This entry was posted on Sunday, June 17th, 2007 at 11:15 am and is filed under Skin care. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that causes spots. Mild acne does not need treating as each inflamed spot will eventually heal. Eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water will help keep the skin healthy.
Keeping spot-prone areas clean by washing the affected area twice daily with an cleanser can help. However, excessive washing and scrubbing of the skin will not help and may make the inflammation worse.
More severe acne may need treatment. The aim is to clear the spots and prevent scarring.
Treatments work by either unblocking blocked pores, reducing the amount of grease or sebum made by the skin, reducing the inflammation or fighting the bacterium that infects the lesions.
Creams, gels and lotions that can be applied to the skin are available to buy at pharmacies without a prescription. These usually contain antibacterial agents such as benzoyl peroxide, which also works by drying out the skin and encouraging it to shed the surface layer of dead skin.
There are several more potent oral tablets that can be prescribed by a doctor if the acne persists.
Make-up can be used to cover blemishes but heavy use of concealer may make acne worse.
Any scarring will improve with time. Laser therapy, chemical peels, dermabrasion and other treatments have been suggested for acne scarring.
Acne can be extremely distressing and it is important to seek help if you are anxious or depressed about it
This entry was submitted by Mya Floyd, she is a contributor to Pretty Gritty Blog . Mya is building up herself up as a online specialist on rhytidectomy. Read her blog here.