Stop the spots
Practical tips to prevent acne
The teenage years are traumatic enough, and if acne is added to the list then you’re faced with one angst-ridden teenager.
Acne is a skin problem that doctors, dermatologists and beauty specialists still find difficult to treat and eliminate. It is a complex subject and its cause is usually blamed on any combination of the following: genetics, hormones, stress, diet or age. Hormone balance and allergies can be checked and diet improved, but the answer to why exactly teens get acne, or at least the answer to curing it, still eludes the medical profession. A cure of sorts has been found, although it is only to be considered where the acne is extremely severe and all other treatments have been tried first. Even then it should only be offered where the patient is so depressed about his acne that it’s adversely affecting his or her life. This treatment is a course of medication known as RoAccutane or Accutane. These are brand names known in America and Europe and are an Iso-tretinoin type of medication, but there may be other brand names in circulation around the world. These types of medication are very strong and do have side effects, so consider this treatment only after very thorough research. One acquaintance of mine was offered this treatment by her dermatologist and her acne was no way severe enough, a case I think, of trigger-happy doctoring!
Some are lucky and hit upon a good, knowledgeable and honest doctor or therapist and achieve great improvements in the appearance of the skin. Acne may need to run its course to a certain extent, especially where teenagers are concerned, but that doesn’t mean you can’t greatly improve the appearance of the skin or indeed prevent making it worse with accurate and informed advice.
Tips from a beauty therapist’s point of view
Does one see a dermatologist or a beauty therapist? I believe you should see both, and they should work together. Unfortunately the climate these days is one of “let’s milk this client as much as we can and let’s not recommend another professional in case we lose some of this client’s money”. A bit cynical I know but I’m sure you know what I mean. My personal advice is that if the acne or spots and pimples are not terribly infected or look like they need urgent medical attention, which they usually do not, then visit a qualified beauty therapist first and have some facial treatments. These usually really help improve the skin. Combined with some good advice on home care and which products to use is all you may need to see you through the ‘acne years’. Don’t expect miracles, but do expect an improvement in that your face should look a little clearer and possibly smoother by the second facial and getting better with each facial after that. If you don’t notice improvement after two facials, change therapist. Remember if someone wants to help you, they won’t try and sell you lots of products all in one go, and not on your first visit. Rather they will wait to see how your skin reacts to the facial and then introduce one or two products over time to accurately gauge skin sensitivity, tolerance etc.
After your therapist has improved or cleared the skin as much as is possible, any remaining or persistent eruptions are systemic. At this point you should visit a dermatologist to see if they can offer any more advice that is more ‘medical’ in approach. Some people may want to do it the other way round and see a dermatologist first. This is fine also, just try and find one that will support you in having face cleansing treatments as well.
Practical tips
DON’T aggravate or over dry the skin by using strong products on a daily basis, especially if they are tingly or sting. Using strong or alcohol based products will aggravate the acne and may cause mild scarring.
DON’T touch or pick your face, ever.
DON’T use gritty, abrasive scrubs on pustular spots or red sensitive areas.
DO keep the skin clean but don’t over clean it. Using a special face wash morning and evening and then apply an antiseptic treatment recommended by your specialist.
DON’T use hot water on the face. This will make the acne worse, as well as render the skin permanently red, sensitive and with broken capillaries. Always use tepid water to rinse the face.
DO cut out as much sugar, white flour products, coffee, junk food and canned drinks from your diet as possible, and drink lots of water.
DON’T stress. Your acne can be improved and it will go away with time. And it probably doesn’t look half as bad as you think it does so don’t feel self conscious.
DO find out which beauty salon offers Hydradermie facials and have at least three within a six to eight week period and then every three or four weeks. This facial is amazing at clearing and smoothing acne problems and is possibly the best treatment at helping prevent and also heal scarring that acne leaves on the cheeks, especially if performed early on while the scarring is still ‘young’. The boys will love it too as it is a fresh feeling treatment without heavy or greasy products. (call 22 879006 for nearest salon)
DON’T be duped into having those ‘crystals’ type facials (the ones where a tube containing high pressure air and crystals, sand, powdered diamond powder or whatever, is worked over the skin) this facial will not help acne.
DO try Glycolic acid type facials if your skin is not very sensitive, pink or thin, a few weeks after your last Hydradermie treatment and use a mild, oil free moisturiser containing Salicylic acid at the discretion of your dermatologist or therapist.
DON’T expect your skin to look good if you live on junk food, never bother with skin care products and use any old dirty towel to dry your face.
