Thursday 18 April 2013

Should You Exfoliate When You Have Acne?



A perfect skin regimen is something that moisturizes, tones, and cleanses the skin to make it not just vibrant-looking but healthy and glowing as well. But if you have acne, you need a little bit more of something that will reduce the inflammation and bacteria.

Exfoliation Helps Acne
Exfoliation refers to the process of removing dead skin cells. Every day, some of our skin cells die while others are come to life. But when these dead cells build up on the skin, they can cause the pores to clog which marks the start of acne. Regular exfoliation can actually prevent this from happening. It will also soften your skin, brighten your complexion, and prevent acne breakout. But even if you don’t use an exfoliating cream, your skin will naturally shed off the dead skin cells. The process is called desquamation. But for acne sufferers, desquamation doesn’t happen the way it should be. The skin of a person with acne shed too much dead skin cells than normal, making it hard for the pores to push them up and out of the skin. As a result, dead cells get stuck in the hair follicle, creating impaction. When they combine with sebum, bacteria start to grow and will cause the infection. This can be aggravated by varying factors such as dirt, pollution, bacteria, and so on – they find it hard to reach the outermost layer of your skin. So in this case, you may really need the help of an exfoliating product.

What’s the Best Way to Exfoliate Your Skin?
But before you buy a scrub or any kind of exfoliating product, there are important factors you need to consider to facilitate a safe and effective treatment. Your goal is to remove the dead skin cells that have clogged in your pores. If you have mild acne, you can use standard exfoliation treatments but if your acne is severe, you may want to choose the product which has anti-bacterial properties to lessen the amount of microbes which are aggravating your condition. Exfoliants come in different types and the most common of them is benzoyl peroxide. According to Mayo Clinic, this is one of the best solutions for acne infections as it also destroys bacteria. You can find this compound in soaps, lotions, facial cleansers, and the like. If you’re suffering from blackheads and whiteheads along with acne, you can try using Salicylic acid. It comes in patches and topical creams. Another popular exfoliant is alpha hydroxyl acid. It works by removing dead skin cells directly from the pores. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Sulfur, on the other hand helps acne by reducing the production of sebum. You need to remember that all these compounds have consequences. So it’s always a must to consult a doctor.

Natural Exfoliants
You can also make your own exfoliating product at home. Oatmeal, for instance is a great body scrub. Cook it like you normally do and let it cool down. Next, apply it on your face and leave it for up to five minutes and rinse it off. You can also use black gram flour. Take 2 teaspoons of it and add another two spoons of milk. While exfoliation can be an effective treatment for acne, you have to do it with great care and caution. Too much exfoliation can cause your skin to dry. If you choose to buy over-the-counter products, you have to read the label carefully. Make sure it doesn’t contain ingredients that can irritate your skin. It’s always best to do some research before purchasing anything. Once per week of exfoliation is good enough for your skin. 
Looking for the best acne solution online?

Check out ‘Acne No More’  By Mike Walden.  CLICK HERE!

Jenna

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