your pimples. Some people already made it a habit to pop their zits. But this habit should stop because of the serious effects of pimple-popping.
Popping your pimples could lead to severe inflammation, more painful acne, and permanent scars. Worst of all, bacteria from your hands can get through the small openings in your face to cause serious bacterial infection that can reach the bloodstream.
There are factors that cause acne that you just cannot avoid. A perfect example of this is genetics. Genetics is an important factor that causes acne. If your siblings or parents also suffered from acne, it is almost certain that your acne is because of genetic factors.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is also a major contributory factor to the development of acne in adult females. Women with PCOS experience hormonal imbalance. Their androgen levels increase, and this leads to acne breakouts. In most cases, PCOS cannot be prevented because genetics plays a huge role in its development.
For these conditions, it is best to consult a dermatologist who will prescribe medications that will address your acne. The dermatologist may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs or contraceptives that correct the hormone imbalance.
Facial treatments offered by reputable skin institutions can help you achieve that fresh, smooth, acne-free skin. Most facial treatment sessions are non-surgical, convenient, and relaxing. A great example of an anti-acne facial treatment is the SkinCeuticals Purifying Facial. This is a holistic facial treatment that targets acne-causing bacteria while also regulating sebum production and unclogging pores. Aside from these benefits, the Purifying Facial includes ingredients that reduce inflammation of acne, hence reducing redness and swelling.
The highlight of the Purifying Facial treatment is the Clarifying Clay Masque, which provides deep cleansing of the skin and exfoliates dead skin cells to reveal a smoother, bright, refreshed skin.