Acne is unfortunately something that impacts the majority of people throughout their life. It can impact them at any age, from secondary school to fully qualified engineers. Although it’s not a serious health threat, it can have a significant impact on your life. It can impact you from both a social and emotional sense, reducing your self-confidence and ability to interact with your peers. In Singapore, the most common solution is to simply search for a good GP near me. However, there are also a number of things you can do at home to prevent breakouts and keep them under control. In order to do this, you must first understand why acne occurs in the first place.
Why Do I Get Acne Breakouts?
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that can be caused by a range of different things. It can differ in severity from smaller blackheads and whiteheads to cysts and skin irritation. It is estimated that nearly 85% of individuals between the ages of 12 and 24 have experienced acne at one point or another. Some of these people will experience one, if not multiple severe breakouts, whilst others will have a pimple that will go within a week. Why this is the case, is not entirely known however both genetics and environment are linked with the severity of acne itself. Luckily, affordable acne treatment in Singapore is widely available. The main 3 causes of breakouts are:
● Plugging of hair follicles
● Hormonal fluctuations that cause the body to secret excess oil
● A bacterial infection that causes inflammation
How Can You Get Clearer Skin?
Nearly every treatment for acne has been designed to prevent breakouts before they actually occur. Doing this is absolutely critical as once a breakout has occurred, there is often very little that can be done. Here are some of the best ways you can help reduce the risk of a breakout.
1. Clean Your Face Twice A Day
Every day (in the morning and before you go to bed) wash your face with an over-the-counter face wash. Research has shown that benzoyl peroxide washes are the most effective. This helps by reducing any inflammation whilst also killing bacteria that can lead to acne formation. If you have any makeup on, make sure this is removed so that your pores are not clogged.
2. Use A Moisturizer Designed For Your Face
There are many different moisturizers and lotions that are designed for your face. These are usually lighter than body options, which may clog your pores. To make the biggest impact, search for products that contain glycerine and hyaluronic acid. These two components help to hold moisture in your skin, which keeps your skin hydrated throughout the day. You should also look out for "non-comedogenic" products, as these are known not to cause acne.
3. Avoid Touching And Picking Your Face
We have all been there. When you have a spot or pimple, the first thing you want to do is pop it. However, this is a habit you should avoid whenever possible. Every time you touch your face with your fingers, you are transferring the dirt and oils you have come into contact with to from your hands to your face. It’s very important you stop this in order to prevent acne. Throughout the day, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap. This is extremely important after you have finished eating in order to keep your hands as clean as possible.
4. Focus On Your Hair
Though not commonly associated with your face, your hair can have a significant impact on your acne. If you know that you have oily hair, it is important to wash it more than an individual who has dry hair. Make sure that you keep your hair off your face as this will further help to prevent blackouts on your forehead and face. On top of this, should also avoid the majority of pomades and gels as these can often worsen your acne. If you have acne on your forehead, they should also avoid headbands as they will often keep sweat in the same place and block your pores.
5. Eat A Healthy Diet
Although research in this field is relatively new, one study published in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology suggests that an increase in the consumption of sugars and carbohydrates can result in an increased number of breakouts. By monitoring your foods and keeping a food diary, you can determine particular foods that trigger your breakouts. Always try to eat a healthy, balanced diet as this will help to keep your skin clear.
If you follow each of these steps and find you still have consistent outbreaks, then you can seek affordable acne treatment in Singapore from a range of different GP’s, good GP near me.