Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Acne and Skin Care



The practices of good skin care play a very little role as to whether or not a person will develop acne. Good skin care is only a small factor in acne development. But skin care can help treat acne and keep skin healthy.

It is mistakenly believed that acne can be prevented with thorough scrubbing. Washing has little effect, actually, on whether acne develops or not. Washing is most effective after the acne appears.

In truth, scrubbing is unlikely to solve the problem. In general, scrubbing only tends to roughen and dry the skin instead of helping it. When harsh treatment exposes the lower skin layers, these layers are forced to develop a protective coat consisting of oil and outer dermis. Meanwhile, the skin becomes vulnerable to airborne and contact bacteria. Our skin is the number one defense against pathogens of all sorts. It does not enhance the health of our skin to remove multiple layers of it at once.

Replacing harsh scrubbings with gentle washings using a non-abrasive cleanser is the way to go and is one of the best acne treatments. Be sure to include your entire face. Take care of your shoulders, back and chest as well as the face in the shower, since acne can occur on those areas as well. A mild cleaning in the afternoon and evening, starting under the jaw and going up to the hairline helps.

The oil naturally produced by your skin, called sebum, plays a part in the development of acne, but you should not remove it completely. Sebum prevents microcracking by keeping the skin flexible. These micro cracks can accelerate the growth of bacteria. This will also keep the skin from getting extremely dry, which again can also create small cracks in the outer layers.

Oil-removing astringents should not be overused. The right balance can be achieved by over the counter acne treatments since they are specially formulated. Make sure to follow the directions exactly.

Men’s faces pose a particular problem due to shaving. Using an electric razor can sometimes minimize the problem, but they can cut the skin too, and this is even more common if the skin is already blemished. The best way is to be patient and use movements which are careful and deliberate. If you apply warm water and soap to the skin that is going to be shaved, then you can create a smoother shaving process.


Manual and safety razors are recommended. In developing acne it plays a minor role. Different causes lead to ingrown hairs and clogged pores that produce acne. Avoid shaving against the natural growth of the hair. To help smooth the process, soften the beard and then shave with warm water and soap.

Other helpful suggestions exist for women.

Today it's easier to choose makeup. The possibility of acne is specifically addressed by several skin care products. These are made not to clog the pores. Use subtle check blush rather than caking it on. Look for cosmetics that are labeled 'non-comedogenic.'. "Comedone" is a common term used to describe most mild forms of acne, including blackheads and whiteheads.

Acne washes available without a prescription are precisely developed to attain the proper equilibrium. Follow the directions precisely when using these products. Over-medicating can clog pores and damage skin, which leads to conditions that can cause acne.

To keep acne outbreaks to a minimum, conservative removal of oils and the shedding of dead skin cells can help to keep your pores open. Taking proper care of your skin can help you to achieve both. Both are aided by proper skin care procedures.

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