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The following article was published in Your Health Magazine. Our mission is to empower people to live healthier.
George K. Verghese, MD
Controlling Acne
Mid-Atlantic Skin Surgery Institute
. https://midatlanticskinsurgery.com/

Controlling Acne

Affecting approximately 40-50 million Americans annually, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. And, while acne usually begins in puberty and affects many adolescents and young adults, it can occur at any stage of life.

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition and is characterized by comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms. The condition often causes significant physical and psychological problems such as permanent scarring, poor self-image, depression and anxiety.

While there is no 100% guaranteed way to prevent acne, there are steps to help lessen its likelihood. One of the most important things is to clean your face daily with mild non-drying soap. You should also use noncomedogenic, nonacnegenic, (does not clog pores) and oil-free cosmetics, toiletries, and sunscreens on your face and body.

Including an over-the-counter (OTC) product designed to fight acne as part of your skin care regimen can be helpful. However, it may take some time to find one that works best for you some may not do the trick and others may cause irritation. The most popular and effective OTC acne-fighting ingredient is benzoyl peroxide. Another ingredient, salicylic acid, can help to dry up pimples when an outbreak occurs.

It is also recommended that you avoid unnecessarily touching your face. Touching your face can transport oil and dirt that contribute to clogged pores, and it can also irritate already inflamed facial skin.

There is evidence that wearing tight clothing can contribute to acne by rubbing and irritating areas such as your chest, shoulders and back. It is best to wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made of cotton or other natural fabrics so that your skin can breathe; this kind of clothing is less likely to cause friction. If you like synthetic fabrics it is best to look for clothing that offers moisture-wicking properties (i.e. material designed to pull moisture away from the skin).

Some foods are known to trigger acne outbreaks. Foods with a high glycemic load such as white grains (bread, rice, pasta) and sweets have been linked to acne. In addition, a recent study found that excessive amounts of vitamin B12 could trigger outbreaks of acne. Vitamin B12 is found in animal foods likemeat,fish,dairy, and eggs. If you struggle with acne, keep a food diary. Look for connections between foods and breakouts and don't forget that it might take a day or more for foods to stimulate breakouts.

If you find that you are unable to prevent or control acne outbreaks on your own, consulting with a dermatologist can be very helpful. In addition to evaluating your skin and helping you adjust your routine skin care regiment, they can suggest and prescribe prescription medications that are designed to prevent and treat acne.

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