Getting Rid Of Acne

Acne and Causes

So what exactly is acne? Let’s define some terms to start. Acne is a general term commonly used to describe cysts, blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. Technically, “acne vulgaris” is a common skin condition characterized by areas of pinheads (papules), scaly red skin (seborrhea),  blackheads and whiteheads (comedones),  pustules (pimples), large papules (nodules) and on occasion scarring.

The causes of acne can be divided into six categories:

• Hormonal – puberty, menstrual cycle, etc
• Genetic – acne generally runs in families
• Psychological – National Institutes of Health lists stress as a mitigating factor
• Infectious – Propionibacterium acnes, or bacteria under the skin can also cause acne
• Diet – its generally known that diets of a high glycemic load can cause acne

Popping a pimple

The most common forms of acne are believed to be caused by clogged skin pores. Recent medical research implicates certain foods in acne outbreaks.

If you’ve searched the web you’ve likely found much conflicting information. My advice? Read it all. Use the information to set up some personal lifestyle experiments. Think of it as a home version of Mythbusters. Change your diet for a few weeks. Heavily acidic diets are implicated by numerous medical studies. You might try some exercise. You know, get your butt off that couch! Or jump in a sauna every other day for a couple of weeks. Everyone is unique – so the fix that works for you may be unique as well. Do *something*, be patient and if someone promises a cure for cash, beware!.

Tips for Getting Rid of Acne

When it comes to acne, personal experience is the best teacher. The following are just tips. Nothing more. Try some out. Stick with what works for you. If you have any home remedies hit the comment form at the bottom of this page.

• Its goofy, but some people swear by applying a dab of toothpaste.
• Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda and a few drops of water. Apply to the blemish each night.
• Get more and BETTER sleep. Stress is increasingly linked in the medical literature to a variety of inflammatory ailments.
• How often do you wash? Its possible your body is adapting by producing excess oil. Do no more than 1-2 cleanses per day.
• Steam your face over hot water, under a hot, wet towel, or in a sauna to open your pores and flush them out. Wash your face afterwards.
• Try drinking more water. It could help your body flush away toxins.
• Change daily exposure to sunlight. Inside most of the day? Get outside. Get too much? Stay indoors. Or try some sunblock.
• Are you taking birth control pills? Consult your doctor about switching brands.
• Before going to bed, wash makeup off.
• Use a non-oil based makeup. Oils may irritate skin and clog pores.
• Switch up bath soap – many people report success using the  “Sensitive Skin” product from Ivory.
• To pop a pimple by your lonesome, apply a wet, hot compress until it becomes a whitehead. Then sterilize a needle in alcohol and carefully lance it. Squeeze gently to drain. Wash your hands. Also wash the area of the pimple.

How to get rid of whiteheads

If you’re set on popping your whiteheads, do so with a sterile needle and wash the area well before and after. Do NOT squeeze too hard. If the site of the pimple is divided into multiple clusters you might break it internally and bring about an even larger outbreak. Always, always, always wash your hands and face afterwards.

How to get rid of blackheads

Blackheads can be lightly squeezed to remove the blockage. You did see the word “lightly” in that sentence didn’t you? Again, remember to wash thoroughly afterwards. Want more in-depth info on getting rid of blackheads? See this article: “How to Get Rid of Blackheads”

How to get rid of cysts

Reduce fats and ESPECIALLY sugars and other excess carbohydrates in your diet. (Tips on how to kick your junk food and sugar addictions). Should you find cysts that are deep under the skin, consult your doctor and don’t fool around with it on your own.

Acne Medications

The treatment of acne is a multi-billion dollar industry. You can find literally hundreds of different products to remedy your acne. By far the one mosts people are familiar with is Proactiv. Its amazing the publicity a good infomercial and top celebrity endorsements affords. Some find Proactive effective. But often users will report their acne returns even worse if they stop using the Proactiv. Do you have personal experience with Proactive or other acne product? You are wlecome to submit it using the form at the bottom of the page.