The skin is the body's largest organ and all too often overlooked as we bustle about in our hectic lives. We actively take care of our hearts, muscles, lungs and joints with exercise programs and good eating habits but often our skins is neglected. Acne, wrinkles, rosaceae and premature aging are just a few of the things that can be troublesome if we don't care for our skin properly. Some of us don't even really know how to take care of our skin. A daily program of skin care is essential for skin protection and repair and a good routine should be followed for life. We provide you with some tips on how to take care of your skin with this guide to common skin problems.
Acne
Acne affects people during puberty and their early teens but adult acne is fairly common too. In acne, the skin pores become blocked by oil called sebum. Sebum is natural oil that is responsible for the lubrication of skin and hair. Under normal circumstance it keeps them soft and supple but when our hormones become unbalanced too much sebum is produced and it can cause pimples and acne. This is most common on the T-Zone (forehead, nose and chin) area.
To prevent breakouts or clear them:
* Cleanse your face with a mild acne preparation twice a day only. Start with a gentle massage in a circular motion. Never rub or scrub your face as this will only cause irritation and worsen your acne. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends applying a benzoyl peroxide lotion after cleansing. This is a cheap lotion available without a prescription.
* Never pick or break open your pimples. This will channel infected cells deeper into the skin and cause even more swelling and redness as the bacteria take hold. It will also damage the skin and cause scarring. If you simply must get rid of a pimple before an important event visit a dermatologist and they will take care of your skin for you.
* Never touch your face with your fingers or place dirty objects like the telephone receiver against your cheeks. Your fingers contain bacteria that will spread into your pimples and cause infection. Always wash your hands before you wash your face and apply make-up or acne cream.
* Clean your glasses or sunglasses often to keep them bacteria free. Knowing how to take care of your skin means learning about hidden germs!
* Don't wear tight clothes if you have acne on your body. Wear soft cotton clothing that lets your skin breathe. Avoid scarves, headbands, and hats or caps and if you do wear them keep the scrupulously clean.
* Never go to sleep with your make-up on if you want to take care of your skin. The make up you use should be 'noncomedogenic' or nonacnegenic'.
* Keep out of the sun as much as possible. Sun exposure dries out the skin and causes increased sebum production.
* Talk to your dermatologist. There are several treatments available that help to prevent and clear up acne and avoid scarring problems. Estheticians are trained skin specialists, sometimes found at spas and salons who offer advice and skin care treatments.
