Self-Help Tips for Acne
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Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point. It causes spots, oily skin, and sometimes skin that's hot or painful to touch.
How many skincare routines have you tried, and intensely followed only to be disappointed? Fortunately, that stops now! Thanks to our simple self-help guide your acne will no longer define your confidence or hassle you.
Acne Hot Spots
Acne most commonly develops on the:
- Face: This affects almost everyone with acne
- Back: This affects more than half of people with acne
- Chest: This affects about 15% of people with acne
Types of Acne Spots
There are 6 main types of spot caused by acne.
- Blackheads are small black or yellowish bumps that develop on the skin. They're not filled with dirt but are black because the inner lining of the hair follicle produces color.
- Whiteheads have a similar appearance to blackheads, but may be firmer and will not empty when squeezed.
- Papules are small red bumps that may feel tender or sore.
- Pustules are similar to papules, but have a white tip in the center, caused by a build-up of pus.
- Nodules are large hard lumps that build up beneath the surface of the skin and can be painful.
- Cysts are the most severe type of spot caused by acne; they're large pus-filled lumps that look similar to boils and carry the greatest risk of causing permanent scarring
Tips to Combat or Prevent Acne
These self-help techniques may be useful:
- Do not wash affected areas of skin more than twice a day. Frequent washing can irritate the skin and make symptoms worse.
- Wash the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water. Very hot or cold water can make acne worse.
- Do not try to "clean out" blackheads or squeeze spots. This can make them worse and cause permanent scarring.
- Avoid using too much makeup and cosmetic products.
- Avoid make-up, skincare, and suncare products that are oil-based (sometimes labeled “comedogenic”). Use water-based non-comedogenic products, as they’re less likely to block the pores in your skin.
- Completely remove make-up before going to bed.
- If dry skin is a problem, use a fragrance-free water-based emollient.
- Regular exercise cannot improve your acne, but it can boost your mood and improve your self-esteem. Shower as soon as possible once you finish exercising as sweat can irritate your acne.
- Wash your hair regularly and try to avoid letting your hair fall across your face.
Head to your nearest Heal 360 clinic or book a call for a skincare consultation with us if you are having uncontrollable issues with your acne. Acne is famously treatable, even if may take a while, and you’ll have expert medical and dermatological advice to pull from at a Heal 360 clinic.
