How to Treat and Prevent Acne

Acne wouldn’t be so bad if there were a sure-fire treatment that could be rubbed on a zit to make it magically disappear. That’s simply not the case for anyone suffering from acne. And if you’re a teen suffering from zits that opt for the extended stay, then invite more friends to visit as they’re slowly departing, there’s not a more frustrating social scenario.

The best way to deal with acne is to develop an effective acne treatment–not just a simple spot-treatment for a few zits and pimples, but an acne treatment for the entire face and all problem areas that will help to decrease acne, and prevent it from returning.

What is Acne?

You’ve probably heard it all: Acne is due to poor hygiene. Acne is hormonal. Acne is based on genetics. Acne breakouts are worse for teen athletes. Acne this. Acne that. In truth, there are elements of truth to all the claims about acne, yet there is one way the common skin disorder develops in and on all skin. This is true regardless of being male or female, an athlete or bookworm or being age 14 or 44. Understanding acne, will help you to understand the best acne treatment.

Acne develops when a few components (dead skin cells, bacteria and skin oil—sebum) combine to clog the sebaceous gland of a hair follicle, therefore clogging the pore that is needed for the skin to breathe and distribute the “clogged” oil to the epidermis. Once clogged, the bacteria feeds off the sebum and everything becomes a small, inflamed mess: A zit; a pimple; acne. When the pore is open (open comedone) and exposes the clogged agents to air, the result is generally a blackhead. When the pore is nearly closed (closed comedone), a whitehead develops.

In more severe circumstances, the infection and clogging will develop deep in the dermis, and create nodular or cystic acne. Acne treatment for chronic cystic acne should be recommended by a physician, as over-the-counter medications will do little to reduce present cystic formations.

How to Treat and Prevent Acne

The best acne treatment may come in form of a variety of products, all depending on what works best for you. Regardless of the product used, it is necessary to be consistent with an acne treatment in order for it to decrease present inflammations, while more importantly, preventing new ones.

To combat acne, you need to combat the cause. By exfoliating the skin on a daily basis, you can rid the outer layer of skin from the dead cells that are shedding. By adding an ingredient such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to an exfoliating face wash, you can help to break down the skin’s “stickiness,” to aid in the shedding. Both products will also help to neutralize the skin’s bacteria.

Follow your exfoliation with a toner or astringent, and it will help to “prep your canvas” for an application of a great product such as benzoyl peroxide. Certainly you’ve heard of benzoyl peroxide. When used liberally, all over the face, as well as other acne problem areas, it works to oxidize the skin surface. Bacteria simply cannot thrive in such an environment. It also works to cleanse the pores.

When used liberally, benzoyl peroxide is a very effective acne treatment. It is recommended to follow an application with a moisturizer. Simply apply the moisturizer once the skin has dried. This will help to balance the drying factor of benzoyl peroxide.

There are other great acne treatments, and it may be necessary to visit a dermatologist to find the treatment that is most effective for you.