How to Take Care of Acne

Acne is an inflammatory condition often brought about by sensitivity to androgen hormones in the body. The result is blackheads and blemishes which are mild cases. However, in severe cases there may be inflamed pustules and cysts.

There is a definite link between acne and stress. The reason is that with acne there may be a bacterial content present on the skin. When stressed this bacteria react to the sebum levels in the skin.

Taking care of the problem

The first reaction to acne may be to start cleaning the skin. Over cleansing the skin is a common mistake and actually leads to over stimulating the production of oil and skin dryness.

Always choose natural plant-based products for optimal healing. A gentle milky cleanser or gel is recommended and remember, never use abrasive scrubs on the skin.

Allow you skin to breathe. Fresh air and a bit of sunlight have immune-stimulating properties.

Tea tree, lavender, myrrh, chamomile and calendula are healing oils and mixed with jojoba and rosehip carrier oils it will encourage healing and also have an antibacterial effect on the skin.

Remember, even an oily skin needs oil. Most people neglect this when they have an oily skin. Plant and essential oils are strongly anti-bacterial and also promote new cell growth. Do not worry, it will not interfere with the natural oil flow of the body, as they won’t congest or block pores.

Skin grows from the inside out - therefore, make sure you have a sufficient intake of nutrients to assist with the strengthening and healing. Always eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and remember the eight glasses of water per day! Try to avoid processed foods and excess sugars.

Lastly, deal with your stress. Physical and mental stress go hand in hand.

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Danie de Villiers

How to Deal With Skin Problems

 Over-active oil production is the cause of enlarged pores, acne, and blackheads. However, much can be done to bring the problem under control.

If you look close at your face in a magnifying mirror, you will see a mass of small holes, particularly around the nose, cheeks and chin. These are pores: openings onto the skin’s surface of sweat glands, oil glands, and hair follicles. The size of pores can vary from relatively open and visible ducts to others that are barely perceptible. When excess oil is secreted by the oil glands, pores enlarge, causing poorly textured skin and sometimes acne and other skin complaints.

Remedies

The main remedy is an astringent preparation that removes the excess oil. The way astringents work is to slightly irritate the surrounding skin, causing it to swell slightly so that the pores appear to close up. Most commercial astringents contain alcohol as their main ingredient, and should be used carefully, as they may have a too drying effect on non-oily areas of the skin. 

One home remedy for enlarged pores is to bathe the affected area with a little borax dissolved in warm water. Alternatively, you can apply ice salt water twice daily. Massage the solution gently into the skin, taking care not to irritate it. Rinse your skin thoroughly and pat dry. Probably the best way to conceal enlarged pores is by using a carefully selected make-up. For oily skins, a liquid base is generally preferable to a cream one. At the same time, you should make sure that you completely remove your make-up at night and cleanse your skin to prevent your pores from being clogged with make-up or dirt. 

Acne

Contrary to myth, bacteria on the skin do not cause acne, or by eating too many fatty of fried foods, though good skin hygiene and a proper diet will help keep skin glowing and healthy. 

Rather acne, which is primarily an adolescent complaint, is caused by hormonal changes leading to over activity of the glands. This causes an excessive production of oil. The oil may be dammed back from reaching the skin’s surface, and become trapped in the oil ducts: this result in blackheads and white heads. If these break through to the wall of the duct, pimples and boil like lesions can result.

Though acne cannot be cured, it can be controlled and, in severe cases, medical treatment should be sought. The most basic remedy is regular washing, up to four times a day, with soap and water. This dries the oil form the skin and encourages mild peeling, which helps prevent the formation of ‘plugs’ of dead skin that clog up the pores and oil ducts. Regular shampooing is also recommended, particularly if your hair covers an acne- affected part of your face like your forehead.

Though, antibiotic soaps are not strictly necessary, your doctor may recommend their use to help prevent any secondary infections. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed. 

Most commercial antidotes for acne are designed to remove oil, and may be too drying. If you use them, watch carefully for any signs of allergy or irritation. You can also try a mild astringent to soak up the excess oil. Creams and oily cover-up cosmetics should also be avoided as these clog the pores.

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