Getting To Know Your Skin: How To Prevent Acne Breakouts
Acne is a skin condition characterised by spots or pimples commonly occurring across the face, neck, chest and back. It is often associated with the onset of puberty, and the majority of people will have experienced acne for a period of their lives. There are a huge number of home remedies and over-the-counter products that claim to fend off breakouts but many are not effective, and some do more harm than good. Our latest blog in the series – Getting To Know Your Skin – explores how to prevent acne breakouts.
What Causes Acne?
Acne occurs when hair follicle openings, commonly known as pores, become blocked. Sebaceous glands, which are attached to the pores, produce an oil called sebum to lubricate the skin. A sticky mixture of sebum and dead skin cells clogs the pores, which can result in acne breakouts.
Teenage acne is thought to be related to the increased production of testosterone. The sebaceous glands are sensitive to hormones and can overproduce sebum when hormonal changes occur within the body. This may also explain why women are more susceptible to breakouts before or during their menstrual period, and throughout pregnancy.
There may also be a genetic component to the development of acne. If your parents both experienced acne as teenagers or as adults, you are more likely to experience symptoms during the same time periods. Certain medications, such as steroids and tablets used to treat depression, are also associated with acne breakouts.
Preventing Acne Breakouts
Remove Makeup At Night
When you apply additional components such as makeup to the skin, hair follicles become plugged more easily. This does not mean that you should avoid wearing makeup completely. Rather, you should adopt a thorough cleansing routine to ensure all of your makeup is removed at the end of each day.
Exfoliate Regularly
Gentle exfoliation helps to break down the bonds between dead skin cells and sebum, preventing the pores from becoming clogged. It should be noted, however, that whilst exfoliation can help to prevent acne breakouts, over-exfoliation can have the opposite effect. When you strip the skin of its natural oils, the body works harder to replace them, resulting in an overproduction of sebum.
Avoid Touching Your Face
Your hands touch so many surfaces and are used for so many tasks that they can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria. This bacteria is transferred from your hands when you touch your face, increasing your chances of breakouts. Washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your face can help to prevent acne breakouts.
Lower Your Stress Levels
Research suggests that stress aggravates acne symptoms and can slow down the rate of healing. When active acne takes a prolonged time to heal, spots are more likely to increase in severity and acne becomes more visible. Becoming aware of your stress triggers and practising relaxation techniques can both help to lower stress levels.
Use Obagi® Skincare Products
One of the most effective ways to prevent acne breakouts is to switch to an advanced skincare brand whose focus is on improving skin health. Obagi® designs transformational products, grounded in science and research. Their CLENZIderm M.D.® Acne System uses potent concentrations of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid to target acne at the source, leaving skin feeling refreshed.
For those who only suffer from the occasional breakout, selecting an appropriate moisturiser for your skin type may help to reduce blemishes. Seeking a professional analysis of your skin will help you to determine the most suitable products to maintain healthy oil production and skin hydration.
Book A Consultation With Richard Peppiatt
The Medical Director of RP Aesthetics, Richard Peppiatt, is Obagi’s lead ambassador in the North East. With an in-depth knowledge of the entire Obagi® range, Richard is able to recommend combinations of products that prevent acne breakouts, whatever your skin type. To book a consultation, call 01912 818775 or complete the online contact form today.