Acne is a very common skin condition which affects the majority of people at some stage of their life. It can cause multiple challenges and issues for your skin such as; spots, oily skin and often skin that is hot and sore.
Many people think acne is just spots however, acne in fact has a variety of symptoms and can develop in many places on your body. The most common area for acne to form is of course, on the face, you can also develop acne on your back and chest which is slightly less common.
Although all spots may look the same, they certainly are not and need treating differently. We have put together a list of the 3 main types of spots and their descriptions.
1- Blackheads - Small black or yellow-ish bumps on the skin, these spots are not black due to dirt, they are this colour due to the inner lining of the hair follicle.
2- Whiteheads - These look similar to black heads but are firmer and won’t be emptied if you squeeze them.
3- Pustules - Small red bumps that have a white tip in the middle which is caused by a build up of pus.
There are several ways to get rid of your spots, but you must refrain from popping them, however tempting it may be, this in fact makes them worse and can risk infection and scarring.
Try to avoid washing the affected areas more than twice a day, as this can irritate the skin and lead to the symptoms worsening. When you do wash the affected area, opt for a mild soap or cleanser with lukewarm water. Using water that is too hot or too cold, can also lead to further damage.
If you wear makeup, avoid wearing too much when you are having a breakout, this goes for all cosmetics. As a replacement, you can use water-based products that are described as non-comedogenic, which in simple terms means; the product is less likely to damage the skin.
Before you go to bed at night, make sure you are removing your makeup thoroughly to prevent further breakouts happening.
If you also suffer from dry skin, use a water-based emollient rather than a standard cleanser or moisturizer as they tend to be full of perfume and chemicals that are harmful to your skin which can dry it out.
Exercising regularly can also help by boosting your mood and self-esteem at the same time as acne has been known to make people feel self-conscious. When finishing exercise ensure you shower as the sweat can irritate your acne.
Acne may not be curable however, it can be controlled by specific treatments and routine practices it can be controlled and managed.
If your acne becomes mild, it is always best to speak to a pharmacist for professional advice. There will be a variety of creams and lotions and gels for treating spots and acne are available to purchase from pharmacies.
If you would like to find out more about your skin type and discover what products are best suited for your skin, you can still book in for our online skin consultation, just send us a message.
Be the best you and put your skin first!
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