Acne does not give anyone a fun time. Instead, it can hit hard on your morale and confidence and can leave you indoors trying to cope with the stress and embarrassment it has caused. Though there are scores of cures available in the market today, both scientific and natural; a healthy routine goes a long way in bestowing upon you flawless and radiant skin.

5 Tips to Prevent Acne
Here’s how you can keep the acne and pimples at bay:

• Eat healthy and nutritious foods such as green vegetables, fruits and cut down on the fat and sugar.
• Exercise also helps in improving organ function that contributes in flushing the toxins out from the system and in aiding blood circulation that contribute towards better skin health.
• Sleep is very essential for acne prevention as it allows the body its due rest and to rebuild tissues for rejuvenation.
• Stress leads to huge psychological changes in the body which can cause conditions such as acne, scaling and dryness. So reduce stress at work and home.
• Cleansing is an equally important regime for acne prevention and control. Do not over cleanse because that can make the skin dry and flaky.

Acne bothers one and all but such is the impact on our self confidence that it is difficult to even seek a dermatologist’s advice on the same. But certain acne conditions have to be shown to the doctor for further and successive treatments. Sometimes, it is also very difficult to understand how severe an acne condition is, to actually approach a dermatologist.

When to Seek a Dermatologist for Acne?
Here are a few facts or circumstances that will help you decide how early or late it maybe for you to discuss your acne problems with a dermatologist:

• When you are hesitant to go out because of your acne
• You feel embarrassed, low and depressed about it
• You lack optimism now
• Over the counter medicines have failed you each time and again
• Scars are setting in even after acne lesions clear out
• In addition to the whiteheads or blackheads, you have developed pus-filled lesions that are painful and is accompanied with redness
• Dark skin but the scars appear darker after lesions clear away

Never be shy to address your problems, especially with a professional who is meant to solve your problems. If you are facing one or many of the above conditions, you need to seek a dermatologist’s help. Immediate response and treatment can not only cure or prevent acne but can also prohibit severe acne problems such as – scarring and disfiguring.

Acne develops due to the overproduction of oil glands located in the skin, typically known as the sebaceous glands. The excess oil produced by the skin causes the pores to get clogged which gives rise to pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. In severe cases of acne, deep lesions called cysts also develop.

Acne Facts
Some facts about acne are listed below:

• Acne generally lasts for a period of 3-4 years with repeated efforts to treat it
• In 15 percent cases, acne lasts for 8-12 years
• About 5 percent of cases report acne conditions after the age of 25 years which can last till 40 years
• Sometimes acne does not develop in women till they are 25 years
• In 70 percent of the cases in women, a flare-up of the acne is noticed before menstruation
• Severe forms of acne can develop in men more than women (due to the production of the male hormones called androgens that stimulates the formation of acne)
• Women with irregular menstrual cycles and a lot of body or facial hair are at an increased risk of developing acne

Areas of the skin purported to contain the largest oil glands are the forehead, face, shoulders, chest and back. Acne is a condition that can affect teens and adults and is a huge setback to one’s self-esteem, confidence and social life. Acne needs to be treated in time to avoid scarring and disfiguring.

Do you or any of your family or friends suffer from acne?
If the answer is yes, then consult a dermatologist or try some anti acne medications available over-the-counter.

Yes, it is very important to take serious note of acne and know more about this in order to lead a confident and happy life.

Acne, is neither fatal nor life threatening. Yet, acne can cause a lot of misery and frustration and affect the social life of these people.

Statistics reveal that a large percentage of acne patients are known to display signs of acute depression and anxiety. In fact studies show that at least 6 % of acne patients have at some time or other shown a tendency to commit suicide.

Youngsters affected by acne shun social interaction and often abstain from going to college. A feeling of guilt envelops them and this leads to frustration. They prefer to be alone rather than show the ugly zits to the world. Some of the acne patients find it difficult to find employment. This may seem a far fetched idea, but probably the psychological impact of acne could lead to poor self confidence and may affect their performance during interviews or even at work.

Acne patients avoid looking into mirrors for fear of facing the angry zits.

It is therefore important to spread awareness about acne and educate them that acne can be treated. Timely treatment for acne can overcome the feeling of guilt, frustration, and agony. There are innumerable products for treating acne. This may or may not combat successfully. If they don’t work the best course would be to consult a dermatologist.

Both adults and teens face the problems of acne. They become so self-conscious and unfortunately stop enjoying life. It is common to associate acne with poor diet and hygiene. It is not true that eating fatty foods will result in acne. Adolescents turn rebellious due to the insecurity of the scars and this could lead to conflict within families. Parents should be supportive to children with acne and should help them to become confident individuals.

Acne is such a prevalent condition in America that the American Counseling Association (ACA) is trying to spread awareness about it and parents of teens are encouraged to consult dermatologists. People who don’t suffer from acne often fail to understand the impact of acne and try to underplay the severity of acne. The embarrassment and frustration faced by acne patients need not be endured forever.

It has been established by relevant sources that, there is considerable impact on the quality of life of acne patients, yet they don’t consult dermatologists.

People are not sure about the right treatment for acne and it is important to clear this confusion. There are many non-prescription and over the counter medications that could prove effective to some, but may not work for people with stubborn acne. They may need to consult a specialist for their treatment.

Don’t give up on Acne. Clear your acne with the right treatment.

Growing up pains. Yes indeed, the ugly zits or pimples are all part of your growing up and attaining puberty. So don’t hit the panic button and squeeze them when you spot these zits on your face. Instead be well informed about acne and look radiant again.

Innumerable people all across the world battle against Acne. Inevitably, there are a lot of myths associated with Acne.

Does Acne affect only Teens?

Is Acne more common in women than in men?

Is Acne a result of lifestyle.

These are some of the most frequently raised questions and thoughts.

Let us reason them out.

I am squeaky clean. I will not get acne!
Many people think that washing the skin often and scrubbing it vigorously will combat Acne. They are wrong. In fact it can aggravate the situation. The best way to avoid acne is to use a mild soap for washing and only two times in a day.

I said no to all the goodies in life. I will not get Acne!
Chocolate, French fries, Pizza are not responsible for acne; however it could result in other ailments. So be sensible about what you eat and try to get a balanced diet. It never did harm anyone!

I lead a stressful life. I will definitely get Acne!
If your job is causing you a lot of stress, you could have been prescribed some drugs, which in turn could have resulted in acne.

Acne is only skin deep. I don’t have to bother about it.
Though acne is only a cosmetic blemish, its implications are serious. It is vital to treat acme because it can leave scars that are permanent and also ridding yourself acne will leave you with a feel good factor and boost your confidence.

Ignore acne and let it be; it will vanish after running its course!
Nope. Try some acne products available over the counter; if there is no change in the stubborn acne, consult a skin specialist to combat acne. You don’t have to live with it.

I love makeup and use it quite regularly; I will surely get acne!

If you choose your beauty products with care, you may benefit from cosmetics. Cosmetics, which contain chemicals like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, are known to combat acne.

I am going to get a tan to get rid of acne!
The tan you acquire could well disguise the red spots for some time, but that is short lived. They become visible with the fading away of your tan. Avoid burning in the sun and use proper Sunscreen protection. Exposing your skin to harsh sunlight causes wrinkling and could probably lead to skin cancer.

I have a party next week. I am going to use extra dosage of the medication prescribed by my dermatologist to be rid of acne quickly!
No quick fix solutions for acne. Strictly follow instructions found on anti acne products. Else, it may have many side effects.

IMPORTANT: Remember, patience is the key to fight acne.

Acne strikes only Teens!

Untrue!

Acne is caused by follicles, which are plugged by the residue of sebum and dead cells. Bacteria develop in these follicles and it results in acne. This condition is more common in people aged between 12 and 21; however, it can affect any individual regardless of age or gender.

There could be various reasons for adult acne. It could probably be acne that has recurred after adolescence; it could even be acne that had disappeared during pregnancy. But remember, acne that develops during adulthood needs to be treated by a dermatologist, because he is the best judge for identifying the cause for acne. He will also be able to distinguish between real acne and acne look-alikes, like folliculitis, and further treat the same. If there is recurrence of acne, treating it could prove to be a Herculean task.

Acne can affect people of all ages ranging from 10-40. Acne can show up as any of the following: congested pores, whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts. The face, chest, and back, are common spots of pores and oil production, and hence may occur on any of these parts.

A 34-year- old beautiful woman, who had never known acne during teen age, approached a dermatologist. Her neck, back, parts of her face erupted in red angry zits. She was on HRT.

An increase in Androgen, the male hormone, can also result in acne in adult women.

Hormonal imbalances caused by certain metabolic conditions are also known to cause acne. Any abnormal hormonal imbalances should be treated and if essential, hormone levels need to be checked. Certain steroids, anti-tuberculosis drugs, anti-epileptic drugs may also induce acne.

Acne could be caused genetically as it can be passed down through several generations. Avoid applying severe pressure on your skin; you could well be inviting Acne!

Many adults and teens are frustrated because they are the unfortunate ones to be afflicted by acne. How is it that there a lot of fortunate ones who don’t have to combat acne; however, everyone who suffers from these zits want a safe, simple and effective solution.

Acne may not be fatal, but it can affect the social life of an individual. Many live under the delusion that their life style is the sole cause for acne and this burden of guilt may result in depression. Permanent scarring may occur due to acne. Hence it is important to fight these red angry eruptions.

It is important to use products, which have no side effects.

Laser treatments are found to be effective in curtailing the production of oil. Laser treatment given to acne-affected parts for the duration of 4-5 minutes has proved effective. It has no known side effects except the skin turning pink for a while.

Acne found in teens and adults also respond to light therapy; but in cases of severe and persistent acne, internal medicines needs to be administered to reduce clogging of pores and reducing oil production.