Most people have had some kind of struggle with acne. From an occasional ill-timed zit right before a big date to a lifelong struggle with perpetual breakouts, acne has somehow had an impact on the lives of most individuals. California Dermatology & Clinical Research Institute in San Diego understands that struggle, and that is why we have dedicated research studies and clinical trials that use the latest and greatest science to try to find a way to combat acne breakouts.


WHAT ARE ACNE BREAKOUTS?


Everyone is familiar with what pimples look and feel like, but most are unfamiliar with what causes an annoying array of acne to break out on the face. Acne starts with clogged pores. Skin cells die all the time and should be naturally shed off, but sometimes the dead skin cells become sticky and oily. When this happens, instead of falling off, the skin cells stays on your body and clogs your pores, creating a hodgepodge of bacteria and oils inside the skin.


Your body is constantly producing natural oils, and sometimes it can overproduce oil, creating more than the skin needs. This is especially common during puberty or when you are feeling stressful. All of this oil gets clogged up behind the narrowed or clogged pores, building pressure behind the skin. As the oil backs up, bacteria can grow from behind the skin, it becomes inflamed as the body attempts to fight off these foreign agents, resulting in that irritating red bump that we now call acne or pimples.

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WHAT CAUSES ACNE?


We broke down the biomechanics behind acne, but what are some of the causes of a perilous patch of pimples? Is the cause of acne overdosing on oily food and chocolate, drinking coffee and soda, or maybe from wearing too much makeup? Don't believe any of these acne myths. The true cause of acne breakouts is kind of boring. Acne is driven by the hormones in your body and the oils in your skin, so it is a naturally occurring event that you really don't have much control over. However, there are a few circumstances that may aggravate a preexisting vulnerability to breakouts. If you have fluctuating hormones, such as during puberty, you can find yourself more predisposed to pimples. Also, certain clothing and headwear that touch and occlude (block) the skin can aggravate the skin and trap dead skin in your pores, resulting in breakouts. Finally, constantly touching and picking at the face or other areas of the skin that is susceptible to breakouts can lead to acne and pimples.


WHAT ARE THE BEST ACNE TREATMENTS?


As long as people have been getting acne, they have been looking for ways to make the pimples stop. Acne treatments have made great advances in the last couple decades, as dermatologists have developed a greater understanding of the science behind acne and how best to attack it. Here are some of the best current treatments for acne.


BENZOYL PEROXIDE, AN OVER THE COUNTER ACNE TREATMENT

Benzoyl peroxide is the most popular and effective over the counter acne treatment, featured in popular acne fighting products such as Clearasil and Stridex, as well as available in a stronger prescription form. Benzoyl peroxide fights acne by targeting bacteria on the surface of the skin, which is a common way to aggravate acne. While a side effect of the medication is dryness and skin irritation, it can be very effective in reducing signs of acne.

RETINOID ACNE TREATMENT

Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that treat blackheads and whiteheads, typically the first signs of a breakout. While most are prescription acne treatments, retinoids can now be found in an over the counter version known as Differin. Differin used to be a prescription product but is now available without a prescription. Be cautious, however, using a retinoid can lead to some slight skin irritation.


TOPICAL OR ORAL MEDICATIONS TO TREAT ACNE

Antibiotics applied to the skin or in pill form taken orally reduce inflammation of the skin and reduces bacteria on the surface of the skin. The most effective use of antibiotics is to combine them with either retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. Some side effects of using acne medications are high cholesterol, birth defects, and dry skin, so these medications are reserved only for those with severe acne that did not respond to other treatments.

WHAT ARE SOME HOME REMEDIES FOR ACNE?


Sometimes a pimple breaks through and you don’t have time to head to the dermatologist for a prescription medication. However, if you look around the house you may find you have some tools to fight acne right at your house.


GREEN TEA ACNE TREATMENT

Green Tea is one of the stronger antioxidants and can be used as a tool to combat acne. Place a bag of green tea over the breakout or use a cooled cup of green tea for best results.


HONEY ACNE MASK

Honey has very strong antibiotic abilities, so a mask of honey mixed with oatmeal is a great DIY acne treatment.


MINT TO REMOVE FACIAL OIL

If you find you constantly have clogged pores, mint can be an effective tool to remove facial oils that work to clog up pores. Make a mix of mint, yogurt, and oatmeal and put it on your face for ten minutes to help reduce the amount of oil on your face.


ASPIRIN CAN DRY UP PIMPLES

Aspirin can help to dry up pimples, acting as a great on the spot acne reducer. Form a past by mixing mashed up aspirin with water, and dab it onto existing pimples.

HOW CAN I PREVENT ACNE?


While some of the common myths about the cause of acne such as diet or makeup habits are not true, that does not mean you are helpless servants to the tyranny of acne breakouts. There are steps that can be taken to try to prevent acne and pimples from forming, and here are a few of the most important.


WASH YOUR FACE REGULARLY AND KEEP YOUR FACE CLEAN

It sounds simple, but you would be astonished by how many acne breakouts can be prevented by someone simply washing their face twice a day. By washing your face, you work to remove dead skin cells and oil from the surface of the skin, helping to destroy a breeding ground for pimples.


BE MINDFUL OF WHAT YOU USE IN YOUR HAIR

Popular products that are used in hair can drip down onto the face, causing skin irritation and blocked pores. Try to use shampoo and conditioner that does not contain oil, heavy gels and fragrances. Also, hair can get oily if you do not wash it often, so make sure to wash your hair on a regular basis to avoid hair oils getting to your face.


STOP TOUCHING YOUR FACE

Most of the times, your hands are pretty dirty. The keyboard you use, the doorknobs you grab, everything is covered in bacteria. Therefore, try not to touch your face or chin throughout the day to avoid a breakout.


HIT THE GYM

Working out is great for your skin! Just make sure to take a shower right after to clean all of that bacteria right off.

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