Sometimes it can seem like your skin is impossible to manage, especially when you wake up and find a huge zit on your nose or a scab on the corner of your mouth.
The good news is that there are many ways to prevent and treat common skin problems that may be causing these issues. Here are some tips.
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Acne
Acne begins when oil-producing glands on the forehead, nose, and chin produce more sebum than it can properly excrete. It causes plugged pores that are prone to infection and irritation, leading to bumps, redness and swelling.
To treat acne, start by washing your face twice a day with water and a mild soap. After washing your face, gently massage it for about one minute with circular motions to loosen dead skin cells.
Be sure not to scrub your skin dry; leave some moisture behind so that moisturizers can form a protective barrier on the skin’s surface. Topical treatments containing benzoyl peroxide can help with acne breakouts without irritating the pores.
Do not pop pimples! This will only push dirt and bacteria further into the pores. If you notice blemishes or soreness before an important event occurring in which you want flawless skin, consult a dermatologist immediately to make sure there aren’t any buildup problems or infections underlying the breakout that can be treated without scarring or ravages of acne making their appearance later on down the line.
While it’s tempting to scratch your pimples because they itch, scratching them will spread even more bacteria around them making matters worse overall.
People are prone to acne during puberty, when hormone levels skyrocket, causing the skin to manufacture too much oil. Because many oil-producing glands are on the forehead, nose, and chin, this area – the T-zone – is where a person is most likely to get acne. Here’s how to fight it:
Wash your face twice a day with warm water and a mild soap made for people with acne. Gently massage your face with circular movements. Don’t scrub too hard or too much scrubbing can make skin irritated. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends applying an over-the-counter (no prescription needed) lotion containing benzoyl peroxide after cleansing.
Don’t pop pimples. It’s tempting, but doing so can push infected material further into the skin and do more harm than good in the long run. If you notice a pimple coming before an important event like prom or a job interview, be sure to ask your dermatologist about getting treatment sooner rather than later.
Avoid touching your face with your fingers or leaning it on objects that collect oils like your phone or makeup bag. Touching your face can spread bacteria that cause pores to become inflamed and irritated.”
Too much washing
Sun and Skin
A pimple starts when the pores in the skin get clogged with a type of oil called sebum, which normally lubricates the skin and hair. Acne is common during puberty when hormones go into overdrive, causing the skin to make too much sebum. Because many oil-producing glands are on the forehead, nose, and chin, this area — the T-zone — is where a person is most prone to pimples.
Wash your face twice a day (no more) with warm water and a mild soap made for people with acne. Gently massage your face with circular motions. Don’t scrub. Too much washing and scrubbing can make skin irritated. Sunlight helps our bodies create vitamin D.
So follow these tips when you’re outdoors to help manage sun exposure:Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, even if it’s cloudy or you don’t plan on spending a lot of time outdoors.
If you sweat a lot or go swimming, reapply sunscreen every 1½ to 2 hours (even if the bottle says the sunscreen is waterproof).Choose a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Look for the words “broad spectrum protection” or UVA protection in addition to the SPF of 15 or greater. Select a sunscreen that says “nonacnegenic” or “noncomedogenic” on the label to help keep pores clear.
Lotion sunscreen works better than spray because you apply a thicker layer, which works better to protect skin.The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so reapply sunscreen frequently and take breaks indoors if you can.
If your shadow is longer than you are tall, then it’s a safer time to be in the sun (you should still wear sunscreen, though).Apply more sunscreen (with higher SPF) when you’re around reflective surfaces like water, snow, or ice.We all know that the sun can damage skin, but did you know it can contribute to eye problems, too?
Protect your face and eyes with a hat and sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection.Some medicines, such as prescription acne medications, can increase your sensitivity to the sun (and to tanning beds).
So if you’re taking medication, increase your sun protection.If you want the glow of a tan, try faking it with self-tanners. Avoid tanning beds. They contain some of the same harmful UV rays as the sun. Even using a tanning bed just one time increases the risk of skin cancer.
Cold Sores
Here are some tips for preventing or treating them:Avoid getting cold sores in the first place by not sharing anything with other people who might have cold sores.
The virus that causes them is transmitted through the nose (in mucus) and the mouth (in saliva).People who have the virus know that cold sores can flare up from things like too much sun, stress, or being sick. Just one more reason to lather on that sunblock, eat well, exercise, and get plenty of sleep!.
If you do have a cold sore, here’s some tips for keeping it at bay:Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen if it hurts; that works better than chapstick because it stops pain before blistering starts.Suck on ice pops or cubes to ease pain and keep cold sores cool.Stay away from acidic foods like oranges, tomatoes, and lemonade (they
Eczema
Eczema is a condition that causes skin to become red, itchy, and dry. If you have eczema, you might notice that you get itchy rashes — especially at the places where your elbows or knees bend or on your neck and face.
The symptom are different from person to person and can be worsened by things like harsh detergents and heavily fragranced products that are generally known for irritating the skin.
Because hot water quickly evaporates, your skin may get dry. To keep your skin moisturized, stay away from over-washing it with soap and try taking short, warm showers or baths instead. When you’re going to be in the sink for a little while (like when you’re washing dishes or your car), try wearing gloves so that detergent doesn’t irritate your skin.
Other Skin Problems
Warts are tiny skin infections that are caused by different viruses of the human papilloma virus (HPV) family. There’s no way to prevent warts, other than avoiding contact with people who have them.
Rubbing, scratching or picking them will only spread the virus and get new warts. Over-the-counter medicines can help get rid of warts, but it’s always a good idea to see your doctor before trying one. If you ever find warts in your genital area, you should see your doctor. Another type of wart-like viral infection is molluscum contagiosum — it’s not as scary as its name sounds! Like warts, it spreads through scratching and sexual contact.
