People of all races and ages get acne. It is most common in
adolescents and young adults. Around 85 percent of people
between the ages of 12 and 24 develop the disorder. Nearly 17
million people in the United States have acne, making it the
most common skin disease.
For most people, acne tends to diminish by the time they reach
their thirties; however, some people in their forties and
fifties continue to have this skin problem. I remember when I
used to get acne myself. Was that annoying. And it sure ruined
my social life, that's for sure. There is nothing more
embarrasing than going out in public with acne all over your
face. You know people are staring at you. You know they don't
want to get near you because of those ugly marks on your face. I
think they think it's contagious, which is not true at all. It's
a good way to lose friends quickly. So, how did I get rid of my
acne ? Well, before you can clear up your skin, you should know
exactly who the enemy is and what you're up against. Here's a
summary for you and some real honest to goodness solutions. It
worked for me and it will work for you too.
What is Acne?
Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the
skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands), which leads to plugged
pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits.
Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and
shoulders. Although heredity may be a cause of this problem, it
is more associated with hormonal levels and how you care for
your skin (e.g. rubbing your skin too much will cause it).
Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but foods seem to
have little effect on the development and course of acne in most
people. In addition, dirty skin does not cause acne and neither
does stress. How Is Acne Treated?
You can buy over the counter medicine (OTC), see your family
doctor, or a dermatologist (skin doctor). Over-the-counter(OTC)
Medicines
Benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur are the
most common topical OTC medicines used to treat acne. Topical
OTC medications are available in many forms, such as gel,
lotion, cream, soap, or pad.
Prescription Topical Medicines
Several types of prescription topical medicines include benzoyl
peroxide, tretinoin, adapalene, and azelaic acid.
Some people develop side effects from using prescription topical
medicines including stinging, burning, redness, peeling,
scaling, or discoloration of the skin. Prescription Oral
Medicines
Oral antibiotics are thought to help control acne by curbing the
growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation. Examples are
clindamycin, erythromycin, sulfur, or isotretinoin. Some people
experience side effects when taking these antibiotics, such as
an increased tendency to sunburn, upset stomach, dizziness or
lightheadedness, changes in skin color, and dry skin.
Other treatments
There are lazer treatments for rare serious cases and there are
safe and natural herbal medications that work like over the
counter medications, but often with less side effects. How
Should People With Acne Care for Their Skin?
* Clean Skin Gently with a mild cleanser 3 or 4 times a day. *
Avoid Frequent Handling of the Skin. * Shave Carefully. * Avoid
a Sunburn or Suntan. * Use Non-Oily Cosmetics. In summary, there
are many treatments out there for acne skin problems. Talk to
your doctor if you're unsure what to do. Try some of the
suggestions mentioned here. In no time at all, you'll look
better, feel better, and you'll be back out there enjoying your
social life, your friends, and your family much more.
About the author:
Ken Black is the owner of Skin Care Reviews, a website
specializing in Skin Care Information & Product Reviews,
http://www.skin-care-reviews.com
