Biggest mistake if you have acne or breakouts
What you must never do when dealing with acne (photo: Freepik)
Many people, in their attempts to get rid of acne and other breakouts, may make things worse. American dermatologist Aamna Adel has identified the most common mistake in care for problematic skin.
What mistake to avoid
Women are more likely than men to experience adult acne, which is explained by regular hormonal fluctuations that occur at various stages of life.
Acne can be triggered by menstruation and pregnancy, as well as conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome.
Certain medications, smoking, diets high in foods that rapidly raise blood glucose levels, and the use of specific cosmetic products can also be potential causes of adult acne.
The dermatologist pointed out a major mistake she often sees in people trying to fight acne.
The biggest mistake I see people with breakouts making is this idea that you need to dry out your skin to get rid of acne. Balance is everything when it comes to your skin barrier and getting rid of those little bumps, the expert explained.
Which products to choose
She also noted that products containing hypochlorous acid – a natural disinfectant – are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, ability to accelerate healing, and effectiveness against acne. For those looking for skincare products, sprays with hypochlorous acid are worth considering.
With acne, it’s important not to overdry the skin, as this will only make things worse.
Before using any new skincare products, you should always perform a patch test on a small area of skin to ensure they won’t harm you.
Just apply a small amount of the product to an inconspicuous area and leave it for 24–48 hours to see if any negative reactions occur.
Why acne occurs
Acne develops due to a combination of several main causes related to the activity of sebaceous glands, hormones, and bacteria:
- Excessive sebum (skin oil) production. Sebaceous glands produce oil that moisturizes the skin. When there’s too much, it can clog pores
- Clogged skin follicles (pores). Dead skin cells can mix with sebum and block pores, forming comedones (blackheads or whiteheads)
- Bacteria. Clogged pores provide an ideal environment for bacteria that cause inflammation
- Hormonal changes, in particular, androgens (male hormones also present in women) stimulate sebaceous gland activity. That’s why acne often appears during adolescence, before menstruation, or during pregnancy
- Other factors like stress, certain medications, cosmetics, poor diet, and frequently touching the face can worsen skin condition.
You may be interested in
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- A factor that leads to dry skin, wrinkles, and even acne
- 5 common acne myths that only harm your skin
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
