Acne scarring can leave behind painful reminders of those pesky pimples; however, you can control scarring with a few easy preventative best practices and helpful products. The best way to avoid scarring is to prevent acne altogether. If only that were so simple right? A basic understanding of acne origins, preventative practices, and special treatment for acne scarring will help to leave your face looking clean and clear and you with greater confidence.
Links to Acne
Various studies in the UK have shown that acne has increased up to 200 percent in adults in recent years. Also, sorry ladies, we are five times more likely to have adult acne than men. Dr. Stefanie Williams, medical director of Eudelo (European Dermatology London), states that genetics are only a fraction of the causes of acne. You must also take into account stress, diet, incorrect skincare practices, and changes in hormones. According to the Mayo clinic, the primarily causes of acne are the results of oil production, dead skin cells, clogged pores, and bacteria. While some people are more prone to acne than others, it can occur within everyone and most commonly occur on your back, chest, face, neck, and shoulders. It is important to note that everyone is susceptible to adult acne including famous women such as Cameron Diaz and Victoria Beckham. However, we can improve the appearance of our skin with the help of preventative measures and the right products.
Preventative Measures – Acne
A number of measures can be taken to prevent acne that can easily be incorporated into your daily routine. It is recommended to wash your face twice a day. You do not need to do so more than twice as it could be more harmful than helpful. Dr. Williams advises to use makeup and sunscreen without oil. It is also important to moisturize after washing your face as many acne products are designed to dry out skin. If you have oily hair, be sure to keep it out of your face so that oil and grease does not transfer to your face and contribute to more acne. And, try not to touch your face with your hands during the day as your hands will transfer oils and dirt, as well.
Do not forget to eat right and exercise! It is highly recommended to eliminate junk food and fried foods from your diet and to increase the number of fruits and vegetables you eat. Be sure to shower after you exercise to remove sweat and to open pores. It is also a good idea to find a way to eliminate stress. Some people like to meditate, others like to have 20 minutes of quiet time to themselves, and exercise works for others. Find what works for you and incorporate it into your routine to help prevent acne and improve your overall well-being.
Preventative Measures – Scarring
There will be times when you get acne no matter what you do to prevent it, so the next best thing is to minimize acne scarring. Dr. Whitney Bowe, a renowned dermatologist in NYC, explains that popping and picking at pimples are only part of the reasons for scarring. A type of pimple that causes lesions typically referred to as a cystic pimple which is often painful and beneath the surface, is also a leading cause of scarring.
To prevent inflammation of pimple marks, be sure to stay out of the sun as much as possible. Consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat at all times to minimize the appearance of scarring. One of the most interesting preventative measures is to avoid vitamin E. A University of Miami study recently revealed that while vitamin E helps minimize the appearance of certain types of scars, it can actually exacerbate pimple scarring and lead to dermatitis. The good news is that you can also use various products to help.
Helpful Products
Selecting the right products is also essential to the process of minimizing acne and scarring. In addition to washing your face twice a day, be sure to exfoliate regularly to aid in the removal of dead skin and to clean out your pores sufficiently. You should also select an on-the-spot acne product to use on your acne to speed up the pimple-cycle process. You might also use an at-home microdermabrasion kit. If you have cystic pimples, go to your dermatologist for a shot of cortisone to help eliminate the pimples without scarring. If you are eager to eliminate any signs of scarring, you can always seek laser treatment. One of the best ways you can prevent and minimize the signs of acne scars is to use an oil-free moisturiser with sunscreen every day. You may not be able to prevent acne entirely, however you can absolutely minimize the signs of scarring. Oh, and another best way is not to pop or pick your pimples no matter how tempting it might be!
Scarring does naturally minimize over time, roughly six months or so; however, preventative methodologies and the right products will greatly improve the appearance of your skin far more quickly.