An NHS website states that 80% of 11-30 year olds are affected by acne. Therefore the condition is not just a problem confined to teenagers as young adults can retain the symptoms into their 20s, and this skin condition can be difficult to completely remove. Thankfully the worst symptoms and flare ups decrease as the sufferer reaches their 20s, and there are many ways to keep spots at bay.
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/Pages/Introduction.aspx
What is Acne?Most people suffer from acne at some stage in their life and there are various degrees of how badly they are affected by it. Acne is a skin complaint caused by the overproduction of sebum which blocks hair follicles. The plugged follicle creates a whitehead, or if open to the skin, a blackhead. One of many myths surrounding acne is that it is caused by dirt, in fact hormones such as testorone trigger acne which is why it is prevalent in teenagers.
Acne Treatment and PreventionOne thing not to do when noticing a spot is to squeeze it. This can cause the acne to spread and also lead to scarring, and in some cases can be long-lasting. Several myths are created with acne, and one is that spot ridden skin is caused due to poor hygiene and a poor diet. No matter how many times one washes his/her face, this will not make much difference to the acne, and although a healthy balanced diet is always advisable, this is believed to determine whether a person contracts acne.
There are many gels and creams available from chemists and on prescription that will dry up the spots and lead to healthy skin. Face wipes also remove harmful bacteria and remove dead skin, and oral treatments such as Tetracycline combat the more severe outbreaks. However it is best to talk to a GP or pharmacist beforehand if there any concerns about side effects or if pregnant.
The good news is that there are no direct links of acne with fried foods and chocolate. If wearing make-up, remove it before going to bed to prevent bacteria build up, and avoid touching the face, as the more the skin is touched, the more the bacteria is spread. Gentle face wipes and cleansers remove the build up of sebum and dead cell matter.
Face ValueAcne takes only a matter of days to dissipate. Psychologically though the symptoms of acne can create depression and anxiety and can stop young people from engaging in outdoor activity and other social occasions.
The best advice is for people to engage with GPs and other sufferers to make themselves feel that they are not alone and that treatment is wide-ranging. Check the possibilties and investigate the treatments available, wash the face gently, not scrubbing too hard, and if really suffering, investigate light and laser treatments over the internet.
For more information, try the following NHS website sources.
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Acne/Pages/Treatment.aspx
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Acne/Pages/Realstories.aspx
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