Problem skin with acne: causes, treatment, care

Problem skin is most often a problem faced not only by teenagers, but also by adults. What is problem skin, who has it and why does it happen, and how to live with it — read in the article.

What is problem skin with acne?

Problem skin usually manifests itself in the period of puberty of 12-14 years. According to statistics for Ukraine, 85% of young people face acne between the ages of 12 and 25. However, people over the age of 25 can also develop this disease (aging acne).

Most often, acne (acne disease) occurs in owners of oily skin. As a result of increased sebum production, comedones (blackheads) appear on the skin of the face (forehead, cheeks, T-zone), upper back and chest. Pores are clogged with secretions of glands and dead cells, bacteria begin to multiply in them, which lead to inflammation. Acne manifests itself in different forms: open comedones (superficial blackheads), closed comedones (subcutaneous acne), pimples with and without purulent discharge. During the development of the disease, the skin becomes dense, greasy, shiny, the sebaceous glands in the affected area increase in size, and the pores are enlarged.

Why does acne occur?

The following are the main reasons that cause the skin to be prone to acne:

• Genetic predisposition — it is impossible to fight with it, but you can properly care for the skin and control the process of inflammation.
• Hormonal background — during puberty, pregnancy, before menstruation, rashes on the skin may become more active.
• Disturbances in the functions of the gastrointestinal tract — diseases of the digestive system, which directly affect the condition of the skin, often contribute to the appearance of acne.
• Stress — with constant stress, cortisol is produced, which reduces the protective functions of the skin and promotes increased secretion of sebaceous glands.
• Chronic lack of sleep — sleep disturbance has a negative effect on the condition of the skin, in particular, it can increase inflammatory processes.
• Taking medications — some medications, for example, hormonal drugs, antidepressants, antibiotics can cause acne on the skin to increase.

How to treat acne?

Treatment of acne-prone skin depends on the severity of the disease, which will be determined by a dermatologist-cosmetologist after an examination.

With a mild degree of acne perform external therapy or use antibiotics topically to remove blackheads and reduce inflammation. Special care that takes into account the condition of the skin is also important.

Average severity of rashes treated both with external therapy, salon procedures, and taking drugs inside.

With a severe course of acne the dermatologist refers to other specialists (gynecologist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist) for additional examination, prescribes tests. Treatment is carried out with hormonal or antibacterial drugs.

The main rules for skin care with acne:

• Problem skin with acne needs special delicate care. Means should reduce the production of sebum and correct the inflammatory process.
• You cannot clean your face yourself — it injures the skin and can lead to additional infection.
• Components of care cosmetics that help fight acne: zinc or salicylic acid (antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect), retinol (regulates the work of sebaceous glands), collagen and hyaluronic acid (reduce dryness, irritation), calendula, sage, aloe, chamomile, witch hazel extract (soothes the skin, narrows the pores).
• It is better to choose a line of cosmetics for problem skin — it is non-comedogenic and best meets the purpose of combating acne.
• It is better to clean the skin with soap-free products that do not contain alcohol: foam, mousse, cleansing gel.
• The moisturizing cream should have a mild seboregulating, kerato-regulating, anti-inflammatory and soothing effect. A good choice is a cream with a matting effect, which will help to cope with greasy shine.
• A cream or gel for local use is applied to inflamed areas of the skin, accelerates healing and prevents the spread of rashes.
• The mask should deeply moisturize the skin, reduce the secretion of sebum, and narrow the pores.
• Salon procedures used to treat acne: chemical peels, hardware cleaning, mesotherapy. Phototherapy and laser therapy cope well with scars and pigmentation (postacne).
• There is a myth that the sun has a beneficial effect on problematic skin. In fact, this is a masking effect of tanning, and prolonged insolation can provoke an exacerbation of rashes, so it is better to protect skin with acne with a sunscreen.

What to eat for acne?

Problem skin loves proper nutrition. To reduce inflammation, experts recommend excluding the following products from the menu: fatty types of meat and poultry, smoked meats, flavor enhancers, artificial fats, flour products, carbonated drinks, and fast food. It is also necessary to limit the use of sugar, alcohol, coffee and tea. There are situations when the doctor suggests removing dairy products from the diet, but this recommendation is individual.

Acne skin responds well to fresh fruits and vegetables, foods containing vitamin A, E, C, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (spinach, arugula, nuts, seeds, fish).

An important aspect of skin care with acne is the water regimen. Drink more water! There is a formula for the daily requirement of water: 35 ml / 1 kg of weight.

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