Acne Scars

Zits, pimples, acne – you may have heard these terms used interchangeably. However, if you are suffering from any form of acne it is important to know the difference between acne and pimples, so that you can properly diagnose and treat your particular symptoms.

Acne is an umbrella term for a host of skin irritations and lesions including blackheads, cysts, pustules and whiteheads. Acne is caused by Propionibacterium acnes, and most types of acne are a result of the excess production of sebum, which is the oil produced by the sebaceous glands. When the sebaceous glands produce excess oil (this may be due to hormonal imbalances), the oil clogs up the pores and causes an inflammation or lesion.

The term acne includes various types of acne conditions, the most common of which is acne vulgaris. This condition is common among young males and females, and while it mostly affects the face, it can also develop on other parts of the body such as the torso and upper arms.

The smallest inflammation caused by acne is called a pustule. When oil breaks the surface, whiteheads are formed. When such oil comes in contact with air and is oxidized, it is called a blackhead. The next degree of inflammation is called a papule (or a pimple), and the deepest inflamed lesion is known as a cyst.

Cystic acne is a serious condition, in which cysts or nodules are formed on the skin. These nodules are large, painful and inflamed lesions which can cause significant trauma and scarring of the skin. Treatments for cystic acne can help to heal the cysts, but do not prevent scarring. The red patches caused by healing cysts are called macules. Macules do not cause lasting scars.

By its very definition, exfoliation means the disposal of dead skin cells and the renewal of your skin. The buildup of dead skin cells is bad news because it clogs pores, leads to acne, and speeds up the skin’s ageing process, causing fine lines and dullness.

It is thus important to discard dead skin cells regularly in order to avoid acne and stay young. You can prevent the buildup of dead skin cells by regularly exfoliating your skin.

Exfoliating your skin is simple, and can be done on the face and elsewhere on your body. You can easily find a facial scrub or body scrub, depending on the area you want to exfoliate. Scrubs containing fruit acids or sugar (or both) are known to be especially effective in clearing off dead skin.

For optimum results, stick to a regular exfoliating schedule. Exfoliating should be done at least once, and at best twice a week.

Remember not to use harsh, abrasive exfoliators which may scratch or scar the epidermis. Unlike what the word ‘scrub’ suggests, you should not scrub your face hard. The aim of exfoliation is to dispose of dead skin cells, so apply the exfoliator thoroughly but gently. Then wash your skin well and pat it dry with a clean towel.

No one likes a pimple. If you have one, you would like nothing better than to make it disappear. While it is best to treat pimples with medication and let them heal in their own time, there is no doubt that the urge to pop a pimple can be very strong indeed. Sometimes there are occasions or situations where a pimple is simply not acceptable! In such a case, if you must pop your pimple, do it right.

But first, make sure that it is not a deep pimple or cyst. With such pimples it really is best to leave well enough alone, because deep pimples leave scars that take a lot longer to heal. If you simply must get rid of it, consult your dermatologist; he or she may recommend an injection of cortisone, which can quickly and significantly reduce your pimple and the accompanying inflammation.

In other cases, if you must pop your pimple, the first thing to remember is not to use your nails. This again will cause scarring, which will take longer to heal and can become a hotbed for bacteria.

The next thing to remember is that at any time during the popping, if you see blood or a clear liquid oozing out, stop immediately. Popping a pimple is simply not worth risking a scar or ugly blemish.

Also, if the pimple is simply not popping, don’t force it. This simply means that the pimple is not ready to pop or is a deep pimple, and is sure to swell up or leave a bad scar.

The first recommended way to pop a pimple is with q-tips. Take a q-tip in each of your hands, and press gently but firmly against the pimple until it pops. Stop if the pimple is very painful, or at the first sign of any secretion.

You can also squeeze your pimple with a needle, by first sterilizing it with rubbing alcohol and then gently piercing the pimple. Once you have made a hole in your pimple in this way, take q-tips or cover your fingers in tissues and squeeze the pimple from the sides.

In conclusion, if you want to pop a pimple, make sure it is not a cyst or deep pimple. Then, either use q-tips or a needle to pop it. Don’t squeeze too hard – popping it should not be a struggle. And last but not least, stop at the first sign of blood or a clear liquid.

It is commonly known that acne is a result of bacteria and clogged pores, which can be combated by keeping the skin clean and free from pollutants. People suffering from acne often wash their face several times a day in order to keep skin clean and oil-free.

However, it is important to note that over-washing can deplete the natural oils in your skin. These natural oils help to fight skin problems like blackheads and acne, so washing your face too often can be counterproductive.

Here are a few things to keep in mind while washing your face:

1.    Use a gentle, oil-free cleansing product that is free from skin irritants. Harsh products can be harmful, especially for people with sensitive skin. Oily soaps and cleansers should be avoided as they can clog pores and cause acne.

2.    Don’t over apply your medication. First, wash your face with a gentle cleansing product and then apply a thin and even coat of medication. (Make sure that your hands and face are clean before application.) Only the first layer of medication will penetrate your skin, and there is no known benefit to applying acne treatments in thick, cakey layers.

3.    Don’t over wash. If your face gets oily, don’t simply rush to wash it; use blotting sheets instead. Outside pollutants are only a small factor in the production of acne, and it is important to preserve your skin’s natural oils in order to keep the skin healthy, balanced and acne free. Washing your face twice a day should be sufficient.

4.    Don’t rub your face after washing. Excessive rubbing from towels or tissues can cause irritation and dryness, leading to acne. Always remember to pat your skin dry gently.