Skin Care Tips, Notes & More

Acne is a typical problem for practically everyone, especially through the adolescent years. It's changing hormones over the teen years that makes acne nearly universal. To reduce acne you have to understand why you get acne.

Acne results from plugged pores. An oily compound called sebum is produced by glands below the surface of the skin. Your pores ought to allow this sebum to reach the surface of your skin to keep your skin moist and flexible.

But, your skin sheds old, dead cells which are replaced with new cells. A problem occurs when excessive oil causes these old skin cells clump together and plug up the pores.

Several weeks before you see anything, these clumps of oily dead skin cells have plugged up numerous pores. The sebum which needs to reach the surface of your skin has become blocked and starts to accumulate inside the pores and glands under your skin. Bacteria starts to multiply and an infection is under way.

After a short time you start to notice these growing and infected clumps of oil and old skin. Bumps begin to enlarge until they become blackheads and whiteheads you recognize as pimples. You now have acne.

Acne is mainly prevalent in the course of the teenage years. Why is that?

As youngsters begin to mature the body starts generating new hormones. Both male and female adolescents produce the hormone testosterone. Testosterone results in a chemical reaction that causes the glands to generate additional sebum. It's the additional oily sebum that causes particles of dead skin cells to clump together within the pores to block the free flow of sebum.

After a handful of years, during the early twenties, the body is able to better regulate the reaction testosterone has on the glands so a reduced amount of sebum is produced. Less sebum results in less clumping of old cells and less potential for acne. Adults sometimes get acne even though their skin is less elastic and drier than that of a teenager. As a result of this, adult acne treatment is a little different than that used for teenagers.

What can be done during the period of excess sebum production to reduce the occurrence of acne?

Keep the skin free from excess oils and remove as many of the dead skin cells as possible. This typically requires gentle cleansing twice a day. Mild, non-alkaline cleansers work best to keep the skin free from oil and keep bacteria at bay.

Eat wholesome foods. Steer clear of foods which you notice cause you face to feel oily. Those foods are not good for you. Eat unprocessed foods like fruits and vegetables, meats, whole grain breads, as well as dairy products. Avoid manufactured foods with lots of sugar or high fructose corn syrup.

Teenage years tend to be stressful. And stress results in added hormones that boost sebum flow. So, steer clear of stressful situations and work off your stress with exercise.

Avoid putting oily creams or makeup on your skin. Adding oils to your skin only reinforces the effect of natural sebum and further helps block the pores.

Keep the skin free of excess oils and you will significantly lessen the incidence of ache.

Adolescence is a time of many changes. And acne typically accompanies some of those changes. Virtually universal, acne impacts nearly everybody at some point. In the vast majority of instances acne clears up and leaves the skin smooth and normal. But, in particular instances it leaves holes or marks on the skin.

What precisely is acne? It's a disease affecting the sebaceous glands. These glands excrete sebum, an oily substance, that ought to flow through pores to the surface of the skin. This sebum is formed from fats (triglycerides and fatty acids), wax and debris of dead fat-producing cells.

Acne occurs when there is an infection or swelling of these oil glands under the skin. Puberty is a time when hormones like testosterone are prevalent in adolescents. Testosterone helps cause acne. Testosterone is present in both males and females. Stress produces hormones, like cortisol, that also helps cause acne. After adolescence acne tends to go away. Some people, however, are genetically prone to acne and continue to have outbreaks well into their forties.

The most common expressions of acne are whiteheads and blackheads. Contrary to popular belief, these are not attributable to a lack of hygiene. More accurately, they are the result of excess oils that have accumulated in the sebaceous gland's duct. Oils that have an opening to the skin can oxidize and look dark or black and are called blackheads. Oils where the opening is closed or shut remain lighter in color and are called whiteheads, pimples or zits.

Over-the-counter medications are often ample to help clear up acne. More serious acne may need more powerful drugs prescribed by a physician. Some common over-the-counter medications used as a mild acne treatment include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and anti-bacterial Triclosan. These medications are often obtained in creams and gels and help remove excess oil and dead skin to open up the pores and allow the pores to drain. After the pores are opened up, any bacterial infections can then be attacked. It is best to rinse the face with non-alkaline solutions prior to applying the medications to be sure the medications come in direct contact with the skin instead of a surface layer of oils.

Your family medical professional or a dermatologist can help if the over-the-counter solutions prove ineffective. They can prescribe more powerful formulations that can help reduce acne and potential scaring. In addition, a dermatologist may recommend added treatments that scrape off a thin layer of skin (dermabrasion), light or laser therapies, or even surgery to lance and drain larger accumulations of sebum.

Bear in mind that acne is common to almost everybody and is a part of growing to maturity. It will pass and soon be a distant memory. Most over-the-counter remedies will be effective and can have you smiling once more in a handful of weeks.

It is not true that only girls worry about acne problems. Boys care and worry as much as girls do. If you have a teenage boy at home, I'm sure you would agree with me. Boys are also scrambling to deal with both the physical and emotional trauma caused by acne.

Puberty are the times when most boys starts to see acne rear their ugly heads. Usually these are accepted as part of growing up and they are controllable. Healthy and proper diet is the main ingredients to control acne outbreak. Is chocolate and oily foods are the culprit? No one knows for sure.

One important habit to adopt is cleanliness. Keep your face clean all the time. You can find many cleansing solutions out there on the market. Get a gentle cleanser which is suitable for all types of skin.

The psychological stress and difficulties of going through the period of puberty could sometimes contribute to the acne problems too. Encourage your boys to join the support groups that could help them to deal with the problems wisely.

Below are some helpful points and hints for parents as well as boys on how to manage the acne problems effectively.

1) Be sympathetic to your boys. It may not seems as a big problem to you as parents but to the boys at the puberty age it is a big deal. It is important to understand their emotional needs and to support them.

2) A very important tip for the boys, never pick or squeeze at the acne or blemishes. Your fingernails is your acne worst enemy. Picking or squeezing your acne could also cause infections to the skin.

3) Do not use regular razors when shaving. To avoid hurting your acne, an electric or safety razor is recommended.

4) Be sure to use only mild skin care cleanser. It is a good practice to wash your face at least twice a day with a gentle skin care solutions.

5) Use skin care cleanser that are labeled as non-comedogenic. Look for products that do not encourage blemishes and prevent clog of the skin pores.

6) For serious cases that is unmanageable you might have to consult skin care specialist for their advice. Skin care professionals will assist you to manage the problems and recommend the right skin care products.

7) If everything else fails you might need to visit the dermatologist for a prescription. Dermatologist specialize in skin care and they have the best equipments and skills to help you.

Your boys are going through a tough transitional period both emotionally and physically during puberty. In addition acne problem will make it even harder for them to manage. Give them unconditional emotional support and let them know that they can count on you.