Acne: A teenage problem

Acne is a chronic disorder caused due to excessive oil production from sebaceous glands, characterized by black heads, pimple outbreaks, cysts and infected abscesses.

Acne affects eight out of ten teenagers during puberty but can occur off and on throughout adulthood as well.

As teens go through puberty, hormonesdefine increase the production of an oily substance, called sebum, from oil glands that are located below the skin’s surface. Sebum exits through skin pores to the surface of the skin. Often, skin cells stick together and clog the pores. These clogged pores coupled with an excessive amount of sebum production set the stage for pimples and infection.

When a pore gets clogged and the oil gland bursts underneath the skin, a pimple erupts. Sometimes the oily buildup under the skin becomes infected, causing pain and, in some cases, scaring.

What can I do to get clear complexion?

The best step toward a clear complexion is a clean face. Washing face regularly with a mild soap helps, but be aware that acne is not due to dirt and oil on the skin’s surface. It is the oil production below the skin’s surface that causes pimples and acne. However, establishing a good skin care regimen is helpful to a great extent.

• A mild soap should be used followed by a light moisturizer. Do not wash face with harsh products. Using harsh and strong products will over dry the surface of the skin.

• The best way to wash the face is to wet it first, lather the soap in the hands and apply it on wet skin with a gentle, rotating action. Rinse the soap and pat dry the skin. Be careful not to scrub or dry vigorously.

• Apply anti pimple cream directly on the blemishes and not the surrounding area.

• Do not prick pimples with nails as they leave scars.

• Wrap an ice cube in a thin muslin cloth and place it on the pimples for two to three minutes. It helps subside pimples.

• If a pimple bursts, wash the face with soap. Squeeze few drops of lemon into a cotton ball and keep on the burst pimple. Scars will not form.

• Avoid using heavy oil based products on hair or face.

• Too many chocolates and excessive consumption of fried foods aggravate the situation. Avoid them.

• Seafood, because of its iodine content may cause an outbreak similar to pus filled pimples. Avoid it.