ALL THE PRODUCTS TO FIGHT ACNE
Acne is a skin condition that affects adolescents and adults. Acne can even happen to people in their 40s and 50s. Men and women of all ages and races are susceptible to this skin condition.
Adolescents are the most susceptible to acne, and almost every adolescent experiences acne at one point or another in their lives. If you have ever had pimples, then you have experienced acne.
Acne can occur on any part of the body that has pores. Pores are small hair follicles. They are present everywhere on the body except on the soles of our feet and palms of our hands. So, all parts of the body except the palms and soles are vulnerable to acne.
However, it is obvious that acne occurs mostly on the face, including the forehead, and the upper region of the body. Neck, shoulders, chest and the back, in the upper body are the most common acne spots. Also, the presence of pores and sebum secretion in the highest quantities is very common in these areas, which is why they are especially acne-prone.
Table of Contents:
- Causes
- Symptoms and Characteristics
- Solution
- Use Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
- Apply Tea Tree Oil
- Use Green Tea on the Affected Parts
- Get an Exfoliation Treatment Regularly
- Adopt Healthy Skincare Habits
- Lower your Stress Levels
- Recommendations
- Adopt Healthy Skincare Habits
- WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Facewash
- WOW Skin Science Pure Tea Tree Oil
- WOW Skin Science Green Tea Face Wash
- WOW Skin Science Coconut Hydrating Facewash
- Expert Tip
Causes
Acne usually occurs after an individual attains puberty. This is because production of androgens or male sex hormones increases in the body during this phase. Both boys and girls undergo these hormonal changes.
This increase in hormone production results in the sebaceous glands producing more oil. This oil, called the sebum, is essential to keep the skin moist. Sebum reaches the skin through the hair follicles.
This pathway can be blocked for sebum by dead skin cells, which plug the follicles. This plugged pathway leads to the production of skin bacteria inside the follicles. Inflammation ensues, leading to pimples and acne.
Acne can be of different types. The most common types include blackheads, whiteheads, nodules, papules, pustules and cysts.
Other causes of acne include:
- Heredity. Children of parents with acne are more likely to get acne.
- Age. While acne occurs in all adults, teenagers are more susceptible to the skin condition.
- Hormonal changes during menstruation and pregnancy.
- Specific medications such as barbiturates, testosterone, corticosteroids, lithium and those that contain hormones
- Certain cosmetic products
- Cooking oils
- Contraception. If you have started or stopped these pills, then you may get acne.
- Diet. Studies show that certain foods worsen acne. Studies are underway to better understand the role of diet in causing or worsening acne.
- Fast foods such as milkshakes, hot dogs, French fries, burgers and nuggets increase the risk of acne.
- Dairy foods, chocolate, and excessive intake of foods containing large amount of omega-6 fatty acids can cause acne. Carb-high foods such as chips and bread too can worsen acne.
Though not causes, some factors can worsen acne.
These include:
- Pollution and other environmental factors such as high humidity
- Stress
- Pressure caused by backpacks, tight clothes and collars, and helmets
- Habits such as fiddling with pimples to remove them forcefully
- Increasing frictional stress on the skin by rubbing it too hard
Symptoms and Characteristics
Acne symptoms depend on the severity of the skin condition. If you notice pimples without abscesses, then they could be indicative of acne. If there are cysts with pus that rupture and cause larger abscesses, then this condition is also an indication of acne.
Look for the following symptoms on your forehead, face, shoulders, upper back and chest, as they can indicate acne:
- Pimples
- Blackheads
- Whiteheads
- Papules that appear as tiny red bumps tender to the touch
- Nodules that manifest in the form of painful, big and solid lumps underneath the skin
- Cystic acne that reveals itself in the form of pus-filled lumps beneath the skin. These lumps are painful.
Solution
Often, effective self-care remedies are enough to clear acne. In some cases, acne clears as soon as the cause ceases. For example, menstrual acne that usually appears a week before periods, may fade away after your period stops.
If self-help remedies are not working, then you may want to visit your dermatologist for strong medications.
Given here are some significant self-help remedies that can help you be free of acne:
Use Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Studies show that ACV has antimicrobial capability. This means, ACV can destroy microorganisms including bacteria and fungi. Since bacterial growth is the root cause of acne, using apple cider vinegar can help curb the bacterial activity, and reduce acne.
Diluting ACV with water is crucial as direct non-diluted application can cause irritation and burns on the skin. The best way to use ACV would be to use a facewash enriched with ACV.
Apply Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a well-known natural remedy for skin and hair issues. This essential oil is an Australian native. People worldwide use this essential oil for its excellent therapeutic benefits.
A clinical trial revealed that use of products with tea tree oil significantly reduced mild to moderate acne. These products were also well-tolerated by study participants.
In another study, it was found that application of a cream with tea tree oil had more success in reducing acne.
In another research, it was found that herbal extracts with tea tree oil performed better than benzoyl peroxide in reducing acne that is mild to moderate in severity.
Diluting tea tree oil before application is important as it is very powerful.
Use Green Tea on the Affected Parts
Green tea contains polyphenols, which research shows are anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Bacterial activity and inflammation are at the root of acne. The natural properties of green tea can help fight acne and reduce its symptoms. In addition, polyphenols help reduce skin’s sebum production.
There is evidence that green tea applied as a topical formulation can be beneficial in treating acne.
You may want to consider using lotions, creams or facewash that use green tea, to address your acne concerns.
Get an Exfoliation Treatment Regularly
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, which can reduce acne. Clogging caused by dead skin cells causes acne symptoms. With dead skin cells removed, hair follicles are free and allow sebum to pass through. With every element in its place, skin regains its natural moisture, softness and glow.
Exfoliation need not be expensive. A range of exfoliation products is available for you to get intended results. Safety of skincare products is crucial, which is why only select brands need to be chosen.
WOW Skin Science exfoliation for skin offers products that are 100% natural and chemical-free. You can now get spa-like results at home!
Lower your Stress Levels
Research is not yet conclusive regarding the association between stress and acne. A small study found that effective stress management reduces acne symptoms.
A possible reason stress affects acne could be the behavior one tends to indulge in, during stress. When you are stressed out, the unknowing temptation to pick at acne spots is more. When you touch acne spots on your face too often, new breakouts happen or existing symptoms worsen.
Either development intensifies acne.
Stress is an inevitable truth of life. You can however manage stress by:
- Avoiding skipping breakfast and following a well-balanced diet plan
- Sleeping better
- Exercising regularly
- Building your relationship with your family, friends and other trusted people
- Including relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing and meditation
- Limiting or avoiding caffeine and alcohol
Recommendations
Our Recommendations section puts forth premium products that lead the way with their quality in the beauty market. Given here are some of the safest products recommended for clearing acne in the most effective way:
Adopt Healthy Skincare Habits
If you have been following acne treatments but are failing to see results, then your skincare routine may be the culprit. Here are some healthy skincare habits that dermatologists recommend:
- Sweat that occurs from wearing a helmet or hat can worsen acne. Reduce the debilitating effect by washing your face after you break a sweat.
- Use only the right skin products. Choose products with natural ingredients as they are gentler on the skin. Read the label when buying products.
- Avoid products with alcohol and artificial astringents as they can leave your skin red and dry. Such skin only worsens acne symptoms.
- Avoid rinsing your face with hot or cold water. Use lukewarm water instead.
- Shampoo your hair daily if you have oily hair. Since oil from the scalp can contribute to acne. Daily shampooing helps reduce the risk.
- Never scrub your skin. The harsh motions are rough on the skin and make acne worse.
- Keep your hands away from your face. Touching your face frequently can cause new acne flare ups or worsen existing symptoms. Resist from touching your face too often.
- Keep skin irritants away when using cleansers. Allow your cleanser to do its work more efficiently by applying it gently with your fingertips. Using rough brushing tools such as a mesh sponge or washcloth irritates the skin.
- For the best results use a non-abrasive cleanser.
- Allow skin the time to heal at its pace. If you prick, pop or rub your acne spots, then the harsh actions only lead to acne scars. They do not heal your acne spots.
- Avoid too much sun exposure and tanning beds.
- Tanning is damaging to your skin. Sunlight and tanning devices expose your skin to harmful UV rays. In addition, tanning beds increase your risk of melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, by 75%.
WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Facewash
Apple Cider Vinegar by WOW Skin Science is a must-have in your vanity bag. This product uses Himalayan apple cider vinegar, which is a natural astringent. This ingredient works to keep your skin’s pH in balance.
The ACV formulation is also enriched with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera extract. Hyaluronic acid soothes the skin by moisturizing it. The acid also boosts collagen, a protein that is key to skin health and elasticity. Aloe vera extract takes care of skin hydration.
This ACV facewash combines the amazing benefits of three ingredients to get rid of your blackheads and acne breakouts.
This product is paraben and sulfate-free. It is 100% natural, vegan, cruelty-free and gluten-free.
This ACV facewash has been dermatologically tested for safety and efficacy.
This facewash comes with a hypoallergenic silicone brush applicator, which allows you to use the product hands-free. The brush allows deep cleansing of the skin. This deep exfoliation removes impurities from the pores.
This ACV facewash is the best way to get rid of acne-causing bacteria naturally and rejuvenate your skin without any damaging chemicals.
Pure Tea Tree Oil
Get the powerful benefits of essential oil with 100% true tea tree oil. The oil is cold-pressed, which means you get to experience maximum healing benefits of the oil.
The amber glass packaging ensures that the oil does not lose its potency due to bacterial exposure and contamination.
You can use the oil by adding a few drops to your bathwater. You can also dilute it with water and apply it to acne-affected parts. Use enough water (9 parts water for 1 part oil) for safety and efficiency. Used this way, tea tree oil soothes inflammation and fights against bacteria and fungi.
If you have been using thick and greasy fakes, then it is time you switched to tea tree oil in its purest form. Fight acne without being harsh on your skin with this tree tea oil.
WOW Skin Science Green Tea Face Wash
A silicone and paraben-free natural alternative that offers deep pore cleaning.
This green tea facewash is an amazing exfoliator with a built-in brush. It is packed with the richness of green tea, aloe vera, vitamin E and vitamin B5. Your skin will benefit from antioxidants available in the formulation.
The plant-powered formula removes impurities from the skin, allowing natural oils to flow freely.
The silicone brush facilitates deep exfoliation with its flexible, soft and soothing bristles.
From fighting acne-causing bacteria to protecting your skin, this green tea facewash delivers multiple benefits. Reduce aging signs, keep your skin well-hydrated and maintain pH balance.
This face wash is all the protection you will need for glowing acne-free skin!
WOW Skin Science Coconut Hydrating Facewash
This 100% natural formulation brings the goodness of coconut water, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and argan oil. You get the best exfoliating and moisturizing effects with these ingredients.
The exfoliating effect is intensified with the built-in hypoallergenic silicone face brush. As you rub the facewash evenly over the face, cleansing happens deep in the skin. With dead skin cells removed and clogs eliminated, your skin is completely refreshed.
From clearing acne blemishes to keeping your skin clean and hydrated, this coconut facewash is all you’ll need for healthy youthful skin.
Expert Tips
Never stop using moisturizer. Even if you have acne, continue applying moisturizer. It helps by keeping your skin hydrated. When you stop using moisturizer due to acne, your skin becomes dry. Your skin produces more sebum to counter this dryness, which in turn leads to excess oil production and increased pore-clogging. These developments may worsen acne.
Acne need not be an embarrassing skin condition. You can ease your symptoms and lead a normal life with a healthy skincare routine and well-chosen products.
WOW Skin Science has an array of premium skincare products for anti-acne treatments and general skincare. These products hydrate and enrich your skin with essential nutrients, and help treat/ prevent acne more effectively. Explore these awesome skincare products and choose the one that works for you!