Hormonal changes are the biggest cause of acne, which is why the condition is most prevalent in teenagers and women undergoing menopause. At the same time, anyone can experience breakouts of blemishes due to clogged pores. According to the Mayo Clinic, most acne responds well to home treatments.
Features
Most at-home acne treatments feature gentle cleansers and careful washing. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most effective home treatment for acne is gentle washing twice a day. Avoid harsh cleansers and astringents that can irritate and dry the skin. Scrubbing and harsh rubbing also can irritate sensitive skin and cause the acne to worsen. Harsh treatment increases the risk of developing scars once the acne is gone.
Effects
The effects of oily hair often appear as breakouts on the forehead where hair touches the skin. Wash hair every day if it's oily to prevent pimples on the forehead and to allow blemishes to clear up. Other irritants that touch the face also affect acne breakouts. Sweating can clog pores and cause breakouts. Touching your face with oily hands aggravates acne-prone skin. Oily cosmetics and sunscreen can cause acne as well.
Theories/Speculation
For people who prefer to use natural products, the Mayo Clinic reports products that contain tea tree oil might clear up acne breakouts. Look for a product that contains 5 percent tea tree oil for the most effective treatment. Other natural products that may reduce and eliminate pimples include dietary supplements containing brewer's yeast, zinc and guggul.
Considerations
Use over-the-counter acne creams to treat mild to moderate acne. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, look for creams, gels and lotions that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for the most effective results. Acne responds well to the over-the-counter treatments but it won't make the blemishes disappear overnight. Instead, home treatments take six to eight weeks before you see any marked results and up to six months to achieve clear skin.
Warning
Even when you are not using prescribed medications, you should follow the advice of your doctor or dermatologist to prevent scarring. For example, applying any over-the-counter acne medication immediate after washing should be avoided. Wait about 15 minutes before using any pimple cream. Never squeeze or pop pimples with your fingers or any other type of apparatus. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, squeezing pimples aggravates the condition and causes more breakouts. Additionally, you could end up with permanent scars once the excessive oil disappears and your acne goes away.
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