But why do they happen?
Is there anything we can really do about them?
What are the best and easiest ways to treat this condition?
If you want clear skin, read on.
“Blackheads and whiteheads are earlier lesions of acne and are usually present together.
Zits usually refers to pustules.
These are lesions that look like pus-bumps and are the next stage of acne.
They are usually inflamed and can cause scarring if not treated.”
Then there is cystic acne, which is an entirely different monster.
“Cystic acne lesions are the most severe bang out of acne.
It is sparked by deep bumps that are inflamed and may be painful.
These lesions can lead to scarring and pigmentation,” said Dr. Goldenberg.
“Acne has many causes.
It’s usually genetic and tends to run in families,” she said.
“It also has a hormonal component in boys/girls and men/women.
Hormones stimulate production of sebum (oil) that can cause plugged pores and follicles that become acne bumps.
These can become inflamed.
acnesis important in the inflammation process that causes pustules (zits) and acne cysts.”
You should never squeeze a pimple
There are very few things as temping as squeezing a pimple.
“Pimples are basically a combination of bacteria, inflammation, and oil from surrounding oil glands.
Squeezing a pimple is a big no no for many reasons.
And the worst case scenario, is infection or scarring from over exuberant squeezing.”
So the best policy is to keep your hands to yourself.
“The bottom line,” she stressed, “is keep your fingers and hands away!”
First of all, she says wait for the right time.
After that, you should probably prep your skin.
“Be sure the skin is cleansed.
Then soften the skin tissue surrounding pimple using wet gauze or a wet towel.
Then, wrap a fresh gauze or wet towel around your index fingers on each hand and gently squeeze.
After the pimple is popped you might use anything antibacterial to kill the germs.
Witch hazel is great.”
Nurse Nataly also warned not to use your fingernails to pop a pimple.
Also, this bacteria is what causes scarring."
But it’s not always appropriate to pop every kind of people.
Sheila Nazarian, who is a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills.
Chocolate and dairy, for example, can cause an increase in acne break-outs."
There are several different kinds available, according toDr.
Sal Nadkarni(aka Dr. Sal), who is a Los Angeles based concierge physician.
“Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria that causes acne and removes excess oil from the skin.
Salicylic acid prevents pores from becoming clogged.
And sulfur removes dead skin cells that clog pores and removes excess oil from skin.”
You just have to figure out which works best for your skin through trial and error.
Dr. Sal also explained that certain topical pimple treatments can also help reverse the signs of aging.
“In addition to over-the-counter products, your doctor can prescribe medications including retinoids to fight stubborn acne.
If you are concerned with acne and aging, Dr. Sal says Retin-A may be the way to go.
But this is mostly for very severe cases of acne as Dr. Kristina Goldenberg explained to me.
“Topical antibiotics and retinoids help with acne lesions from the earliest stage,” she said.
“Oral antibiotics and Acutance are usually reserved for the most severe jot down of acne.”
Dr. Sal said that a dose of antibiotics can certainly do the trick.
Basic skin care is very important.
Nutrition and vitamin supplementation is important as well.”
“Acne scarring is permanent damage to the collagen which underlies the top layer of skin.
Instead of treating scars, she suggests trying to prevent them from happening in the first place.
“The best treatment is always prevention.
If you are breaking out, ensure to see your dermatologist for a comprehensive acne routine.”
But if you already have scars, there are sill options to restore your skin.
“However multiple treatments with upwards of five to seven days of downtime are often needed.
Dr. Nazarian told me, “Adult acne is a completely different beast from teenage acne.
We tend to dry out teenagers so that they stop breaking out.
In adults, we focus on cleansing pores and hydrating to decrease oil production.”
No matter what, you are never too old to deal with the ugly nuisance of pimples.
