Myths about acne Fighting acne is a whole science

Acne (pimples, acne) is the most common cause of complexes in terms of appearance in adolescents, which does not allow some adults to live in peace.

The causes of the disease can be hidden both inside the body and lie on the surface in the literal sense of the word.

Acne in severe forms can greatly spoil a person's life, making it impossible to freely communicate with other people and greatly undermine self-esteem. Such a serious problem requires serious measures, so let's look at it inside and out, starting from the causes of occurrence to the most famous myths associated with treatment.

Reasons for the appearance

Exists many factors leading to rashes and inflammation on the skin.

The reasons may lie in problems with the endocrine system of the body.

Malfunctions in the hormonal system are always very noticeable in appearance and skin condition.

Non-hormonal causes of acne:

diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
a large number of stresses that do not have the best effect on the endocrine glands;
hereditary predisposition;
violation of hygiene rules and the use of care products that are not suitable for you;
prolonged exposure to the open sun (ultraviolet increases the rate of keratinization of skin cells, increasing the production of fat).

acne due to disruption of the hormonal system usually occurs in adolescents.

Hormonal restructuring does its job: the sebaceous glands work very intensively, sweating increases, increasing the number of bacteria on the surface of the skin, thereby causing rashes and acne.

As a rule, as you grow older, the problem resolves itself, but it also happens that disruptions in the endocrine system are transferred from puberty to adulthood (50% of adult acne cases are due to hormonal disruptions).

The first thing to do on the way to eliminate hated acne is to establish the cause of their appearance. Without this, you will only deal with the consequences of the problem.

Any cosmetic procedures will give a temporary effect, and after a while, acne will appear again and even in double volume. Therefore, first of all, go for a consultation with a qualified dermatologist who will help determine the root cause of the rashes.

The success of acne treatment depends on a correctly identified cause and the impeccable implementation of the doctor's recommendations.

But there are rules, the observance of which will improve the condition of the skin, regardless of the specific cause of acne.

A set of measures to combat rashes includes:

proper facial cleansing and obligatory washing twice a day (morning and evening), using cosmetics suitable for your skin type;
peeling and the subsequent application of the mask will remove dead cells, narrow pores and moisturize the skin, making it softer and smoother;
special diet with a low content of carbohydrates (pastry products, sweets, sweet fruits) and a large amount of low-fat protein;
use of protective cream during sunbathing and limiting time spent in the open sun.

Important! Never pop pimples. Only a dermatologist-cosmetologist in the salon can do this correctly. Self-intervention often leads to the transfer of infection to healthy areas of the skin and the occurrence of even more inflammation.

How to get rid of acne with washing

Make sure to cleanse your face after waking up and before going to bed.

Increased use of products (more than twice a day) for cleansing leads to the opposite effect and increases irritation.

For cleansing, you can use mousses, foams, gels, as well as Physiogel, Cetafil and other hypoallergenic products that maintain skin pH at a neutral level and reduce bacterial growth leading to the appearance of new pimples.

The use of absorbent wipes and special products for matting the skin will bring benefits.

Applying masks and scrubs

Carefully choose masks and scrubs, look for the mark " for problematic skin” and follow all the recommendations of specialists.

Such products may contain salicylic acid, clay.

Scrubs should not contain large exfoliating particles, otherwise they can injure the skin and worsen its condition.

Preferred use gommage- a product with small particles that gently removes dead skin cells.

Good for problematic skin natural clay masks. Such a mask can be purchased at the supermarket ready-made or you can make it at home by buying only a bag of clay.

Diet Benefits

Compliance with a special diet will bring a tangible effect in the fight for the purity of the face, since often the appearance of rashes is somehow connected with the state and normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Mainly from diet should be excluded fatty sauces and dressings (mayonnaise, ketchup, etc.), sweets, fatty meats, fried potatoes, smoked meats, spices and spicy spices. These products provoke an increase in the level of bad cholesterol and an increase in the work of the sebaceous glands.

In the name of beautiful skin, you will also have to stop using coffee due to its ability to increase levels of the stress hormone (cortisol).

Choose protein sources low in animal fats: chicken breasts, seafood and fish, low-fat dairy products; Limit your intake of egg yolks to two per day.

Eat more fresh vegetables.

From sweets, it is permissible to eat no more than one spoonful of honey and a serving of fruit for breakfast or as a snack.

Remember about vitamins.

Phosphorus, zinc, potassium, calcium, vitamins of groups A, B and C should be present in your diet. Eat vegetables, berries and fruits every day.

Pharmaceutical treatments

Treatment must be prescribed by a qualified doctor. Only a competent dermatologist can correctly prescribe treatment and eliminate the risk of complications and side effects from drugs.

Medications that are used in the treatment of acne:

Antibiotics

Used in very advanced cases. For example, the drug is an effective remedy for acne.

Oral contraceptives (women only)

Used for rashes due to hormonal disorders.

It has an antibacterial and disinfecting effect. Apply directly to sore spots.

Disinfects, has a keratolytic effect, destroys anaerobic microorganisms. Apply a thin layer to acne-prone areas.

Used as an anti-inflammatory agent. The tablet is crushed, diluted with water, then applied to the inflamed area.

Folk remedies

Treatment of acne with folk methods can bring a noticeable effect, but requires caution in application.

All products are recommended to be tested on a small area of skin; if pain and irritation do not appear, then the prepared mixture can be used to treat your skin and prevent such troubles.

Traditional medicine offers various homemade masks and lotions, the preparation of which will cost mere pennies and a couple of minutes, and the ingredients can be found in almost any home.

You can make a useful mask for treating acne from garlic, bran and baking soda, potatoes, lemon juice, mustard, kefir, honey.

Needed components just mix applied to inflamed areas of the skin, then rinse off with cool water.

A noticeable complex improvement in the condition of the skin is observed after the use of honey masks. Honey perfectly disinfects, moisturizes the skin, improving complexion.

One of the recipes for such a mask: take 2 tablespoons of honey, egg yolk, a few drops of lemon juice. Rinse with warm water, holding on the skin for 10 minutes. The effect is achieved after 2-3 such procedures.

How to prepare a person for treatment

The correct sequence of steps in skin care guarantees a noticeable and lasting result in the reduction and cessation of acne.

The ideal plan looks like this:

1. Wash your face

Use only products suitable for your skin type. Be sure to wash your face twice a day, otherwise further care will be meaningless - the nutrients from the mask will not penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, and the desired effect will not be achieved.

2. Scrub your face

Scrubs with large particles can injure the top layer of the skin and provoke an increase in rashes. For a good result, it is recommended to use gommage - the same scrub, but gentle, with small exfoliating particles that cleanse the skin without injuring it.

3. Rinse your face well

Finish your skin cleansing ritual with a thorough rinse with warm or cool water.

Short term solutions

Try benzoyl peroxide

The drug has a complex effect: exfoliates, stops the growth of bacteria, reduces the production of sebum. In this case, dry skin, allergic reactions, irritation may occur, so the method is only suitable for achieving a short-term effect. It is applied to the surface of the skin 1-2 times a day, the result can be seen within 3 weeks of active use.

Use salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a well-known antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. Effective for removing scars after acne and removing blackheads. Available in various concentrations. It is used only for spot treatment of skin problems. If you do not have 1-2 unfortunate inflammations, then this method is not suitable for you. A cotton pad is moistened with salicylic acid, after which the affected area of \u200b\u200bthe skin is wiped with it.

Applying toothpaste

If you rarely have blackheads and rashes, you do not use healing products constantly and do not keep a vial of salicylic acid at home, ordinary toothpaste can help when a pimple appears. Just apply a pea of the paste on the inflamed area at night and wash your face with warm water in the morning. Do not use pastes with a gel texture and colored stripes. For your purpose, you need a regular white paste, preferably with herbal extracts.

Using store-bought pore tightening products

Narrowing the pores will not solve the problem of pimples and rashes, but will only slightly improve the appearance. Therefore, do not use narrowing agents constantly and buy them in a pharmacy, not in supermarkets.

In addition to all of the above, do not forget about sports and sufficient consumption of clean drinking water. The first and second in the complex will help to quickly remove harmful substances from the body, make the skin fresher and more radiant, and increase the secretion of hormones of joy.

Don't worry about trifles. This is dangerous for two reasons: cortisol levels rise, which is not the best effect on the condition of the skin, and when stressed, you are likely to indefatigably consume forbidden high-carb foods, worsening the situation even more.

Get tested regularly to see changes in your body. This will help control the situation with hormones and eliminate hormonal failures that were not noticed in time.

When leaving the house, always put cleansing wipes in your purse, they will help you out if the skin gets dirty faster than usual and sweats.

myths

Skin care and treatment for acne has become overgrown with a huge number of myths. Not knowing the true state of things and believing in these fairy tales, you can not only not solve the problem, but also cause irreparable harm to your skin. Let's take a look at the most common misconceptions.

To get rid of acne, you need to dry them.

Everything is good in moderation, and this is no exception. Drying the skin does not always help and not for everyone, but it can do harm at all, so you need to get a consultation from a specialist who will identify the cause and prescribe treatment.

The main cause of acne is dirty skin

Partly yes. But after all, the problem of acne can also occur in people who have been following their skin well for many years. Acne often appears with hormonal disruptions and other malfunctions inside the body, and is not eliminated from cosmetic procedures. Therefore, in cases of sudden appearance of severe rashes on the face or back, you need to urgently seek help from a dermatologist.

Regular sex will get rid of acne

There is some truth in this. Sex increases the level of estrogen and oxytocin in the blood in women, improves mood, and prevents the production of cortisol. But this happens only in the case of sex for love, otherwise the production of hormones will be small to achieve the desired effect. In men, after sex, testosterone levels decrease, which is the main cause of rashes in males.

Mechanical cleaning of the face - provokes the appearance of acne

Partly true. If you are used to squeezing out even the smallest blackheads on your own, then the problem will continue to haunt you. Mechanical cleaning can only be carried out by a doctor and only in a salon or clinic.

You can not use decorative cosmetics with acne

Only partly true. Cosmetics should be selected specifically for problem skin. Not suitable products with a creamy oily texture. Use lighter makeup.

Acne clears up with exposure to the sun or tanning bed

Partly true. A small amount of ultraviolet has an antiseptic effect, and acne on tanned skin seems smaller, but exposure to the sun for several hours regularly leads to the opposite effect, increasing the manifestations of acne.

Summing up, I would like to note the role of a healthy lifestyle in solving health problems in general, and with the skin in particular. A diet high in water intake combined with sports will give results and reduce skin problems.

Complete disposal of acne in severe forms is possible only with proper treatment by a dermatocosmetologist and compliance with all his recommendations.

Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by dirty skin. Pimples are caused by overactive sebaceous glands in the skin and a buildup of sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria, leading to inflammation in the pores.

In adolescence, during the hormonal changes in the body, the sebaceous glands actively secrete sebum, which leads to the formation of acne. This phenomenon may have a genetic predisposition: if your mother had problematic skin in her youth, then most likely the problem of acne will affect you too.

While there is no surefire way to prevent acne, there are ways to help reduce breakouts:

1. Cleanse your skin daily with special products for problem skin. They help remove excess oil from the surface and exfoliate dead cells that can clog pores. But too frequent washing (more than 2 times a day) can make the skin dry and irritated.

2. After intense sports or any other physical activity, cleanse the skin of sweat and pollution, otherwise acne may worsen. Even if you've been cooking and you feel like your skin has become greasy and dirty, wipe it with a toner for oily or combination skin (you can use mineral water).

3. When choosing cosmetics and facial skin care products, pay attention to those that say: "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic" - this means that it does not clog pores.

4. If you use hairspray, mousse or gel to fix your hair, then remember that these products can exacerbate skin problems, so you need to wash your hair before going to bed.

5. If ugly acne is not only on the face, but also on the shoulders, back and chest, then try not to wear tight, tight clothes that rub in problem areas and exacerbate the problem.

6. Bacteria Propionibacterium acnes is one of the culprits of acne. To reduce its harmful effects on the skin, you need:

1) Do not wipe the skin with alcohol and alcohol-containing lotions
2) Do not get carried away with the consumption of soap
3) Do not take antibiotics without a doctor's prescription.
4) Do not squeeze pimples.

Treatment

When treating acne, you should purchase those products that include benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

A bit of science:

Benzoyl peroxide (PB) has been used in dermatology since 1905. It has a bactericidal effect against the pathogenic microorganism P. acnes: turning into lipophilic benzoic acid, PB penetrates the follicle better than other local agents, and the released oxygen kills P. acnes. In addition, PB destroys the comedone and exfoliates the top layer of the skin; reduces the number of P. Acnes. It suppresses the inflammatory process and the formation of comedones. PB irritates the skin and stimulates blood flow, accelerating the healing and recovery process. Different concentrations of PB preparations are intended rather for the gradual adaptation of the skin, since they practically do not differ in effectiveness. Adverse reactions include irritation and allergy.

Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, keratolytic action, it dries the skin. Salicylic acid also helps to lighten acne marks.

Before treating acne, it is best to consult a doctor about the choice of means and methods of treatment.

Remember that pimples cannot be squeezed out. Squeezing pushes the pus not only outward, but also deep into the skin, which leads to the development of redness and inflammation. But the most unpleasant thing that can happen to the skin when squeezing out an abscess is the appearance of post-acne scars, which are extremely difficult to treat and simply disfigure your appearance.

As a rule, the fight against acne is multi-stage and long. Do not stop treatment at the first signs of improvement. Patiently wait for the result to set, and then maintain your skin with anti-acne products daily.

Take care of your diet - exclude everything fatty, spicy, smoked. It is these products that cause acne, make the skin oily, porous and contribute to the appearance of blackheads.

Such a nuisance as acne can ruin your mood even on the sunniest day. Pimples, blackheads (comedones), purulent abscesses and even ruts on the skin are all signs of the disease.

It turns out that not only teenagers face the problem of acne, but also 80% of older people!

There are still a lot of myths about the origin and treatment of acne. Many people do not know either the causes of the disease or effective ways to treat it. Maybe it's heredity? Or rash provokes fatty foods? Let's figure it out.

Rumor 1. Acne is inherited.

Truth. Yes, indeed, if your parents suffered with this problem, then you will most likely receive such a “gift” from them.

Rumor 2. Acne appears due to lack of intimate life or physical activity.

Myth. There is no scientific evidence for this fact. Neither the lack of a regular sex life, nor a sedentary lifestyle does not affect the quality of your skin.

There is an opinion that exercise helps fight stress, and this in some (not all) cases can improve the appearance of the skin.

Rumor 3. Fatty foods and chocolate cause acne

Myth. And this is one of the most common misconceptions! In fact, there is not a single product that can "cause" acne.

Rumor 4. You can get rid of acne with cleansing and drying products.

ANOTHER myth. Advertising and mass media impose a lot of "miracle remedies" that should, as if by a wave of a magic wand, solve the problem. Alas, drying and cleansing preparations will only temporarily give the effect of “clean” skin, but they will not get rid of rashes.

It turns out that these products not only do not cure acne, but also harm the skin! The components of lotions, gels and other "things" that supposedly treat the problem, in fact, dry out the skin and upset the natural balance in the production of sebum.

As a result, the sebaceous glands begin to work EVEN more actively, and acne worsens!

Advice: choose mild cleansers. They will remove impurities and open the pores - and then the natural self-renewal of the skin will begin.

Rumor 5. Sun exposure affects acne.

Truth. This is true - the sun leaves "spots" and enhances the pigmentation of problem skin.

If there is an inflamed area on the skin, it is better to avoid prolonged contact with the sun. Otherwise, ultraviolet rays will “hit” directly on the “target”, and age spots will remain on the skin.

Advice: In summer, use a special cream with sunscreen and, if possible, avoid prolonged contact with the sun.

Rumor 6. Frequent washing will help prevent acne.

Myth. Frequent washing (especially with the use of aggressive acne products) only dries out the skin. It doesn't solve the problem.

It is forbidden wash more than 2 times a day so that the disease does not worsen.

Rumor 7. Acne disappears after adolescence

Myth. Many people experience this problem after the age of 18. Acne can get worse throughout life if left untreated.

Advice: if you suffer from acne and acne - consult a specialist. Only a doctor can prescribe proper treatment!

Rumor 8. Stress affects acne.

Truth. Due to stress and worries, the immune system of the body is weakened, and this is reflected in the appearance of your skin.

Rumor 9. If your skin is oily or acne prone, you shouldn't use moisturizer.

Myth. Moisturizers have no effect on acne.

Advice: Choose a product that regulates sebum production and soothes inflamed skin. It will only help you cure the disease.

Rumor 10. Women have more acne than men.

Myth. Both men and women are equally susceptible to the disease.

Rumor 11. Hair styling products affect acne.

Truth! It turns out that if you often use styling products on alcohol or on a fat basis, the disease worsens. The thing is that the scalp is close to the face, and harmful components are quickly absorbed. A couple of months of daily use of hair styling products - and acne is clearly visible on the face, especially on the forehead.

Rumor 12. To prevent pimples from reappearing, they must be squeezed out.

Myth. You can't squeeze anything on your face! Mechanical unprofessional impact can not only exacerbate the problem, but also lead to the appearance of a scar. And do we need it?

Advice: use gentle scrubs to gently cleanse the skin.

How to deal with acne?

In addition to the advice to contact a specialist, we will share with you three effective folk ways.

To get rid of acne, drink a glass of fresh carrot or cucumber juice daily.
Boil two tablespoons of oatmeal with a little water. Apply the cooled gruel on the face for 10 minutes and rinse with water at room temperature. The procedure should be done twice a week.
Prepare a decoction of basil and rub it on your face twice a day. To do this, you need to throw 3 tablespoons of dry basil into boiling water and boil it for 10-15 minutes.

We decided to sort out this confusing issue and turned to experienced dermatologists and cosmetologists for help. Experts were unanimous: - a long process, the essence of which is to get rid of the rash forever with the help of the right remedy (different remedies can be both effective and completely useless in relation to different types of acne).

The result of our consultations with specialists was the classification according to their effectiveness:

"Yes"- works.
"Not"- ineffective and does not solve the problem.
"Maybe"- under certain conditions, it can help in correcting skin imperfections.

Antibiotics: Yes

Antibiotics are prescribed for good reason: they really work and are very effective in treating acne, especially oral ones. To reduce the manifestations of bacterial resistance that occurs after about a month of admission, doctors recommend combining antibiotics with ointments and benzoyl peroxide, and after 3-4 months, continue treatment with external agents.

Acupuncture: Possibly

Doctors do not have sufficient and convincing evidence of the benefits of acupuncture for acne. However, in many cases, this procedure helps to cope with stress, which, in turn, can be the cause of acne in some people.

Thus, if you notice that your skin condition is worsening due to an increase in the level of the hormone cortisol (produced by the body during stress), then acupuncture can help you. During such treatment, it is important not to use cosmetics that clog pores, and not to injure the skin, violating the integrity of the rashes.

Apple Cider Vinegar: No

Adherents of traditional medicine call apple cider vinegar a panacea for many diseases, including acne. Doctors refute this opinion. Although apple cider vinegar has some antibacterial action, it is not enough: vinegar can kill bacteria on the surface of the skin, but it is not able to penetrate into the pores and cleanse them.

Spironolactone: Yes

The abbreviated name - "Spiro", is sold in pharmacies by prescription. Effectively copes with hormonal acne and is not at all suitable for those who suffer from the so-called black spots and "subcutaneous" (hard white spots on the skin).

The basis of Spiro is an antiandrogen. It does not change the level of hormones, but only limits fluctuations in hormonal levels, thereby reducing the number of rashes on the face. Thus, Spironolactone, not being a hormonal drug, prevents hormones from influencing the skin in any way. It can be used for many years, stopping when planning a pregnancy.

Accutane: yes

The active substance is isotretinoin. This drug is also known as a nuclear bomb in the war against acne. According to doctors, this is the only drug that can really cure severe acne. 80% of the people who took it got rid of the problem forever and found clear skin.

But there are nuances: Accutane has many side effects, including depression. An expert who has been treated with it for 15 years does not recommend it for this very reason. Other side effects include severe dry skin, itching, joint pain, and nosebleeds.

Accutane is not suitable for people with moderate acne, women with hormonal fluctuations, pregnant women, or those who do not want to use two types of contraception.

Most often, it is prescribed for those who suffer from very severe (including nodular) acne - with deep formations and painful cysts that do not go away for months and do not respond to other types of treatment.

It is important that Accutane is prescribed by a doctor and only taking into account your individual situation. Be sure to consult a dermatologist!

Toothpaste: No

The conventional wisdom about using toothpaste as a drying agent is due to the fact that it contains baking soda, which supposedly "pulls out pus." Dermatologists advise not to transfer the paste to a useless procedure - such “drying” does not contribute to the speedy disappearance of the rash.

Moreover, the paste can provoke new skin rashes, because it contains sodium lauryl sulfate - it can cause irritation and redness of the skin around the papule.

Avoiding Dairy: Possibly

The relationship between diet and acne is controversial and continues to be studied. The American Academy of Dermatology has confirmed that there is growing evidence of acne addiction to dairy and high glycemic foods.

People with a tendency to skin rashes are advised by doctors to avoid cow's milk, especially skim milk. Dairy products are inflammatory, and hormones or growth factors in milk can stimulate the sebaceous glands. It is also necessary to exclude foods with a high glycemic index from the diet, for example, white bread, chips, etc.

There is no reliable scientific confirmation of this theory. How can you use this conflicting information? Watch yourself. If your skin is clearer when you don't eat any dairy at all, then there's a connection and you'd be better off eliminating or at least reducing your intake of dairy products.

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid: Yes

Classic over-the-counter acne treatments based on the principle of killing bacteria and unclogging pores. Salicylic acid copes with superficial rashes. Benzoyl peroxide saves from red, inflamed papules. However, if you have sensitive skin, try something else: peroxide dries out your skin a lot.

It is important to use these products correctly: not only as a topical treatment, but as part of your skin care routine as a preventive measure.

Chemical Peels: Possibly

perfectly cleanses pores and removes dead cells. This treatment treats acne and temporarily improves the appearance of the skin. It can be considered only one of the stages of a long process of treatment, especially when it comes to severe cases.

Contraceptive pills: Yes

Many women, having started taking contraceptives, notice an improvement in their skin condition. It's simple: combined oral contraceptives regulate hormone levels. As a result, the skin releases less fat, less shine - fewer rashes.

Doctors prescribe COCs to treat acne even for teenagers, but women over 35 should consult a gynecologist - the risk of blood clots increases.

Tretinoin: Yes

Known under the brand name Retin-A (Retin-A), vitamin A for external use. Reduces inflammation, normalizes the condition of skin cells around the follicles, cleanses clogged pores, copes with black and white dots, prevents the development of papules.

The effect of retin is manifested in a few weeks. If you decide to use this drug, be patient: at first the situation may worsen and there will be more rashes (the skin gets rid of excess fat), but then it will definitely get better.

Coconut Oil: No

Another useless remedy for the treatment of acne from the arsenal of traditional medicine. Never use coconut oil on breakout-prone skin as it clogs pores and seals them tightly. Dermatologists who have seen enough of the effects of coconut oil acne treatment say “No” to this remedy.

UV radiation: No

Doctors are unanimous: it is impossible to “dry” fatty papules with a tan. Sunlight contains various types of UV radiation, and the effects on the skin can be devastating.

LED Therapy: Possibly

Exposure to ultraviolet light, which, as everyone knows, kills P.acnes bacteria, is the cause of papules. However, doctors say that the result of such therapy is unpredictable: it can last for several months, or it can disappear in a couple of weeks.

LED therapy can help, but is not suitable for all patients and is not a solution.

Aspirin mask: Maybe

Aspirin is the same salicylic acid that acts on clogged pores. It has a mild antibacterial effect and can eliminate inflammation. However, it is worth remembering that an aspirin tablet was not originally intended to penetrate the pores in the way that special products with salicylic acid do.

Aspirin can dry out a tiny pimple, but is powerless against severe acne.

Honey: Possibly

Honey has a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. It is often used as the main component of anti-acne masks. It works very well on the skin, but is useless for acne.

Dermatologists explain: “Certain natural substances, such as honey, can be effective, but only if you bring them to the laboratory and they make you the right substance at the molecular level, optimizing the composition of several ingredients. Only in this form, these substances will be really useful for your skin.

Zinc: Yes

When used externally and internally, it can improve the appearance of the skin. For external use, dermatologists recommend a zinc-oat mask, for internal use, foods rich in this trace element (sunflower seeds, nuts, oysters, beef liver, etc.), as well as nutritional supplements. Talk to your doctor before taking supplements, as excess zinc in the body can lead to copper deficiency.

Cold and hot compresses: yes and no

Cold affects locally. Dermatologists recommend that patients wipe their skin with an ice cube after cleansing their face. This will create micro-cracks in the epidermis, allowing the active ingredients (such as mandelic acid in tonic) to penetrate deeper into the pores instead of remaining on the surface of the inflamed skin.

With heat, things are not so clear. Steam can clear small clogged pores, but in other cases it is better not to heat the skin. Heat promotes inflammation and irritated pores swell even more. In addition, heat can seal the follicles tightly.

Tea Tree Oil: Possibly

Tea tree oil won't do wonders, but in some cases it can help eliminate acne bacteria and reduce inflammation. In general, there are too few clinical data to speak of its effectiveness. So, in one of the studies in 2007 contains information that the gel with 5% tea tree oil was more effective than placebo in the treatment of moderate to mild acne, but the experimental group included only 60 people.

Dermatologists consider it a good antibacterial agent and recommend using it on inflamed acne after removing what clogs the pores. If you plan on using the oil regularly in your skin care, don't apply it neat. Undiluted oil can cause irritation, redness, flaking and dryness of the skin.

Results

Acne is a complex complex skin disease. No one remedy will provide effectiveness in all cases. If all else fails, be patient and keep fighting. For those who are still in search of a suitable remedy, we recommend that you first try those methods that have been approved by dermatologists and cosmetologists.

Acne is one of the most controversial diseases. In adolescence, up to 85% of Europeans suffer from it, and it is so common that it seems to be easier than acne.
do not treat, but only wait a couple of years until it passes by itself. However, for every tenth acne turns out to be a companion even at an older age, and a disease that is harmless at first glance can affect a person’s everyday communication and even bring him to depression.
The Village recorded the story of an ordinary Muscovite who faced skin problems after 20 years and, in search of treatment, even went as far as non-traditional methods of medicine.

How it all started

At the age of 20, for the first time in my life, I came to an appointment with a beautician. A nice girl in a mask and a white coat asked me to undress, covered me with a long white towel, applied a nice gel on my face and began to carefully wash off a thick layer of foundation. We were silent, and the more she cleansed my face, the more defenseless and insecure I felt: it seemed that I was being undressed. When the cosmetologist wiped her skin for the last time with a warm, damp towel, she said carefully: “You know, we don’t even work with that.” My face was red-blue: forehead, cheeks, chin - everything was strewn with large, painful pimples. To a state with which some cosmetologists do not even dare to work, the skin on the face has deteriorated in just a year.

In fact, I didn’t have skin problems even in adolescence. I still look at old photos with sadness, in which I am without a gram of foundation on my face. Acne has always been with someone else. I remember how, in my student days, after another party, I ended up at a friend's house. Before going to bed, she washed off the foundation and said with some menace in her voice: "Don't tell anyone that you saw me in this state."

Everything happened suddenly: one by one closed white comedones appear, but here I am already lying crimson and defenseless under the bright lamp of a confused beautician. I underestimated the scale of the problem from the very beginning. For about a year, the only means of treatment were cleanings in beauty salons and medical cosmetics from the mass market. It didn't get better. After about a year of torment, my mother took me to a gastroenterologist, who discovered a lot of internal problems and prescribed a handful of drugs. The next visit was to the endocrinologist. The doctor looked at me and said languidly: “You obviously have a hormonal disorder, drink oral contraceptives,” and immediately prescribed me pills called Yarina. Then, years later, when I was examined by other specialists, I found out that it was rather irresponsible to prescribe hormonal drugs by eye, without testing.

Hormonal contraceptives are often used to combat acne. Doctors usually point to their antiandrogenic properties - such drugs reduce the secretion of the sebaceous glands. And despite the fact that the hormonal cause of my acne was not proven, blind pills helped. About a year later, only the pale consequences of painful redness remained on my face - post-acne and light scars. There were no new inflammations, and over time I happily forgot about my problem. Here it would be possible to finish my simple story, but it would not be so. There is no magic pill for acne.

Unsuccessful experience

I had been taking oral contraceptives for four years when I began to wonder: there is something unhealthy about taking hormonal pills for so long. Doubts only intensified when, gradually, acne began to appear on my face again. This time I was very frightened and began to frantically run to the doctors. The hope that one or two specialists would help me deal with the problem quickly vanished. One dermatologist - a very emotional lady with red nails and red hair - printed out a standard prescription sheet for me. The long list included all kinds of drugs to combat acne: ointments, creams, tablets. There are ten points in total. At the same time, there was no explanation from the doctor in what sequence to smear and swallow all this, and I had confidence whether it was worth it. The next dermatologist threw up her hands and indicated in her recommendation only the active substances needed for treatment, which I should have found in the medicines myself. Her main conclusion was the words "By the summer it will pass."

Gynecologists, examining me, disagreed: some said that it was worth stopping taking hormonal pills for a while, and did not vouch for the consequences, while others said that breaks were not needed when taking modern hormones. However, they all emphasized that acne (no matter what origin) is not their specialty. I received the most unforgettable recommendation from the head of one perinatal center: "When you give birth, everything will pass." With my questions about some kind of acne, I clearly distracted her from more important matters. So, in my search for a suitable treatment regimen, I ran into an important problem: many doctors do not consider acne a disease that needs to be treated at all.

While the doctors kicked me off and I did not dare to stop the hormones, the skin condition only worsened. So I got into the classic situation of a desperate patient: not finding help in the field of classical medicine, I decided to try folk remedies.

Judging by the reviews, my friends pushed me to the idea of turning to the almighty. By that time, they had been going to the obese uncle with a beard for 12 years, and stories like “He cured my asthma” were more credible than ever. Even more hope was inspired by the fact that by education the uncle is an obstetrician-gynecologist.

It was possible to sign up for the first appointment at a cost of 12 thousand rubles only for six months, but my friends helped, and somehow they shoved me in without a queue. The session (you can't call it otherwise) lasted two hours: the uncle asked about everything - from my personal complaints and a list of family diseases to what kind of animal I imagine myself to be. After a detailed questioning, the homeopath used the Voll method: I held one electrode in my hand, and with the other he pressed on different points of my palms, which are supposed to be connected with the internal organs. Thus, homeopaths believe, it is possible to detect the disease at an early stage. The method, like many things in this area of treatment, is not officially recognized, and is generally prohibited in the United States. However, when official medicine does not take your problems seriously, you go to a doctor who sticks electrodes into your fingers and hope that at least this will help.

The homeopath confidently canceled the hormones that I was taking, gave me a package of some sweet balls and recommended that I come back in six months. I was delighted: until that day, no doctor had been worried about so many details of my illness.

Homeopathy didn't help me. I took sweet-tasting sweet balls, but to no avail. At the age of 25 - at an age when, as it seemed to me, normal people forget about acne - the skin on the face again became covered with painful inflammation, which left behind noticeable scars. And in my cosmetic arsenal, a dense foundation again appeared, which my young man called putty without malice. Without this putty, I felt naked. Without it, I didn’t even leave the bathroom - God forbid someone, even a close one, sees my, so to speak, true face.

It was clear that a good dermatologist was needed, and one specialist was advised to me. Looking ahead, I will say: never follow untested advice. It was a female doctor who worked in a private clinic on the other side of Moscow. She carefully listened to my complaints, confidently dismissed hormonal disorders as the cause of acne, prescribed me a therapeutic gel with an active ingredient called adapalene and several cosmetics from the mass market, recommended me to go to her for procedures, and, interestingly, canceled cleanings. According to this specialist, they only injured the skin and did not give a result.

Throughout the slushy autumn and half of the winter, I went to her place by subway with two transfers. I was given light peels and masks, plasmolifting (plasma injections in the face) and even pricked the drug, which includes the placenta - it was supposed to increase skin immunity and accelerate cell regeneration. Moreover, each time the doctor prescribed me new and new creams and ointments. At the same time, she resolutely refused to purge.

At one of the appointments, the day before my departure for the sea, the doctor said that I should not go to a hot country with a large inflamed pimple on my cheek, after which she “dissolved” it with acid. The next day, I woke up horrified with an open sore on my face and called the dermatologist. She advised me to buy another ointment (I now have a whole refrigerator filled with them), which will help the wound heal, and a lot of plasters. I flew away on vacation with a terrible mood and a glued cheek. We walked along the sunny beach, and I only thought about the plaster on my face and the wound under it. I remember I said then: “What a terrible year it was!” - all his horrors were reflected on my face.

Due to the fact that I had not had cosmetic cleansing for several months, more and more white closed comedones appeared on my skin. The doctor suggested to fight them with a light acid peeling, which I myself applied to my face. When I said that comedones do not disappear and become very inflamed over time, the dermatologist replied: “Don’t make it up.” At that moment, it became clear that something had gone wrong. The apotheosis of our communication was a series of injections of hyaluronic acid. In principle, there was nothing wrong with performing the procedure on a person with my problem: the drug saturates the skin with moisture (and oily skin, as a rule, lacks it due to drying therapeutic ointments), has an anti-inflammatory and regenerating effect. But a few injections on my dirty skin due to several months without cleaning just spread the infection and provoked another inflammation - already all over my face. This is where I ended my relationship with Dr.

Positive experience

As a rule, problems of internal organs provoke a nuclear war on the face, and finding these problems is critical to the result. But most dermatologists do not strive for this. My experience has shown that many of them simply lack the qualifications. To finally get to the bottom of the internal problems that cause acne, I underwent a massive medical examination.

First of all, it was important to figure out if I have hormonal disorders. An increased level of male sex hormones affects the functioning of the sebaceous glands: they begin to produce a lot of sebum, which mixes with bacteria on the face and forms comedones. Almost all indicators according to the results of the analyzes were normal, with the exception of one - androstenedione, which is converted into testosterone in the process of biosynthesis. However, on re-analysis, this indicator was normal. As a result, according to the results of the examination, the gynecologist considered that hormonal failure could only be an indirect cause of my problems, and prescribed vitamins that normalize the cycle, and oral contraception in case the vitamins did not help.

Another important step was checking with a gastroenterologist. She showed that, in addition to the standard gastritis, I have dysbacteriosis - a violation of the intestinal microflora, which provokes inflammatory processes. Along with this, the immunologist discovered that I have low immunity. Together, I began to heal.

The first results did not appear immediately. Almost immediately after the examination, I found a really good beautician. She started cleaning me again and prescribed an understandable external treatment regimen - Holy Land brand cosmetics. In the morning I wash my face with sugar soap, wipe my face with lotion and apply a moisturizer. In the evening - the same thing, but instead of a cream - a pharmacy gel with adapalene in the composition. Directly on the inflammation I apply a pharmacy antibiotic solution with the active ingredient clindamycin. I was also advised to give up chocolate, milk and coffee, wipe my face only with disposable paper towels and change my pillowcase more often.

A tangible result appeared around the third month of external and internal treatment. Now I don’t have active inflammations, although my skin still needs cleaning, and only scars and post-acne are visible on my face. It can not be called a victory, but it is definitely a big progress.

Most recently, when my acne problem went into remission, I received several injections of hyaluronic acid. After that, inflammation became even less, and on a recent vacation, for the first time in two years, I did not use foundation at all. I continue to regularly go for ultrasonic cleaning and try to do it every three weeks. And in the autumn I plan to undergo a laser peeling procedure, which should even out quite noticeable scars on my face. I hope by December I will forget about foundation. And in order to maintain the condition of the skin in a normal state, I will continue to use medical cosmetics. Apparently, this is my cross - until I give birth on the advice of one of the doctors.

How much does the treatment cost

In total, I have been fighting acne for seven years, including a two to three year remission period. It will only be possible to calculate all expenses during this time. Here they are:

Cosmetology