How To Care for The Skin?
Clean Skin Gently
People with acne may try
to stop outbreaks and oil production by scrubbing their skin and using strong
detergent soaps. However, scrubbing will not improve acne; in fact, it can make
the problem worse. Most doctors recommend that people with acne gently wash
their skin with a mild cleanser, once in the morning and once in the evening.
Patients should ask their doctor or another health professional for advice on
the best type of cleanser to use. The skin should also be washed after heavy
exercise. Patients should wash their face from under the jaw to the hairline;
rough scrubs or pads should not be used. It is important that patients
thoroughly rinse their skin after washing it. Astringents are not recommended
unless the skin is very oily, and then they should be used only on oily spots.
Doctors also recommend that patients regularly shampoo their hair. Those with
oily hair may want to shampoo it every day.
Avoid Frequent Handling of the
Skin
People who squeeze,
pinch, or pick their blemishes risk developing scars. Acne lesions can form in
areas where pressure is frequently applied to the skin. Frequent rubbing and
touching of skin lesions should be avoided.
Shave Carefully
Men who shave and who
have acne can try electric and safety razors to see which is more comfortable.
Men who use a safety razor should use a sharp blade and soften their beard
thoroughly with soap and water before applying shaving cream. Nicking blemishes
can be avoided by shaving lightly and only when necessary.
Avoid Sun Tanning
A suntan or sunburn that
reddens the skin can make blemishes less visible and make the skin feel drier
for a little while. But the benefits are only temporary. The sun can seriously
damage skin, promote aging of skin, and cause skin cancer. Furthermore, many of
the medications used to treat acne make a person more prone to
sunburn.
Choose Cosmetics
Carefully
People being treated for
acne often need to change some of the cosmetics they use. All cosmetics, such as
foundation, blush, eye shadow, and moisturizers, should be oil free. Patients
may find it difficult to apply foundation evenly during the first few weeks of
treatment because skin may be red or scaly, particularly with the use of topical
tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide. Lip products that contain moisturizers may cause
small, open and closed comedones to form. Hairstyling products that come in
contact with the skin along the hairline can cause burning or stinging in people
with acne. Products that are labeled as noncomedogenic (do not promote the
formation of blemishes) should be used; in some people, however, even these
products may cause acne.
Reprinted from the Archives of US
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH, National
Institute on Aging.
Recommended book:
Clear Skin: Organic Action Plan for Acne
by Julie Gabriel.
Info/Order this book
| Comments () >> |
 |
 |
