It always starts innocently. An intermittent red bump on your cheek, chin, or forehead. You expect it to disappear once your body is done with the hormonal shifts of your teenage days. But then it spreads and your skin becomes problematic.
Adult problematic skin is a deeper problem and not just the usual hormonal thing like teenage acne. In this article, we will look at the basic tips for caring for problem skin.
Causes of problem skin
According to the dictionary, a pimple is an inflamed spot on your skin. A pimple is a type of acne that can occur at any age and at any time.
Before you try to treat it you need to understand why you are getting pimples or acne.
The following are the factors responsible for this condition:
- Clogged pores: When pores or sebaceous glands are blocked, they cannot release sebum (the fatty substance that keeps your skin hydrated). The buildup of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria causes blackheads or pimples.
- GeneticsA: If there is a history of acne in your family it is likely that you will have it too. Your genes determine how sensitive your skin is to hormonal fluctuations, how quickly it sheds its cells, how much sebum it produces, and how it reacts to inflammation. All of these factors determine how quickly you develop acne.
- HormonesA: Your estrogen and testosterone levels are directly related to acne. That is why you most often get acne during puberty and pregnancy, as well as during menstruation.
- Stress: Studies show that stress exacerbates acne. The sebaceous glands contain receptors for stress hormones. When you are under stress, hormones increase the production of sebum in your skin and cause acne.
- DepressionA: Depression is associated with acne and vice versa. Studies have shown that acne is associated with an increased risk of depression.
- Smoking: The relationship between smoking and acne is unclear. Clinical studies have shown that smoking is an important contributing factor to the spread and severity of acne. Smoking often reduces the supply of oxygen to skin cells, disrupts hormonal balance, and slows down the healing process.
- Alcohol consumptionA: Although alcohol does not cause acne, it does affect the levels of hormones that regulate acne. A study found that alcohol can increase testosterone levels in women.
- DietA: Although the link between diet and acne is debatable, specific foods (such as processed and sugary foods) may make your condition worse, while other foods (such as seafood and vegetables) may make it better.
Whether it’s hormonal issues or genetic factors behind your pimples or acne, a dermatologist can help diagnose and treat the underlying cause. In case acne is caused by lifestyle issues or any other factors (other than genetics and hormonal conditions) there are ways to manage it. Here are some tips you can follow.
Tips for the care of problematic and oily skin
Get a prescription for retinoids.
If you’re struggling with excess oil and acne, you might want to talk to a dermatologist about retinoids. This type of medication is one of the most prescribed treatments for acne and excess oil production.
- You may experience side effects such as dry skin or sensitive skin, and some medications, like Accutane, can have serious side effects.
Talk to your doctor about androgen inhibitors.
Excess oil production can be caused by an excess of androgenic hormones. If this is why your skin is oily then your doctor may prescribe you an androgen inhibitor like spironolactone and siproterone. These medications can help reduce the amount of sebum your body produces. These medicines can be either over-the-counter or prescription.
Ask your doctor about estrogen.
If you are a woman who has excess sebum production, you may want to try taking birth control pills. For some women this can help reduce the oiliness of their skin but for others it can make it even worse. Talk to your doctor about this option to determine if it’s right for you.
Get light and laser therapy.
Another procedure that you can try to help your sebum production is light and laser therapy. Photodynamic therapy and diode laser therapy can work to reduce oil production in your glands. Many people use light or laser therapy with other treatments to reduce their sebum production. However, be aware that some medications can make you sensitive to light, so you may not be a candidate for light and laser therapy if you are taking one of these medications.
- This is a good option for people who cannot use medication to treat their oily skin, such as pregnant women. These procedures are non-invasive and quite safe.
- You need to go through several treatments to get the best results. These procedures can be costly.
Make an egg white mask at home
You can have a spa day and make your own mask to help reduce sebum production. Egg whites are a natural remedy that can absorb oil on your skin. You can make a mask by mixing egg white with a teaspoon of honey. Add some flour so you can make a paste for the mask. Place the mask on your face or any part of your body that has excess oil.
- Wash it off with warm water after 10 minutes.
Make a Baking Soda Mask
A baking soda mask can also be helpful in reducing sebum. You can make a baking soda mask by mixing three parts baking soda with one part water. Then apply the paste on your face and rub it into your skin for about five minutes. Rinse thoroughly and dry your face.
Skin care tips for teens
Wash yourself well
Thorough cleansing is the foundation of any skin care regimen. Use a mild and non-comedogenic cleanser to cleanse your face twice a day – once in the morning and once before bed. Cleanse your face if you sweat a lot. However, avoid washing it just because it is greasy. Use blotting paper to remove oil from your skin. Also, use warm water while washing to open the pores.
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