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Skin
Problems
Skin Problems , Oil And Spots
(pimples)
Problem skin
Young skin is particularly prone to spots and these can lead to
a great deal of misery and embarrassment. It's little
consolation to know that the problem is a very common one and
even less to learn that its cause is still a matter of
debate and disagreement between experts! But there is a lot
that you can do to deal with and discourage problem skin.
How spots form
Whilst we don't know exactly why spots form, we do know how
they form. During adolescence, the body's hormone activity
increases. This in turn stimulates the oil glands which open
into hair follicles below the skin's surface to produce more
oil. The result is an oily skin and also a
build- up of oil in the pores. The oil on the surface
causes dead skin cells there to stick together, so slowing
down the rate at which they are shed. These and the excess
oil mix together to form a plug which blocks the pores.
This forms a whitehead. If any of the skin's natural
pigmentation is present, or if the plug comes into contact
with the air, then it darkens and becomes a blackhead.
Whiteheads or blackheads become pimples through infection
by bacteria - either on the skin or in the hair
follicles.
Diet
It was once widely believed that fatty
and fried foods were the cause of a spotty skin. Most experts
now agree that diet is not a factor, and that greasy foods do
not result in a greasy skin - if they did, then they would also
be the cure for dry skin, which they are not! If chocolate,
chips or any other food gives you spots, then you are probably
allergic to it. However, even though improving your diet won't
cure spots, it will improve your skin.
Cleansing
Dirt itself does not cause spots
but this doesn't mean that regular and efficient cleansing
isn't an important part of their treatment. Thorough cleansing
will remove excess oils, dead cells and bacteria from the
skin's surface. An astringent used afterwards - or in between
times - will also act to reduce surface oiliness. Soap and
water washing, cleansers and astringents all have a mild
peeling effect on the skin, which is helpful in clearing
blocked pores. Face masks, exfoliative cleansers and
epidermabrasives have a stronger peeling action which is also
beneficial.
There are many creams and lotions on the market for treating
spots. These usually work by softening the plug which has
caused the spot to form, penetrating the hair follicle and
killing any bacteria there as well as on the surface. Most also
stimulate drying,peeling and flaking off of dead skin cells.
All of these measures are helpful in dealing with spots and you
should experiment to find a product which suits you, then use
it regularly.
Camouflage
It's really better not to cover spots with makeup; rather you
should keep your complexion looking clean and concentrate your
cosmetic efforts on your eyes and mouth. But on those occasions
when you really do feel you must be made-up, be sure to choose
a non-oily, water-based foundation as oily cosmetics will
aggravate spots. It's best not to use powder but if you must
then be sure to use a clean puff, or even better a fresh pad of
cotton wool, every time.
With or without make-up, severe or ugly spots can be covered
with a concealer stick or cream. Always apply this to clean,
dry skin, using a cotton bud to dab it on and blend away any
hard edges.
Should you squeeze spots?
The answer is NO. Squeezing can result in
a spread of infection - on or under the skin -and can leave an
ugly scar. Speed spots on their way by applying hot water with
a cotton bud at regular intervals and using a treatment cream.
When a spot is ready to disDerse it will: then cleanse the area
thoroughly, apply more treatment cream, and camouflage the
area.
It's best not to squeeze blackheads either, though you may find
that you can carefully ease them out with clean fingertips
covered in tissue, after softening the skin with hot
water.
by -
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