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Common Diseases > Acne
To help prevent acne and keep the body so as it
can recover quickly, a healthy diet and lifestyle is
recommended.
Diet
A well fresh organic balanced diet
high in natural fibre is important
for general well-being. This will
support your overall metabolism much
better than a junk food diet. It is generally thought,
although not conclusively proven that
sweets and fatty foods make acne
worse. So it is up to you to observe
and take notice of how eating
different foods affects your zits.
Cleanliness
Acne is not usually caused by dirt or
poor cleanliness. Normal soap and
water is the best way of washing the
skin, twice daily. To stimulate the
function of the skin it is helpful
after a warm wash with soap and water
to wash off the soap residue with cold
water, as it is suspected
that some soaps can actually clog
pores, the cold water will stimulate
healthy skin function.
Men
with acne who shave should shave very
carefully so as not to cut off the
pimples. If you use a safety razor,
soften your beard thoroughly with
soap and warm water before applying
shaving cream. Shave only when
necessary and always use a sharp
blade.
Menstruation
and Contraception
The female hormone oestrogen, at high
levels, may help alleviate acne. Many
women notice a worsening of acne
premenstrually, which is due to
changes in hormone levels at this
time. Pills that contain oestrogen
can help acne, and progesterone-only
pills (the mini pill) can make acne
worse.
Sunlight
A little tan is healthy and can even
mask any acne present. Since excess
sunlight ages the skin so avoid
sunburn, and we suspect that
sunlamps, although are very popular
may not be very healthy. Sunscreens
can cause clogging of the pores and
it is believed that some are more
likely to cause cancers than protect
from the sun.
Cosmetics
If you must, look for ones that are
oil-free and not just water-based.
Choose products that are
"non-comedogenic" (should
not cause white heads or blackheads)
or "non-acnegenic" (should not cause acne).
Remove
cosmetics thoroughly every night with
soap and water.
Your
pharmacy will have a range of
products which can help to hide
blemishes. Loose powder mixed with
oil-free product is also good for
cover-up. Shield your face when
applying hairsprays and gels.
Socially
zits are a real pain and can severely
impact on your social life. But then
hey this is part of being human, and
if you are so afflicted - get over it
- welcome to the human race. If you friends are
afflicted; this is your chance to
show that your friendship is not just
skin deep.
Acne |
Prevention | Treatments
| Skin Care |
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